DNREC holds second annual Delaware Capital Campout
Story Location:
15099 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE 19958
United States
More than 100 campers turned out for the second annual Delaware Capital Campout, held simultaneously at Bellevue State Park, Killens Pond State Park and Cape Henlopen State Park, June 25 to 26. The two-day, free of charge campout offered young people and their families a great chance to get outside and have fun.
Registered through the Boys and Girls Club, young campers and their families learned how to set up a tent and build a campfire and enjoyed hiking, fishing and canoeing. The campout served as a way to for people who may not usually experience Delaware’s state parks to get outside to enjoy activities parks have to offer.
The campouts, which experienced a dramatic increase in number of participants from the inaugural event last year, were part of the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Campout. Gov. Jack Markell, DNREC Secretary David Small, DNREC Deputy Secretary Kara Coats and Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens welcomed campers at the three parks.
The opening event at Cape Henlopen State Park featured speakers including Director Bivens and a video message from Gov. Markell. “It is my great hope that this weekend experience will spark a desire in all of you to continue exploring all that our great outdoors has to offer,” Markell said. “There is no substitute for the benefits of experiencing nature, even if it’s right in your own backyard.”
Smokey the Bear also paid a visit to remind and educate attendees about campfire safety. Campers pitched their tents across from the Fort Miles Historic Area Orientation Building. “People don’t usually get to camp at Fort Miles, so this is kind of a special treat,” said Bivens.
Delaware State Parks saw a 19 percent increase in camping in the last year, Bivens said. Much of that was a result of opening the new north inlet campground at Delaware Seashore State Park. “Our big draw is the ocean. There are very few campsites in state parks where you can walk from your campsite to the shore,” he said.
The campout was sponsored by Coleman and the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware, while Walmart and Chick-fil-A contributed food to fortify the camping families. The three state parks served as host partners for the event,
To reserve a campsite, cabin, cottage or yurt, visit DEStateParks.com or call 1-877-98-PARKS.
