Brandywine Creek State Park
00 review41 Adams Dam Road, Wilmington, Delaware, 19803, United States
Brandywine Creek State Park
$4.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Entrance fees are $4 for in-state registered vehicles and $8 for others, in effect from March 1 through November 30. Special use passes are available for park entrance during events, and amusement devices or canopies can be arranged for an additional cost.
About this campground
Escape to 933 acres of natural wonder at Brandywine Creek State Park, where meadows dance in the breeze, ancient streams carve their timeless paths, and old-growth forests whisper stories of centuries past. Wander through a landscape adorned with historic stone walls that wind through the wilderness like forgotten poetry, while discovering a network of trails that promise adventure around every bend. Whether you're seeking solitude in nature's embrace or family-friendly recreation, this peaceful sanctuary offers an authentic Delaware outdoor experience.
Brandywine Creek State Park provides primitive camping for youth groups, pavilion rentals for gatherings, and picnic areas. The park is not suited for RV camping due to the lack of hookups.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you encounter the park's remarkable blue gneiss stone walls, silent sentinels built by skilled hands in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These weathered boundaries once defined the prestigious du Pont family dairy farm, where Holstein cattle grazed in carefully tended pastures. Today, these historic walls stand as monuments to Delaware's agricultural heritage, inviting visitors to trace the footsteps of farmers and aristocrats who shaped this land into the treasured public space it has become.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's ever-changing personality as seasons paint the landscape in new colors. Winter brings a crystalline quiet perfect for contemplative hikes, while summer invites you to explore sun-dappled trails and cool creek banks. Spring awakens the forest floor with wildflowers and birdsong, and autumn transforms the canopy into a masterpiece of gold and crimson. For the ultimate camping experience, visit during the mild days of spring and fall when nature puts on its finest show and temperatures make every outdoor moment memorable.
ElevationThe park's gentle topography creates an accessible wilderness experience for adventurers of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a tapestry of ecosystems where freshwater marshes teem with life and majestic tulip trees reach skyward in cathedral-like groves. Meadows burst with native wildflowers that attract clouds of butterflies and busy pollinators, while the historic stone walls create picturesque frames for nature's artwork. Along the waterways, morning mist rises to reveal great blue herons fishing in the shallows, and evening light transforms the landscape into a photographer's dream of golden hour magic.
Geological RegionNestled in Delaware's enchanting Piedmont region, the park showcases a landscape sculpted by time into gentle slopes and rolling hills that invite exploration. This ecologically diverse wonderland encompasses pristine Tulip Tree Woods where spring ephemeral flowers carpet the forest floor, vibrant freshwater marshes that echo with frog songs, and sun-kissed meadows where wildflowers sway and songbirds serenade. White-tailed deer bound through the underbrush, while the varied terrain creates countless microclimates that support an impressive array of flora and fauna.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campsites accommodate a maximum of 75 people at the Tulip Tree Picnic Area and 100 people at the Hawk Watch Pavilion.
Sites Privacy"It was pretty much secluded with the exception of a few people walking through" (user review).
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTulip Tree Picnic Area is suited for medium-sized groups up to 75 people.
Best CampsitesHawk Watch Pavilion is appreciated for its scenic views and seclusion.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
8:00 AM
Check-out
Sunset
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits are unclear.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Maximum occupancy varies by site: Tulip Tree Picnic Area allows up to 75 people
- Hawk Watch Pavilion allows up to 100.
Groups
The Hawk Watch Pavilion accommodates up to 100 people, while the Tulip Tree Picnic Area accommodates up to 75 people. Pets are not allowed at these sites.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo main areas: Tulip Tree Picnic Area and Hawk Watch Pavilion.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round for visits, but entrance fees apply March 1 through November 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made by contacting the park office at 302-577-3534.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability details are not specifically provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly stated.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Brandywine Creek State Park offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and sledding in winter. Visitors can picnic, enjoy disc golf, or participate in public programs and interpretive activities. The park hosts extensive nature trails and various water-related activities like canoeing. "The park offers a network of trails for walking or hiking around deep wooded areas and wetlands" (user review).
Hiking
The park boasts 14 miles of trails, ranging from moderate to difficult. Notable trails include the Rocky Run Trail and the Greenways Trail that meanders along the creek. "The hidden pond trail is great with lots of greenery’s, it’s a trail with shade and nice river with clean and fresh water" (user review).Fishing
Wilson's Run is stocked annually with trout. The park's creek offers fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. A fishing license is required.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available within the park.Boating
The park provides canoe launches and supports kayaking and tubing. Canoeing is sometimes offered through interpretive programs.Wildlife viewing
The park's meadowlands and preserves are home to pollinators, ground-nesting birds, and rare native plants. Visitors often spot American Kestrels, Blue Birds, and Eastern Meadowlarks.Cultural and Educational Programs
The park hosts public programs and interpretive activities, such as canoeing.Winter Activities
Winter recreational options include sledding and cross-country skiing.Water Sports
Canoeing, kayaking, and tubing are popular within the park.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific policies on campfires are mentioned.
- Quiet hours are not detailed.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife such as deer and songbirds pose no significant threat, although mosquitoes and spiders have been noted on certain trails. Overgrown trails can compromise accessibility.
Active alertsNo active alerts are reported.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 43%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available within 10 miles, including a hospital, medical clinic, and police station in Wilmington.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 1 through November 30 for entrance fees and peak visitation.
Trash and recyclingRecycling stations are available within 10 miles of the campground.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Brandywine Creek; Hidden Pond Trail also features shaded areas and clean water.
Common complaintsLimited parking and occasional overgrown trails reported in user reviews.
HostHost information is not specified.
Campground Map
41 Adams Dam Road, Wilmington, Delaware, 19803, United States
Driving directionsFrom I95 North or South/202: Exit on 202 North to Mt. Lebanon Rd. (about 5 minutes from exit, see Talleyville fire co. on right, Taco Bell in median, and Boston Market on left) make that left at the traffic light. At second stop sign, at the bottom of the hill, make a right. Go over bridge and bear to the right. Park entrance will be on the right side. From Concord Pike/Route 141: Take Concord Pike North to 141 intersection (Zeneca Corp). Turn left onto Route 141 South. At next light make a right (Rockland Rd.) Follow Rockland Rd. to split in road. Bear right at split, park entrance approx. 3/4 miles on the right. From Concord Pike/Naamans Road: Follow Naamans Rd. (Route 92) West across Concord Pike (Route 202). Make first available left and continue on Route 92 (apprx. 3 miles). At four way stop sign make a left onto Adams Dam Rd., park entrance over hill on left. From Prices Corner/Newark: Kirkwood Highway to Route 141 North. Route 141 North to Route 100 North. Route 100 through two lights and a stop sign (3-4 miles). At stop sign make a right onto Adams Dam Rd., park entrance over hill on left. From Dover: Please take Route 1 north and follow it to I 95 north. Follow to I 95 north. Stay on I 95 north then exit onto Route 141 north and follow it for about 15-20 minutes. Follow to Route 100 north, which will be a left hand turn at a traffic light. Follow to the 4 way stop signs, the intersection of Rt. 100 & Rt.92 & Adams Dam Rd. Make a right hand turn onto Adams Dam Road. The entrance to the park is up on your left hand side about 1 minute after the turn.
The park is accessible via paved roads, with clear directions provided from major highways and landmarks. Roads appear to be open year-round with no seasonal closures indicated.Nearby places
Wilmington: Approximately 8 miles, 15 minutes driving. Newark: Approximately 15 miles, 25 minutes driving. Dover: Approximately 45 miles, 60 minutes driving.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials are available within 10 miles in Wilmington.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Brandywine Creek State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's natural beauty, well-maintained trails, and suitability for a range of activities. Visitors praise the serene environment, abundant wildlife, and historical features.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Visitors appreciated the park's peacefulness, extensive trails, and clean natural environment. "This is an awesome preserve full of greenery. The park offers a network of trails for walking or hiking...
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Common Concerns
Limited parking and issues with port-a-potties becoming messy later in the day were noted. One user mentioned overgrown areas on a trail.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing insect repellent due to spiders and mosquitoes. A Delaware Annual Park Pass is advised for frequent visitors.
Seasonal Insights
The park is popular for winter activities like sledding and cross-country skiing. Fall attracts visitors for its vibrant foliage, while spring and summer are ideal for picnics and wildlife viewing.
Camper Quotes
"This park is breathtaking!"; "Great for picnic, hiking, biking, and jogging."; "The meadows are full of pollinators and rare native plants."; "Dog friendly also."
Site-Specific Reviews
The Hawk Watch Pavilion is highly rated for group gatherings, offering seclusion and scenic views.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at the Hawk Watch Pavilion or Tulip Tree Picnic Area.
Last updated August 10, 2025