DOVER, Del.ā Delawareās state forest campsites are now open to the public under a new onlineĀ reservationĀ system that allows for advance booking and preferred site selection.
The Delaware Forest Service said Monday that primitive-style camping is available 365 days a year on a first-come, first-serve basis at both Blackbird State Forest, north of Smyrna, and Redden State Forest, north of Georgetown.
State forests only allowĀ tent camping: pickup campers, travel trailers and/or self-propelled motor homes are excluded due to access and parking limitations, unless otherwise noted. Amenities include on-site parking, BBQ grills, picnic tables, fire rings, firewood (if available), and portable toilets. No showers or bath facilities provided.
The cost per night is $25 per site (plus a small administrative fee) with a three night maximum stay per reservation. Each state forest has added two new sites for a total of eight (8) at Blackbird and seven (7) at Redden. All camping requires a permit and is subject to state forest rules and regulations. Complete information, maps, camping rules, and links to make a reservation are available atĀ de.gov/forestcamping.
āWeāre really excited to be launching this next generation of primitive camping to our users so that they can have a better booking experience, with greater ease of making and cancelling reservations,ā stated Kyle Hoyd, assistant forestry administrator. āThis will allow people to manage their camping online and make repeat reservations by creating an online profile at theĀ Book Your SiteĀ website.ā
Users can read theĀ Forest Camping Guide to Online ReservationsĀ Ā for instructions on booking a campsite.
For questions about Blackbird State Forest:
EmailĀ campblackbird@delaware.gov, or call 302-653-6505.
For questions about Redden State Forest:
EmailĀ campredden@delaware.gov, or call 302-856-2893.