White Clay Creek State Park

About

White Clay Creek State Park is Delaware's largest state park at 3,559 acres, located near Newark in New Castle County. The park preserves natural woodlands and the White Clay Creek watershed along Delaware's northern border with Pennsylvania. The camping facilities consist of a primitive group camping area in the Nine-Foot Road section, designed primarily for youth organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and similar groups. The park is best known for its extensive trail system offering over 37 miles of paths through diverse terrain. Trails accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and equestrians. White Clay Creek is the most heavily stocked stream in Delaware, and Smith Mill Pond features accessible fishing docks for anglers of all abilities. Additional amenities include a disc golf course, pavilions at Carpenter Recreation Area, a bandshell, and playgrounds. Campers should note this is primitive camping with no potable water available on-site. Restrooms are available seasonally from April through October, with portable toilets during winter months. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset, with Delaware vehicle entrance fees required from March through November.

Directions

From Newark, proceed east on DE-2 (Kirkwood Highway). The park office is located at 750 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE 19711. The Nine-Foot Road camping area has a separate entrance.