Delaware Seashore State Park, boasting six miles of ocean and 20 miles of bay shoreline, serves as an important part of the southern Delaware coastline. The dynamic Indian River Inlet connects the Indian River and Rehoboth Bays with the Atlantic Ocean and is the epicenter of the park’s many activities. A beach lies on either side of the inlet, welcoming anglers and beachgoers who stay for the day or overnight at the park’s waterfront campground and cottages. The Indian River Life-Saving Station, built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service to respond to shipwrecks, now pays homage to its maritime heritage while doubling as a coastal event space and educational center. The barrier beach and inland bays provide the perfect salt marsh habitat and nesting grounds for birds and terrapins. More than seven miles of trails welcome hikers, bikers and birders.

Park History
Transportation along this barrier island, bounded on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay, was difficult until the Federal government completed construction of two large steel and stone jetties in 1939, stabilizing the Indian River Inlet. The State Park Commission (now the Division of Parks and Recreation) began managing the land as Indian River State Park in 1965, but it didn't become Delaware Seashore State Park until 1967.

Swimming, Surfing Sunbathing
Two ocean swimming areas, patrolled by lifeguards from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during the summer season, feature modern bathhouses with showers, changing rooms and concession stands. The beach just north of the Inlet is one of the few surfing areas within the park. Mobi-Mat equipment, consisting of three 30-foot mats allowing those in wheelchairs and power chairs to access the beach from the boardwalk, is also available at the Towers Ocean and South Inlet locations.

Camping at the Beach
Two campgrounds, one on each side of the Indian River Inlet, accommodate a variety of camping units, from tents to large recreational vehicles. North Inlet campsites feature three-point hookups (electricity, water, and sewer service), with three-point hookups (electric, water and sewer) and Standard (no hookups) sites, and tent sites available at the South Inlet campground.

Two campgrounds, one on each side of the Indian River Inlet, accommodate a variety of camping units, from tents to large recreational vehicles. North Inlet campsites feature three-point hookups (electricity, water, and sewer service), with three-point hookups (electric, water and sewer) and Standard (no hookups) sites, and tent sites available at the South Inlet campground.

Indian River Marina
Anglers may try their luck along the banks of the Indian River Inlet or on the ocean beaches, and head boats and charter boats launch out of the full-service Indian River Marina, offering wet slips, fuel docks, boat storage, supplies and more.