Delaware State Parks entrance fees take effect March 1

For all nature-lovers and outdoorsmen: with the weather breaking, prepare to pony up a couple bucks to attend your favorite state parks.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) reminded visitors Wednesday that 2025 entrance fees for Delaware State Parks will be in effect starting Saturday, March 1.

The fees will remain in place through Nov. 30, marking the normal end of the fee season.

For vehicles registered in Delaware, the entrance fee will be $4 at inland parks and $5 at ocean parks.

Out-of-state vehicles will incur a fee of $8 at inland parks and $10 at ocean parks. Additionally, Deauville Beach will have daily fees of $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends.

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Park passes

To make access more affordable and convenient, DNREC offers annual passes that cover all 17 Delaware State Parks for the entire fee season.

These passes are available in various types, including for residents, non-residents, active-duty military, veterans, and for Deauville Beach access.

Discounted passes may also be available for qualifying individuals, groups, athletic teams, or families.

Annual passes can be purchased here and will be issued as a virtual pass for immediate use, with the physical pass mailed separately.

For those who enjoy beach access, annual and two-year surf fishing permits are also available.

These provide year-round access to drive-on beaches, including weekends and holidays. Additionally, off-peak surf fishing permits offer access year-round, excluding weekends and holidays from May through Labor Day.

Surf fishing permit decals also allow access to other state parks without additional entrance fees.

To manage beach traffic, a reservation is required for vehicles with surf fishing permits to access any of Delaware’s seven multi-use drive-on beaches during weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Visitors can find more information on the reservation process at destateparks.com/surf-fishing-permits.

Revenue from entrance fees, annual passes, and permits helps support the operation and maintenance of Delaware’s state parks, including over 26,500 acres of parkland and the Brandywine Zoo.

The funds go toward important services such as trail maintenance, environmental programs, historic preservation, and the upkeep of visitor amenities like beaches, campgrounds, and cabins.

For more details on passes, permits, and fees, click here.