CHSP Group Camp sites

For large organizations and youth groups in the Delaware region, the CHSP Group Camp sites—part of the iconic Cape Henlopen State Park—offer one of the most unique and historically rich outdoor experiences on the East Coast. Located where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, this campground is specifically tailored to accommodate the needs of scouts, school groups, and organized youth retreats. The area is a former military base, which adds an educational and adventurous layer to any camping trip, allowing visitors to explore nature and history simultaneously.

Unlike standard family campgrounds, the CHSP Group Camp facilities are designed for high-capacity stays, providing enough space for large gatherings to maintain their own sense of community. The park's 7,000 acres of natural beauty serve as a sprawling classroom where young campers can immerse themselves in maritime forests, sand dunes, and tidal salt marshes. As a professional destination for organized groups, these sites represent the gold standard for foster growth, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the coastal environment of the First State.

The CHSP Group Camp sites are located within Cape Henlopen State Park at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958, USA. This prime location is highly accessible for those traveling from across the state of Delaware or nearby regions like Maryland and Pennsylvania. The park entrance is conveniently situated approximately one mile past the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal, making it a straightforward destination for groups arriving by vehicle or ferry. Within the park, the group sites are positioned to provide a sense of seclusion while remaining within walking distance of the park's major attractions.

Navigating to the campground is easy for large vehicles, including buses and equipment trailers. Once inside the park, a network of well-marked roads and bike paths connects the camping areas to the beach and the Seaside Nature Center. For groups looking to balance their outdoor stay with local town amenities, the historic village of Lewes is just a short drive or bike ride away, offering tax-free shopping, grocery stores, and medical services. The park also provides ample on-site parking specifically designated for group users to ensure that logistics are handled smoothly upon arrival.

The services provided at the CHSP Group Camp sites are focused on supporting organized outdoor education and group bonding. The management at Cape Henlopen State Park understands the specific requirements of youth leaders and provides a range of services to facilitate a successful outing. From professional park rangers who offer educational programming to the maintenance of basic infrastructure, the camp is well-equipped for its target audience.

• Dedicated primitive youth group campsites located in large open fields or wooded fringes for a true rustic experience.
• Residential dormitory-style accommodations (Youth Camps I and II) available via a lottery system for those who prefer indoor sleeping arrangements.
• Professional educational programs and guided tours through the Fort Miles Historic Area and the Seaside Nature Center.
• Water and sanitation services, including centralized frost-free water spigots and portable toilets at primitive sites.
• Waste management services including trash removal and recycling stations to keep the natural environment pristine.
• Specialized accessibility services, such as the availability of motorized all-terrain Trackchairs® for visitors with mobility challenges.
• A dedicated park office and registration booth to assist with check-in, park passes, and emergency communication.

What sets the CHSP Group Camp sites apart from other regional campgrounds is the sheer variety of activities and environmental highlights available within steps of the tents. The property is designed to be a playground for exploration, featuring both natural wonders and historic monuments. Groups often find that they don't need to leave the park to keep their members fully engaged for several days.

• Proximity to the East Branch of the Owego Creek and the Atlantic beaches for swimming, fishing, and water-based learning.
• Access to the Seaside Nature Center, which features a 500-gallon touch tank with local marine life like stingrays and horseshoe crabs.
• A vast network of hiking and biking trails, including the paved 3-mile "Bike Loop" and the 7-mile Gordon Pond Trail to Rehoboth Beach.
• Historic WWII landmarks, including the observation towers and the Fort Miles Museum, perfect for history-focused curriculum.
• On-site recreational facilities such as a disc golf course, basketball courts, and a large shared-use pavilion for group meals.
• A dog-friendly policy in designated areas, allowing for service animals and group companions to participate in the experience.
• Safe, "good for kids" environments with playgrounds and well-lit communal areas to ensure a secure atmosphere for youth.

To reserve a group site or dormitory at Cape Henlopen State Park, organizers are encouraged to contact the park directly. Please note that residential dormitories are typically awarded through a lottery system held in the fall for the following year's season.

Address: Lewes, DE 19958, USA (Main Office: 15099 Cape Henlopen Dr)

Phone: (302) 645-8983 (Park Office) / (302) 644-5005 (Group Facilities)

Choosing the CHSP Group Camp sites is worth it because of the unmatched infrastructure and support specifically designed for youth groups. Unlike private campgrounds that may cater primarily to RV owners or casual tourists, these sites are optimized for the mission of organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The "former base" atmosphere provides a safe, contained, and flat terrain that is ideal for large-scale troop camping and outdoor skill-building. The availability of fire rings and picnic tables at every group site ensures that communal cooking and storytelling—core parts of the camping experience—are easily facilitated.

Furthermore, the environmental diversity of Cape Henlopen is simply world-class. Being able to wake up in a maritime forest and walk to a beach where the bay meets the ocean offers a geographic variety that few other places in Delaware can match. The park's "borrow-a-bike" program and extensive nature trails mean that leaders can easily fill an itinerary with low-cost, high-impact activities. For Maryland and Delaware locals, this isn't just a place to sleep under the stars; it's a place to create lifelong memories within a safe, professionally managed, and breathtakingly beautiful state park. If you are looking for a destination that combines adventure, history, and education, the CHSP Group Camp sites are the definitive choice for your next group outing.

Would you like me to help you draft a sample itinerary for a three-day scout retreat at Cape Henlopen, or perhaps look up the current entrance fees for non-resident group vehicles?