DIY park parties
Compare the actual pavilion you reserve—not just the park name. All 27 county options below include picnic tables and charcoal grills.
The important county rules
Reservations run April 1–October 31, cover 10 AM–8 PM, and must be completed at least 14 days ahead. Alcohol, water activities, and inflatables are not permitted. Rates shown exclude the refundable $100 deposit and $25 nonresident fee.
27 pavilion options · all include picnic tables and charcoal grills
Picnic Area (one of two available)
Wilmington, DE
Bellevue has the most rental space of this group — two pavilions plus two picnic areas, each with its own grill — but the state doesn't publish per-unit names or capacities, so call ahead if you need an exact headcount limit.
Optional-use permissions not published
Iron Hill Pavilion
Newark, DE
The least expensive county option that reaches 90 guests; useful for a larger cookout when you do not need electricity or a private restroom.
10×10 tent · caterer · special-event permit
Maryland Avenue Pavilion
Wilmington, DE
Choose Maryland Avenue for a regular-size party; the 126-person Banning pavilion is one of the largest county options and adds a private restroom and electricity.
10×10 tent · caterer · special-event permit
Upper Pavilion
Wilmington, DE
The Upper pavilion is an inexpensive 54-person option; Rudy Williams is the county's largest listed pavilion and has electricity.
10×10 tent · caterer · special-event permit
Talley Day Pavilion
Wilmington, DE
A low-cost 54-person pavilion for a straightforward picnic party; it does not list a private restroom, electricity, or a small-tent option.
caterer
Kruse Pavilion
New Castle County, DE
A low-cost 54-person option that permits a small freestanding tent and caterer, but does not list a private restroom or electricity.
10×10 tent · caterer · special-event permit
Pavilion #1
Newark, DE
Four identical small pavilions make this the best low-cost cluster when your priority is a private restroom rather than electricity or a vendor setup.
caterer
Pavilion #2
Newark, DE
Four identical small pavilions make this the best low-cost cluster when your priority is a private restroom rather than electricity or a vendor setup.
caterer
Pavilion #3
Newark, DE
Four identical small pavilions make this the best low-cost cluster when your priority is a private restroom rather than electricity or a vendor setup.
caterer
Pavilion #4
Newark, DE
Four identical small pavilions make this the best low-cost cluster when your priority is a private restroom rather than electricity or a vendor setup.
caterer
Woodley Park Pavilion
New Castle County, DE
The smallest county pavilion and one of the least expensive—best when you want a simple cookout rather than paying for space you will not use.
10×10 tent · caterer · special-event permit
Hawk Watch Pavilion
Wilmington, DE
The 80-person Hawk Watch Pavilion books online at the standard state rate; the smaller Park Office and Thompsons Bridge picnic areas go through a separate Special Use Permit instead of the online system.
Optional-use permissions not published
Pavilion #2
Newark, DE
The strongest all-around pavilion cluster: five size choices, private restrooms and electricity at every option, plus caterer permission.
10×10 tent · caterer · special-event permit
Pavilion #3
Newark, DE
The strongest all-around pavilion cluster: five size choices, private restrooms and electricity at every option, plus caterer permission.
10×10 tent · caterer · special-event permit
Pavilion #4
Newark, DE
The strongest all-around pavilion cluster: five size choices, private restrooms and electricity at every option, plus caterer permission.
10×10 tent · caterer · special-event permit
Miro Pavilion
Newark, DE
Two equivalent 54-person choices with both a private restroom and electricity; a practical middle-size option when those logistics matter.
caterer · special-event permit
Pavilion #2
Newark, DE
Two equivalent 54-person choices with both a private restroom and electricity; a practical middle-size option when those logistics matter.
caterer · special-event permit
Alapocas Run Pavilion
Wilmington, DE
Alapocas Run's one pavilion is a simple 50-person booking near the Can-Do Playground; reserve online, and budget for the park's separate per-vehicle entry fee on top of the rental.
Optional-use permissions not published
Pavilion (one of two available)
Wilmington, DE
Bellevue has the most rental space of this group — two pavilions plus two picnic areas, each with its own grill — but the state doesn't publish per-unit names or capacities, so call ahead if you need an exact headcount limit.
Optional-use permissions not published
White Clay Creek Pavilion
Newark, DE
One large pavilion near Newark, published as fitting 100 to 150 people rather than a fixed number — book online at the standard state rate.
Optional-use permissions not published
Rudy Williams Pavilion
Wilmington, DE
The Upper pavilion is an inexpensive 54-person option; Rudy Williams is the county's largest listed pavilion and has electricity.
10×10 tent · caterer · special-event permit
Banning Pavilion
Wilmington, DE
Choose Maryland Avenue for a regular-size party; the 126-person Banning pavilion is one of the largest county options and adds a private restroom and electricity.
10×10 tent · caterer · special-event permit
Pavilion #1
Newark, DE
The strongest all-around pavilion cluster: five size choices, private restrooms and electricity at every option, plus caterer permission.
caterer · special-event permit
Pavilion #5
Newark, DE
The strongest all-around pavilion cluster: five size choices, private restrooms and electricity at every option, plus caterer permission.
10×10 tent · caterer · special-event permit
Picnic Area (Park Office / Thompsons Bridge)
Wilmington, DE
The 80-person Hawk Watch Pavilion books online at the standard state rate; the smaller Park Office and Thompsons Bridge picnic areas go through a separate Special Use Permit instead of the online system.
Optional-use permissions not published
Picnic Area 1
Wilmington, DE
Brandywine Park's picnic areas are booked only through a mail-in Special Use Permit — no online system, no published capacity, and no listed rental rate. Fine for a low-key gathering; call ahead if you need specifics before you plan around it.
Optional-use permissions not published
Picnic Area 2
Wilmington, DE
Brandywine Park's picnic areas are booked only through a mail-in Special Use Permit — no online system, no published capacity, and no listed rental rate. Fine for a low-key gathering; call ahead if you need specifics before you plan around it.
Optional-use permissions not published