Trap Pond State Park
Paddle among bald cypress in Delaware's very first state park — southern-swamp scenery an easy float from Laurel.
The Quick Version
- • Delaware's first state park (1951), built around a pond ringed with bald cypress — southern swamp scenery you don't expect this far north.
- • The thing to do is get on the water: rent a canoe, kayak, or pedal boat, or take a naturalist-led pontoon tour through the cypress.
- • Also here: a loop trail around the pond, the Bald Cypress Nature Center, fishing, and camping with tents, cabins, and yurts.
- • Per-vehicle fee in season ($5 DE / $10 out-of-state); about 2 hours from Wilmington.
Best Ages
All ages
Plan For
Half-day
Adults
Free entry (per-vehicle fee in season: $5 DE / $10 out-of-state)
Kids
Free
What to Expect
Trap Pond was Delaware's first state park, established in 1951 around a millpond ringed with bald cypress — the southern swamp tree at one of its northernmost natural stands. The result is scenery that feels more Carolina than Delaware: knobby cypress "knees" poking out of dark water, herons in the shallows.
The best way to see it is from the water. The concession rents canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats, and the park runs naturalist-led pontoon tours through the cypress. On land there's a loop trail around the pond, the Bald Cypress Nature Center (reptiles, fish, amphibians), fishing, and a campground with tents, cabins, and yurts.
For families it's a calm, get-on-the-water half-day — set expectations around a paddle or pontoon tour rather than playground action, and it skews best for kids who'll happily sit in a boat. About two hours from Wilmington, it's a natural anchor for a southern-Delaware weekend.
Who It's Best For
Toddlers like the nature-center critters and the easy shoreline. Everyone can do a calm paddle or the pontoon tour. Older kids get kayaking, fishing, and the loop trail. The water is the real draw, so it skews toward kids who'll happily sit in a boat.
Highlights
Paddling the cypress
All agesRent a canoe, kayak, or pedal boat and float among the bald cypress — the signature Trap Pond experience.
Naturalist pontoon tour
All agesA guided boat tour through the swamp — easy, shaded, and educational, and the simplest way onto the water with little kids.
Bald Cypress Nature Center
Little onesReptiles, fish, and amphibians from the pond, up close — a good stop for curious little ones.
Camping in a yurt
All agesTents, cabins, and yurts make this an easy spot for a first family campout.
What to Skip with Little Ones
- • A long paddle with a squirmy toddler — the pontoon tour is the easier water option.
- • Expecting a playground — the draw here is the water and the swamp.
- • Late-in-the-day summer weekends — boat rentals go fast.
Logistics
Admission
Adults
Free entry (per-vehicle fee in season: $5 DE / $10 out-of-state)
Kids
Free
Under
Free
The only charge is the standard Delaware State Parks per-vehicle entrance fee, in season. Walk-in and bike-in are free. Boat rentals and the naturalist pontoon tour cost extra (concession).
Membership tip: A Delaware State Parks annual pass ($50 DE residents) covers the entrance fee here and at every state park.
Getting There
Parking
Lots by the boat rental and day-use area.
Arrive earlier on summer weekends — the boat rentals are the draw and they fill.
Entrance
Enter off Trap Pond Road near Laurel; pay the vehicle fee at the station in season.
Parent Logistics
The day-use area and nature center are stroller-friendly; the loop trail around the pond is natural-surface and longer.
Restrooms at the day-use area and campground.
Not confirmed — plan ahead.
Good — the cypress and surrounding woods keep much of the shoreline shaded.
Food & Snacks
No food on-site. No restaurant; the boat concession may sell snacks. Bring your own food and water.
Snack strategy: Pack a picnic and plenty of water. Laurel and Georgetown have supplies a short drive away.
Pro Tips
- ✓ Arrive early or reserve for the boat rentals and the naturalist pontoon tour — they're the highlight and they fill.
- ✓ Fall puts color on the cypress and thins the crowds.
- ✓ Stay over in a yurt for a low-effort first family campout.
- ✓ Your Delaware State Parks annual pass covers the entrance fee.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through fall for paddling; the naturalist pontoon tours run in the warm months. Fall puts color on the cypress and thins the crowds. Boat rentals go fast on summer weekends.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but boat rentals and naturalist pontoon tours are seasonal (warm months). The campground (tents, cabins, yurts) and the per-vehicle entrance fee run in season.
Rainy Day?
Mostly a water-and-woods park; the small nature center is the only indoor option — better saved for a nice day.
While You're in the Area
It anchors a southwestern-Sussex day; on a longer weekend, combine it with the Lewes/Rehoboth beaches to the east.