DE State Parks 2026 Fee Season Begins March 1, 2026

The fee season will run through November 30, 2026. During this period, daily entrance fees will be collected at all Delaware State Parks that charge admission fees.

Daily Entrance Fees

For vehicles registered in Delaware, daily entrance fees are $5 at inland parks and $10 at beach parks. Vehicles registered out of state will pay $10 at inland parks and $20 at ocean parks.

Deauville Beach operates on a separate fee structure, with daily entrance fees of $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends.

Annual Pass Options

Annual passes are available for $50 for Delaware residents and $100 for non-residents. The Deauville Beach annual pass is priced at $115.

An annual pass provides access to all 17 Delaware State Parks throughout the entire fee season. The pass pays for itself after 10 visits or fewer. Annual passes can be purchased online at destateparks.com/passes-permits-and-fees or at select park offices.

Discount annual passes are available for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and other qualifying individuals or groups.

Payment Enhancements

The Division of Parks and Recreation has implemented new payment options for the 2026 season based on visitor feedback. Mobile payment through QR codes will be available at select locations in addition to traditional cash and credit card payment stations.

Daily entrance payment validation will occur routinely through annual passes, lifetime passes, or other permit types. Lifetime pass holders must be present in the vehicle and provide identification when requested.

Surf Fishing Permits

One- and two-year surf fishing permits are currently available for purchase online for both residents and non-residents. Senior discounts are offered. Off-peak fishing permits are also available, allowing permit holders to surf fish Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and holidays.

Surf fishing reservations are required to access designated multi-use, drive-on beaches on weekends and holidays. These beaches include Gordons Pond, Herring Point, Navy Crossing, and Point Crossing at Cape Henlopen State Park, as well as 3 Rs at Delaware Seashore State Park.

Reservations are no longer required at Key Box, Conquest, and Faithful Steward beaches at Delaware Seashore, York, Middle, and South beaches at Fenwick Island, and Beach Plum Island north of Lewes.

Information on the reservation process is available at destateparks.com/surf-fishing-permits.

Revenue and Park Operations

Revenue generated by park users accounts for 65 percent of the funds utilized to operate and maintain Delaware State Parks. These funds support the management of more than 27,000 acres of state park land throughout Delaware.

Park revenue is used to maintain trails, provide environmental and recreational activities, preserve historical sites, protect natural resources, maintain visitor amenities, guard beaches, and operate campgrounds and cabins.

75th Anniversary Celebration

The 2026 fee season will feature special events, activities, and opportunities as part of the 75th anniversary celebration of the Delaware State Parks system. Many events will be free with paid park entrance, making an annual pass a cost-effective option for accessing year-long recreational opportunities.