Discover the untamed beauty and serene beauty of Redden State Forest in Delaware, a hidden gem where nature beckons with open arms. As you embark on your camping journey here, picture yourself surr...
Redden State Forest is a diverse outdoor recreation destination in Delaware, offering a variety of trails and natural habitats for hiking and wildlife observation.
Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Redden State Forest, located in Sussex County, Delaware, covers over 12,900 acres, making it the largest state forest in Delaware. Known for its flat topography, this forest is home to a mix of pine and hardwood trees and is characterized by its extensive wetlands and streams. Established as a state forest in 1927, Redden provides crucial habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, red foxes, and a diverse array of bird species. Recreation opportunities abound with miles of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Anglers can enjoy fishing in its ponds, and hunters can find designated areas for hunting. The forest also contains multiple historical sites, including the Redden Lodge, a relic of the past timber and charcoal production era. Visitors are drawn to the forest's rich natural diversity, peaceful surroundings, and the historical significance found within its boundaries.
Field Guide · State Forest
Adventure Destinations
Notable Destinations Near Redden State Forest
Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.
Key Wilderness Highlights
✦ Redden Lodge – a historical landmark located within the forest.✦ Rich birdwatching opportunities with numerous native species.✦ Accessible fishing ponds available for anglers.✦ Scenic horseback riding trails weaving through diverse terrains.
Wilderness Visuals & Gallery
Visual Guide to Redden State Forest
Wilderness Recreation
Outdoor Adventures in Redden State Forest
Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.
Activity Field GuideRedden State Forest
Camping in Redden State Forest
Unleash Your Spirit of Adventure at Redden State Forest, DE: A Camping Guide
Discover the untamed beauty and serene beauty of Redden State Forest in Delaware, a hidden gem where nature beckons with open arms. As you embark on your camping journey here, picture yourself surrounded by towering pines standing tall like guardians of the forest, their whispering leaves creating a melody that harmonizes with the gentle rustle of underbrush. This enchanting sanctuary spans over 800 acres, offering a canvas for unforgettable outdoor experiences—whether you seek solitude under the stars or lively gatherings around a crackling campfire.
Redden State Forest is characterized by its diverse habitats and walking trails that wind like ribbons through lush foliage. The site is easily accessible yet offers a sense of seclusion, making it ideal for both novice campers and seasoned adventurers. Prepare to wander along trails that meander through vibrant pine groves, with the air heavy with the earthy scent of pine needles and moss. Listen closely as the forest comes alive: birds chirping cheerfully and the occasional rustle of wildlife adds an exhilarating soundtrack to your exploration.
One of the highlights of camping at Redden State Forest is its family-friendly amenities. With several designated camping areas equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby restrooms, comfort serves as the backdrop for your outdoor escapades. The sites are spread out enough to allow for solitude, yet close enough to create a community spirit among campers. Make sure to pack your essentials: a quality tent, sleeping bag, and cooking gear to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Bring along a portable camp stove for breakfast under the trees or roast marshmallows as twilight descends, enveloping you in a snug embrace.
Planning your adventure? Keep a few practical tips in mind. The park is open year-round, but the best seasons to visit are spring and fall, where the mild weather enhances the experience. Hydration is key—carry enough water for both your activities and cooking. Footwear matters too; opt for sturdy hiking boots to navigate the forest paths, especially if you're eager to explore the trails that extend beyond your campsite.
As you wander deeper into the forest, consider venturing off-reserve to experience the nearby wetlands, where rich biodiversity thrives. The gentle lapping of water against its banks creates a perfect setting to pause, breathe, and reflect. Trails that lead to these areas can be less crowded, offering a sense of serenity amid the natural chaos. Capture the moment with your camera, the sunlight glistening on the water like diamonds scattered across the surface, inviting you to ponder the beauty that surrounds you.
Fishing enthusiasts will find Redden State Forest equally rewarding. Bring along a rod and bait, and you may find yourself lured by the tranquil waters abundant with fish. Remember to adhere to local fishing regulations, ensuring that your adventures leave minimal footprints on this pristine environment.
As day gives way to night, the forest transforms into an entirely different panorama. Start a fire and share stories under a blanket of stars. The Milky Way stretches above, a shimmering path that ignites a sense of wonder. It's an opportunity to forge memories, connect with friends and family, or simply enjoy the comforting solitude of the wild.
In preparing for your camping adventure at Redden State Forest, embrace both the thrill of spontaneity and the comfort of preparation. With the right gear and spirit of adventure, you will discover that this hidden haven is more than a campsite—it's your gateway to the wilderness, inviting you to experience nature in its rawest form. So pack your gear, gather your companions, and set forth into the embrace of the forest where countless adventures await.
Other Available Activity Guides in Redden State Forest:
The Ranger Station
Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning
Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Redden State Forest.
Passes & Fees
Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes
Free access; special permits required for hunting.
Wilderness Checklist
Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays
Camping & Overnight Stays in Redden State Forest
Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.
Redden State Forest Primitive Campsites
Located within the forest; offers a true back-to-nature experience.
Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.
⌖ 3.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp
Georgetown, Delaware
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Laurel, DE offers a charming escape with its historic ambiance and natural settings. Explore Trap Pond State Park, kayak among towering Baldcypress, and revel in simple outdoor pleasures.
Private, three‑hour creative journal workshops for small groups around Lewes and Rehoboth — a purposeful inclement‑weather alternative that leaves you with a hand‑made keepsake.
Spend a morning learning traditional basket weaving with Breanna at the Lewistown Coffee-House in Lewes. This five-hour Historic Lewes workshop teaches hands-on technique and leaves you with a finished market basket.
WorkshopBasket making with Breanna! Learn the ins and outs of making your very own basketCertified Outfitter
An evening event on November 14, 2025, that stages 18th‑century Lewistown after dark—bonfire, lantern‑lit storytelling, tavern and coffee‑house gatherings, and a symbolic protest—useful as a focused guide to attending the Lewes Historical Society’s Fires of the Revolution.
A 90-minute guided experience that highlights the history, achievements, and untold stories of Lewes’s African American community, useful for travelers seeking local cultural context and heritage interpretation.
A 60-minute guided walk by the Lewes Historical Society across the Historic Shipcarpenter Street Campus, tracing nine historic structures and stops such as a 1770s‑inspired Sussex Tavern and the Lewistown Coffee‑house.
A focused, guided 45‑minute walk that traces 300 years of Lewes history on a compact 1.3‑mile route—useful as a quick orientation to the First Town in the First State.
Ride the Cape May–Lewes Ferry into Delaware, meet your private shuttle at the Lewes ferry terminal, and spend a custom 4–6 hour day sampling local breweries, wineries, distilleries and regional cuisine—snacks and a tailored itinerary included.
A private, US Coast Guard–approved tiki-boat charter departing Anglers Marina in Lewes for up to 18 passengers—this guide distills duration, costs, meeting logistics and what to expect.
A kid‑focused boat tour led by Captain Madie that turns Delaware’s inland waterways into a hands‑on lesson in marsh ecology, wildlife spotting, and a themed scavenger hunt—this guide compiles what families need to know about the experience.
A 90‑minute, non‑narrated cruise from Anglers Road that chases dolphins, scans historic shoreline landmarks and times the return for a Bay sunset—this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.