Del. State Parks, wildlife areas requiring passes and fees starting Friday, May 8th
DELAWARE – The Delaware Department of Natural Resources has announced that it will reinstate entry fees and park pass requirements at all Delaware State Parks, and will require a Conservation Access Pass to enter state wildlife areas starting this Friday, May 8th.
DNREC also says that those receiving unemployment insurance benefits can receive an annual park pass for $10, which can be purchased online for those on unemployment as well as other state or federal assistance.
On March 16th, DNREC suspended entry fees, park passes, and access passes until April 30th, which was continued as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
A number of limitation and requirements will remain in place in parks, wildlife areas, fishing areas, and boat ramps, including:
- Entrance booths will not be staffed, so visitors without an annual pass will pay the daily fee via automated credit card machines or self-registration envelopes at park entrances
- Bathrooms will remain closed or unavailable at parks, wildlife areas, fishing areas, and boat ramps
- Beaches remain closed except for exercising, dog-walking, and surf fishing under very limited conditions
- Playgrounds, campgrounds, and park offices continue to be closed
- Visitors to parks, wildlife areas, fishing areas, and boat ramps must have masks with them and must wear them when social distancing cannot be maintained
- The Governor’s requirement that out-of-state visitors must quarantine for 14 days upon entering Delaware before visiting parks, wildlife areas or other public spaces remains in effect
State park entrance fees for vehicles registered in Delaware are $4 at inland parks and $5 at ocean parks. Fees for out-of-state vehicles are $8 at inland parks and $10 at ocean parks. Fees will remain in effect until November 30th, which is the normal fee season end date.
