In May 1945, the soldiers would receive the surrender of U-858, a German U-boat that was part of Wolfpack Seewolf at the time of the German surrender to Allied forces in Europe. Numerous batteries (ranging from 90mm guns up to 16 inch) were installed at the fort and a large was laid in the waters off Lewes, Delaware in the following years, but the fort was to see no action during the conflict. Fourteen vessels, including the USS Jacob Jones, a naval destroyer, were sunk off the coast of New Jersey during the first six months of 1942. Army to man the fort with the 261st Coast Artillery Battalion, who days before were slated to leave. The United States declaration of war on Japan compelled the U.S. The fort was completed days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, Battery 118 (Battery Smith) being declared operational on December 4, 1941. The fort also operated a controlled naval minefield to prevent ships entering the Delaware River estuary. It was built to defend Delaware Bay and the Delaware River and to protect domestic shipping from enemy fire within the capes, particularly from the German surface fleet. Although funds to build the fort were approved in 1934, it was 1941 before the fort was constructed. Today, the park is a major attraction for millions of visitors who enjoy the large variety of water-related activities available along Delaware's coast. Keep an eye out for dolphins splashing offshore.Fort Miles was an American military installation located on Cape Henlopen near Lewes, Delaware. The State Park Commission (now the Division of Parks and Recreation) began operating Delaware Seashore State Park in 1965. It's also a great place to soak up the Delaware sunshine, with a long sandy beach and shallow, crystalline water. Beyond gas stations and grocery stores, the town offers a taste of Delaware's LGBTQ-friendly nightlife. In summer, the town hosts an excellent farmers' market.ĭewey Beach, a five-mile drive north, is a popular place to pick up RV rentals near Delaware Seashore State Park. Hit the shops on bustling Rehoboth Avenue or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the mile-long boardwalk. A quick 15-minute drive up the coast, the town is home to attractions like the Funland amusement park and Jungle Jim's water playground. There's no shortage of family-friendly fun on offer at Rehoboth Beach, or "The Nation's Summer Capital" as it's known by locals.
DELAWARE SEASHORE STATE PARK ZIP
While you're in the area, zip over to Cape Henlopen State Park, a 4,000-acre reserve with sandy beaches, pine forests, and lush wetlands. A stroll around the walkable downtown will reveal historic buildings, colorful cafes, and farm-to-table restaurants. RV camping at Delaware Seashore State Park is a great opportunity to explore this corner of the First State and visit hidden gems like Lewes, a historic seaside town founded by Dutch whalers in 1631. Stretching for 28 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, the Delaware Coast is dotted with characterful beach towns, sandy beaches, and scenic lookouts. On a sunny day, the outdoor deck is the perfect place to enjoy locally caught fish and freshly shucked oysters. For tasty eats and stunning ocean views, head to the Big Chill Beach Club at the South Inlet Day Use Area.
Entertaining and educational, activities include guided marsh hikes, bay seining, beach clam bakes, crab feasts, and sandcastle contests. Delaware Seashore is also one of the best spots in the state for crabbing and clamming.Įnrich your state park RV camping experience by attending one of the ranger-led summer programs. Launch a boat from the Indian River Marina, cast a line from the banks of the inlet, or pick up a permit and drive your car onto one of the surf-fishing beaches. With easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Inland Bays, Delaware Seashore State Park boasts some of the best fishing on the East Coast. For an adventurous day on the water, rent a kayak and explore the salt marshes. To the west, the calm waters of Rehoboth and Indian River Bays are ideal for watersports like boating, jet skiing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and sailing. Two beaches are patrolled by lifeguards and offer changing rooms, showers, concession stands, and beach gear rentals. The eastern side of the island is fringed by six miles of sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and sandcastle building. With 2,825 acres to discover, there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors in Delaware Seashore State Park.