Fenwick Island State Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fenwick Island State Park is located in the state of Delaware and is known for its pristine beaches and clear waters.


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Summary

One of the main reasons to visit the park is to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and surf on the beaches, or explore the park's many hiking trails and nature walks.

Some of the specific points of interest within the park include the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and the Fenwick Island State Park Campground, which provides a great base for those who want to spend a few days exploring the park. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and marine mammals.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Fenwick Island is actually a barrier island, which means that it is constantly changing and evolving due to the actions of the ocean and wind. Additionally, the park is home to one of the last remaining stands of maritime forest in the region.

The best time of year to visit Fenwick Island State Park varies depending on what activities you want to do. The summer months are the most popular for swimming and sunbathing, while the fall and spring are great for hiking and birdwatching. Additionally, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of events and programs throughout the year.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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