DNREC considering fee increases for state parks

After nearly a decade without a price increase, Delaware State Parks may soon adjust entrance and pass fees.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is inviting the public to weigh in on proposed changes to park fees. The move comes as the state’s park system, which includes 17 parks, grapples with growing visitor numbers and rising costs.

Since fees were last raised in 2015, visits to Delaware’s state parks have surged by 35%, according to a recent report from Rockport Analytics. In 2024 alone, 7.4 million visitors explored Delaware’s natural spaces, generating $822 million in economic activity. The parks also contributed $64 million to the state tax base and supported more than 10,700 jobs.

Operating expenses funded by park users have jumped 127% over the last 10 years, while entrance and pass fees have stayed the same. Currently, the park system is about 65% self-funded through user fees, covering costs from routine maintenance and staffing to lifeguards and programming.

To maintain the quality of services and ensure long-term sustainability, DNREC is evaluating increases to daily entrance, annual and lifetime pass fees. The public will have an opportunity to review the proposal and share feedback at one of three upcoming open house events:

• Tuesday, Sept. 30 – 5:30 to 7 p.m., Blue Ball Barn, Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington
• Wednesday, Oct. 1 – 5:30 to 7 p.m., Officers Club, Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes
• Thursday, Oct. 2 – 5:30 to 7 p.m., Killens Pond Nature Center, Killens Pond State Park, Felton.

Each session will offer the chance to speak directly with parks officials, ask questions and review data on visitation, costs and revenue. 

A public survey and detailed information on the proposed fee changes will also be available online beginning Tuesday, Sept. 30 at destateparks.com/fee-proposal.