Fee increases for state parks are open house topic Oct. 1

After nearly a decade without a price increase, Delaware State Parks officials 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.

The public will have an opportunity to review the proposal and share feedback at an open house from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Officers Club, 14628 Officers Club Road, Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes. Attendees will have the chance to speak directly with parks officials, ask questions, and review data on visitation, costs and revenue. 

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 ranging 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.

A public survey and detailed information on the proposed fee changes is online at destateparks.com/fee-proposal.