Welcome to Killens Pond State Park
Killens Pond State Park and Campground (open year-round) is located town of Felton Delaware in Kent County about 13 miles south of Dover just off Route 13. This park has so much to offer with a big beautiful pond, fishing, boating, playgrounds, picnic area, camping, and rental cabins. It is one of the nicest state parks we’ve visited
It is a pristine sanctuary, offering a vast array of recreational and natural wonders that captivate the hearts of visitors. Positioned along the southern boundary of the Murderkill River, this 66-acre millpond is surrounded by lush landscapes, welcoming nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The park features everything from largemouth bass to wandering trails that offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Whether you’re looking to engage in a lively pickleball match, uncover the trails on foot, or relish in the calmness of the water via boat rentals, Killens Pond State Park serves as a central hub for endless outdoor activities and cherished moments in a natural setting.
Key Takeaways:
- Central Delaware’s Gem: Killens Pond State Park is a beacon of natural beauty and recreational diversity.
- Year-Round Accessibility: Open to visitors throughout all seasons, the park offers activities regardless of the weather.
- Rich in Recreation: From hiking along the Pondside Trail to enjoying water slides in the water park, there’s no shortage of adventure.
Outdoor Activities
Killens Pond is a 66-acre body of water located along the Murderkill River and allows non-motorized boating. This park surrounds the pond with a day-use area on one side and the campground located on the other. The day-use area offers a water park, nature center, boat rentals, disc golf, fishing, and picnic pavilion area.
Fishing in the pond is a favorite pastime enjoyed by many. Bass, crappie, perch, bluegill, catfish, and pickerel are among the fish caught. Boating is enjoyed by many as you can bring your non-motorized boat or rentals are available on the day-use side of the park during the peak summer season. They offer rowboats, canoes, paddleboats, kayaks, and twin kayaks and rentals are affordable
Killens Pond Bike Trail is a short easy ride that begins on Route 13 and Killens Pond Road then enters the state park and continues throughout the park. The trail starts as asphalt and then turns into crushed stone. You can also bike all around the campground.
The Pondside Nature Trail is 2.4 miles long and is an easy hike that goes around the pond. It can be accessed from both the day-use area and the campground. You can look for birds along the way and make sure to check out the lily pads in the pond.
The Waterpark Attraction
Killens Pond State Park’s new state-of-art water park is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Hours are from 11 am to 6 pm Monday through Thursday, Friday 11 am to 7 pm, and Saturday, Sunday, Memorial Day, and July 4th, 10 am to 7 pm. Labor Day the park closes at 5 pm. Admission is $8 Monday to Friday under 48″ and $10 over 48″ and on weekends and holidays $10 and $12, respectively.
The water park is located in the state park’s day-use area. The main pool has underwater benches, a mushroom fountain, and a floating lily pad fun walk. There are (4) 54′ slides and (1) 12′ side which you must be 48″ and over to use.
For the little ones, the tot lot offers hours of fun with the climbing fountain, tot pool, tunnel slide, water curtain, pipe waterfall, rope pull, and spray fountains. In addition, there is also a baby pool with underwater bubbles, (2) frog slides and (2) shooting ground fountains.
No food is allowed in the water park except (1) bottle of water per person. Right outside the gate, there are picnic tables for your convenience. There is a swim shop and concession stand with food and drinks available for purchase as well as lockers to store your items (please bring your lock).
Killens Pond State Park Campground
This is a lovely wooded campground consisting of 6 loops for recreational vehicles (59 sites) and tents and a tent-only (17 sites) walk-in area. Each loop has around 10 sites with water and electricity and some sites are 50 amps. The campground is mostly level and can accommodate up to 40′ motorhomes. All sites are back up.
The bathrooms are clean but could use some updating. Since we travel in an RV we didn’t use the showers. Fees are responsible starting at $27 per night. Firewood and ice are also available at the campground. A dump station is located in the park.
In loop D there is a dock that you can launch a canoe or kayak from. It makes it very convenient for the campers so you don’t have to go to the day-use area unless you are renting a boat as there are no rentals in the campground.
There is a big playground for the kids and an enclosed picnic pavilion available to rent. There is also a large field for playing baseball or kickball.
I highly recommend this campground. We’ve been here several times and always have a pleasant stay.
Cabins
This park has 10 cabins and one large cottage available year-round. These cabins are kept in good shape and very clean and start at $70 per night. They each have one bedroom with a queen bed and a set of bunk beds. It comes with a full bathroom and kitchen that has a full refrigerator with freezer, sink, stovetop, microwave, and a table with 4 chairs. They have heat and air conditioners (window units). Each cabin also has a screened porch with seating making for a very pleasant stay.
The lakeside cottage is bigger with a separate living room with a futon and chair and one bedroom (queen bed) and has a beautiful view of the lake. Amenities are the same as the other cabins except there is a 4 burner stovetop in the kitchen area.
The 10 cabins are around a loop with one parking area. For your convenience, there are wagons available in the parking lot to carry your stuff to the cabins. Each cabin comes with a picnic table and a fire ring.
When renting you will need to bring your sheets, towels, and pillows as well as all your toiletries supplies. Just like you’re camping you will need pots, pans, plates, and silverware.
Please note: Pets are not allowed in the cabins except for cabin #10 which is a pet-friendly cabin. Cabins are open year-round and book up fast especially the cottage (#11) so book early. They can be booked up to 365 days in advance.
Sports and Recreation
At Killens Pond State Park, the spirit of recreation thrives amidst the natural beauty of Central Delaware. The park is not just a sanctuary for wildlife, but a playground for those who relish the joys of outdoor sports and games. Disc golf courses beckon enthusiasts and amateurs alike, offering fun and challenge that winds through the park’s vibrant landscapes. Whether you’re aiming to beat your personal best or just enjoying the game, each tee throw brings you closer to nature’s heart.
The ball fields serve as the stage for thrilling games and friendly competition. Here, you can witness the crack of the bat or the cheer of the crowds as teams battle it out under the vast Delaware sky. It’s more than just a game; it’s about building memories with friends and family in the great outdoors.
And for those who prefer a mix of strategy and physical prowess, the game courts are ready to host your next match. Whether it’s the back-and-forth of tennis or the strategic play of basketball, these courts offer ample opportunity for honing your skills or enjoying a leisurely game against the backdrop of Killens Pond’s natural beauty.
Planning Your Visit
Embarking on a journey to Killens Pond State Park requires some planning. Before setting off to explore the park or dive into the interactive water features at the new Killens Pond Water Park, it’s essential to consider a few practicalities to ensure your adventure is as seamless as the pond’s calm waters.
Firstly, the park graciously welcomes guests throughout the year, guaranteeing a natural retreat whether you’re seeking a summer splash or a tranquil autumn hike. For those wishing to immerse fully, entrance fees are a modest gateway to the expansive offerings within. Adults and children alike can enjoy the plethora of recreational opportunities, with the cost of adventure surprisingly affordable especially for families.
Securing your spot in this central Delaware haven has been made effortless with online registration available for various activities. From the coziness of your own home, you can ensure your place among the natural delights and recreational excitements the park offers, be it a tent site for camping under the stars or a lane in the main pool for beating the summer heat. However, cabins can go fast so try to make your reservations early.
Unforgettable Memories Await
As the golden hues of the sun touch the serene waters of Killens Pond State Park, it beckons you to step into a world where nature’s embrace brings an unforgettable adventure. Within the heart of Kent County, this 66-acre oasis offers a canvas of experiences, each painted with the promise of memories that linger long after you’ve departed. From the soothing ripple of water jets in the summer months to the welcoming shade of picnic areas beneath a canopy of green, Killens Pond is more than just a park; it’s a sanctuary.
Imagine yourself gliding across the 66-acre millpond in a rented boat, the laughter of loved ones echoing over the water, or challenging your spirit with a hike along the Pondside Trail, every step a conversation between you and the natural setting. Through the lens of your camera, capture the beauty that dwells within this central Delaware gem, respecting the park’s guidelines to ensure the safety of park staff and the treasures hidden in its folds. Whether you’re here to marvel at the floating lily pad fun walk in the new Killens Pond Water Park or to find peace in the secluded corners of a tent site, Killens Pond welcomes you with open arms.
The entrance fee into this haven is a small token compared to the wealth of recreational opportunities that await. Every season unfolds a new layer of Killens Pond State Park, inviting you to return, time and again, to discover its limitless wonders.
A visit to Killens Pond State Park will be enjoyable for all. For more information see their website.
Cabins here are very comfortable and a short walk to the camping loops. Good bird watching in this park . Good wineries not far (Pizzadilli is right down the road).
Its a beautiful park we’ve camped there many times and will always go back.