Cape Henlopen State Park Dog Rules, Delaware | New Laws 2024

Cape Henlopen, an attractive Delaware dog-friendly beach, has a strict policy and rules for dogs. It’s essential to follow them for the safety of the pets and other beachgoers. Many amenities are available, like pet-friendly shops, rentals, restaurants, kennels, etc. 

Cape Henlopen is a popular pet-friendly beach in Delaware with 6+ miles of shoreline. This place has beautiful dunes, and signing shorebirds is special for dog parents. Pups can play around safely here. The park is built at the starting point of Delaware Bay. The Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet at the tipping point of Cape Henlopen. It has molded the history of this place. 

Cape Henlopen State Park Dog Rules

  • To control them, owners must leash their pets (the leash length must be less than 6 feet). They can roam around Leash-free zones like training and activity zones and hunting grounds. 
  • Spots like picnic zones, park buildings, and yards are off-limit for pets throughout the year. They are also prohibited from swimming and sunbathing zones from May 1 till September 30. 
  • Only Service animals and guide dogs can roam freely on the beach throughout the year. 
  • Owners must clean up the specks of dirt and even feces after their pets to keep the beach clean. 
  • Parents are responsible for the well-being of their pets. Leaving them unattended anywhere is considered an offensive act. 
  • Dogs are prohibited from excessive barking during quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 07:00 a.m.
Cape Henlopen State Park Dog Rules Delaware
Cape Henlopen State Park Dog Rules Delaware

Cape Henlopen State Park Dog Licensing

All pet dogs aged 6 months and more must be licensed as per the law of the State Of Delaware. It can be done from the government website, or any state-authorized agent can help you. The transaction fees of $7.00 to $45.00 are applicable for both cases. 

Dog parents must submit important documents such as proof of spay or neuter, the current Rabies Vaccination Certificate, and age proof for older dogs. Pup owners can give an Official State Certificate of Medical Exemption instead of a Rabies certificate.

The variable fees depending on the age and type of dog besides the tenure of the license. You can opt for 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year license. After that, owners need to renew this.

How To Reach Cape Henlopen State Park

  • By Flight:  The closest airport to the Cape Henlopen State Park is the Salisbury Ocen City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY). It’s only 62.9 km away from the park. The other nearby airports are Philadelphia (PHL), Baltimore (BWI), and Reagan Washington (DCA). All of these are more than 100 km away from the park. 
  • By Ferry: The nearest ferry port to Cape Henlopen State Park is Cape May- Lewes Ferry port. The distance is just 2.9 mi. 
  • By Bus: The closest bus stops to Cape Henlopen State Park are Del Rt 1 and Tanger Outlets Surfside. The place is just 4 min walk away from the park. The bus lines to stop near the park are 201 and 201 Lewes Transit Ctr. 
Cape Henlopen State Park
Cape Henlopen State Park

About Dog-Friendly Cape Henlopen State Park, DE

The Cape Henlopen State Park beach stretches 6 miles from the “Point of Cape Henlopen.” It’s a pretty popular tourist spot. For centuries, locals have thrived over the natural resources of the place. The iconic Fort Miles of the World War II era, with the famous fire control towers along the Atlantic Ocean, is a must-visit place for any history lover. 

The beach has a unique ecosystem combining various plants, shore birds, and animals at the Bassier Dunes and maritime forests. Visitors can get all the necessary information from the Seaside Nature Center. This sandy beach is famous for different sports and activities. The list includes many water sports besides hiking and biking on the beach. 

  • Parking: 19113 Coastal Highway Parking, 128-198 Dickinson St Parking.
  • Things to do: Visit Fort Miles Historic Area and Fishing Pier Cape Henlopen. 
  • Amenities: Bathhouse, Kayak Rental, Campground, Drinking Water, Hiking and biking trails, Observation Tower, Picnic Tables, Pet Areas, Showers, Playground, etc. 
  • Activities: Camping, Biking, Hiking, Disc Golf, Fishing, Geocaching, Kayaking, Picnic, Swimming, Windsurfing, School Group Programs. 
  • Dog-Friendly Restaurants: Pig & Publican (Lewes), Irish Eye Pub & Restaurant (Lewes). 
  • Dog-Friendly Rentals: Lewes Beach Vibes – Rose Garden, 423 Cape Shores. 
  • Dog Boarding Kennels: Neverland Kennel ( Lewes), Simply At Home Kennel (Millsboro). 
  • Dog-Friendly Shop: P.U.P.S of Lewes, 
  • Emergency Veterinary Hospital: Savannah Animal Hospital, Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital. 
  • Beach Hours: 08:00 a.m. – Sunset. 
  • Entree Fees: $5 (In-state Vehicle) – $10 (Out-state Vehicle). 

Cape Henlopen State Park Rules and Regulations

  • Use of metal detectors or excavating historic or prehistoric artifacts are prohibited on the beach.
  • People must keep the beach clean and throw trash in bins.
  • Visitors should strictly avoid feeding wild animals and birds on the beach, as the law prohibits it.
  • Gas containers, radio-controlled small aircraft, or drones are prohibited here for safety reasons. 
  • Swimming and diving from any vessel are banned here.  

Conclusion

Cape Henlopen State Park is one of the best and safest pet-friendly Delaware beaches. Pet parents must follow all the dog rules and policies to enjoy a hassle-free holiday with their munchkins. You can get all pet-friendly amenities nearby to enjoy the holidays here. 

Spending the morning at Cape Henlopen State Park

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