Fenwick Island State Park Dog Rules 2025: A Guide to DE’s Coast

Fenwick Island State Park Beach is a pet-friendly destination and one of many dog-friendly beaches in Delaware. Dogs and other pets on a leash are allowed on certain parts of the beach. Dog parents must follow a few rules and laws when visiting with pets. The state park features a 3-mile stretch of sandy beach with access to the renowned Little Assawoman Bay. 

The Southernmost Delaware Dog Beach has many facilities to accommodate four-legged friends. Near the beach, there are many pet-friendly restaurants, rentals, hotels, and authorized kennels. The place is a perfect getaway for a short weekend. 

Fenwick Island State Park Dog Rules, Delaware

• Dogs and other pets must be leashed under their owners’ control while visiting the beach. However, areas like leash-free zones, Dog training zones, activity zones, and Hunting grounds are exempt. 
• Certain areas are closed for pets throughout the year, such as picnic spots, bird nesting areas, park buildings, and yards. Pets are prohibited from swimming and sunbathing on the beach from May 1st to September 30th. 
• Service animals and guide dogs are allowed on the public beach areas throughout the year. 
• Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up and removing dirt from their pets. 
• Leaving pets unattended in vehicles or campers is regarded as offensive conduct.
• Excessive barking during quiet time ( 10:00 p.m. to 07:00 a.m.) is prohibited. 
• Dogs and other domesticated animals are allowed on the pedestrian Dune Crossing in the parking space’s northern part. 

Fenwick Island State Park Beach Dog Licensing

Dog owners must have the State of Delaware-authorized Licenses for their pups aged 6 months and older. Licensing is conducted directly through the government website or via a state-authorized agent, either online or offline, with a corresponding transaction fee. 

Required documents include a current Rabies Vaccination Certificate or veterinarian’s Official State Certificate Of Medical Exemption from Rabies of the pup, Proof of spay/neuter, and age proof for senior dogs. The evidence of spay should be mentioned in the rabies vaccination certificate, signed statement, or invoice of any veterinarian.

These documents are non-returnable, so keep a copy for future records. The licensing fees vary from ＄7.00 to ＄45.00. This depends on factors such as the dog’s age and the licensing period. Licenses are available for 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years. After that span, owners need to renew the license with valid documents. 

How To Reach Fenwick Island State Park Beach

• By Airplane: The closest airport to Fenwick Island is Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY), 42.7 Kilometers away. Other nearby airports are Philadelphia (PHL: 158 Kilometers), Baltimore (BWI: 161.2 Kilometers), and Reagan Washington (DCA: 178.3 Kilometers). 
• By Ferry: The nearest Ferry service to Fenwick Island is the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. A ferry takes 1.5 hours to reach Lewes from Cape May, NJ. 
• By Bus: The best bus route starts from the Shore Transit Bus Terminal in Salisbury and goes to the 144th Street Transit Station—Fenwick Island via Ocean City Transfer Point. It takes nearly three hours to reach the island. 

About Dog-Friendly Fenwick Island State Park Beach, DE

Fenwick Island State Park Beach is in the southernmost part of Delaware. The historic Fenwick Life-Saving Station, dating back to the 1800s, was located here before it was destroyed by a storm in 1962. The station was used to rescue sea travelers in distress off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline is home to a World War II-era fire control tower. 

The Fenwick Island Dog Beach is renowned for being a Ghost Crab site. Visitors enjoy various watersports, including swimming, surfing, kayaking, and sunbathing. This dog-friendly beach has many amenities for pet owners. There are dog-friendly cabins and cottages, as well as kennels and eateries. 

• Parking: Northside Park Parking Lot, Ashwood St Parking Lot. 
• Things to do: Visit Bethany Beach Boardwalk, Discoversea Shipwreck Museum, and Sunset from Assawoman Recreational Area. The “New” Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, Viking Golf and Go Karts.
• Amenities: Food and refreshments, Drinking Water, Shower, Umbrella and beach chair rental, Hiking/ Horse Trail, Picnic Tables, Restroom, Boat and kayak Rental. 
• Activities: Sunbathing, Kayaking, Surfing, Swimming, Fishing, Boat Sailing, Beachcombing. 
• Dog-Friendly restaurants: Captain Mac’s Fish House & Seafood Market, Tailchasers Restaurant & Dock Bar, High Tide Coffee & Bowls. 
• Dog-Friendly Rentals: Town Of Fenwick Island, Fenwick Island – 1710 Coastal Hwy, Fenwick Island – 20 W Maryland Ave. 
• Dog Boarding Kennels: Bed & Biscuit Kennel, All Aboard, Simply At Home Kennel, INC., Neverland Kennel. 
• Beach Hours: 08:00 a.m. – Sunset (throughout the year)
• Entry Fees: $ 5 – $ 10 (daily). 
• Contact Number: (302) 227- 2800

Fenwick Island Beach Rules and Regulations

• People are prohibited from using metal detectors on the sandy beach. The same goes for excavating and damaging historic or prehistoric items on the beach. 
• Throwing trash on the beach is prohibited. The same goes for feeding animals other than domesticated ones. 
• Glass containers, radio-controlled model aircraft, and drones are prohibited on the beach. 
• Swimming and diving from vessels are banned here.
• Bicycles are allowed only on the roadways. 
• Beach bonfires require a permit.
• Fishing from the beach when lifeguards are present is prohibited.
• Smoking is forbidden on the beach premises.

Conclusion

Fenwick Island State Park Beach is a favorite dog-friendly spot, perfect for spending time with your pup. It’s well-guided and welcoming, with plenty of space for dogs to run and play freely along the sandy beach. I make sure to follow Delaware State guidelines so the weekend stays safe and enjoyable for both of us.

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