As of December 9, it is possible to purchase 2026 Delaware State Park passes and surf fishing permits. Passes and permits can be purchased online or at any park office. Daily entrance fees in state parks will begin on March 1, 2026.
Rates for 2026 will be $5 for vehicles registered in Delaware and $10 for out-of-state vehicles for inland parks. Beach park entrance fees will be $10 for Delaware vehicles and $20 for out-of-state vehicles. Annual passes are $50 for Delaware vehicles and $100 for out-of-state vehicles. There is a 50 percent discount for seniors and military. Members.
A lifetime pass is available for Delaware residents who are 65 and older for $150. There are no changes to surf fishing permit fees, but off-peak surf fishing permits will be discontinued in 2027 now that weekend and holiday reservations were removed form most surf fishing beaches in July 2025.
After extensive public outreach, park fees were increased for the first time in 10 years. There were three public open houses and communication across multiple channels. Park Friend’s Groups and state Parks and Recreation Advisory Council also approved the increases.
“Delaware State Parks is now hosting 7.4 million visitors annually, nearly two million people more than 2015, and we are grateful our residents and visitors appreciate the quality of the parks and the programs they provide,” DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson said. “And they appreciate the value; for Delaware residents, a family can spend a day in a state park for less than a single movie ticket, and a pass to get them in any park unlimited times for a whole yar is less than a family dinner out.”
Federal restrictions do not allow the state to charge out-of-state vehicles more than double paid by in-state residents. In addition, there are free and low-cost options to make Delaware State Parks accessible for all. Those who receive assistance from State Service Centers are eligible to purchase an annual pass for $10. A park pass can also be reserved online at no cost using a library card.
