Visitors to Delaware’s State Parks are paying more this year, as new entrance and pass fees took effect in 2026—the first increase in more than a decade.
Under the updated fee structure, daily entrance rates have risen across the board. Visitors to inland parks now pay $5 for Delaware-registered vehicles and $10 for out-of-state vehicles. At Delaware’s popular beach parks, daily fees have doubled to $10 for in-state vehicles and $20 for out-of-state visitors.
Annual passes have also increased, now costing $50 for Delaware residents and $100 for non-residents, up from $35 and $70 respectively. A lifetime pass for Delaware residents age 65 and older is now set at $150, reflecting one of the most significant jumps in the updated pricing structure.
State officials say the increase was necessary to keep up with rising costs and growing demand. According to the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), park visitation has surged to approximately 7.4 million visitors annually—nearly 2 million more than in 2015.
At the same time, operating costs have risen significantly, with park systems relying heavily on user fees to fund maintenance, staffing, and programming. Officials note that park-generated revenue accounts for roughly 65% of operating costs, supporting everything from trail maintenance and beach patrols to environmental protection and historic preservation.
The fee adjustments followed months of public outreach, including surveys and community meetings. In one survey of more than 1,200 participants, 68% said they supported a fee increase to maintain park quality and services.
The updated fees took effect March 1 and will remain in place through the end of the park fee season in late November, impacting all 17 state parks across Delaware.
