Surf Fishing Reservations Required as of May 23

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced that reservations will once again be required this summer for several of Delaware’s most popular drive-on surf fishing beaches during weekends and holidays.

Beginning Saturday, May 23, reservations will be required from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays through Labor Day for five high-demand beaches located within Cape Henlopen State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park.

The beaches requiring reservations include Gordons Pond, Herring Point, Navy Crossing and Point Crossing at Cape Henlopen State Park, along with the 3R’s beach at Delaware Seashore State Park.

Reservations will open May 19 at 11 a.m. for the first reservation period on Saturday, May 23. After that, reservation inventory will open weekly on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. for Saturdays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. for Sundays.

DNREC officials said reservations also will be required for several major summer holidays, including Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Reservation inventory for holiday weekends will open several days in advance.

The department noted that reservations are no longer required for seven other drive-on surf fishing beaches following changes first implemented in July 2025.

Those beaches include Key Box, Conquest, and Faithful Steward beaches at Delaware Seashore State Park; York, Middle, and South beaches at Fenwick Island State Park; and Beach Plum Island north of Lewes.

While reservations are no longer necessary at those locations, surf anglers must still possess a valid surf fishing permit. DNREC also reminded visitors that off-peak surf fishing permits do not allow access to drive-on beaches during weekends or holidays.

Reservations may be made online through the Delaware State Parks surf fishing reservation system or by phone through the reservation call center. The call center is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from 8 a.m. to noon on weekends and holidays at 1-800-499-8221.

Surf fishing remains one of Delaware’s most popular outdoor recreation traditions, particularly during the busy summer tourism season when beach traffic increases significantly along the coast.

The announcement comes as Delaware State Parks celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026. What began in 1951 with three parks has expanded into a statewide system that now includes 17 state parks, 22 nature preserves, the Brandywine Zoo, and the Indian River Marina, collectively protecting more than 27,000 acres across Delaware.

More information about surf fishing permits, reservation schedules, and Delaware State Parks can be found at Delaware State Parks Surf Fishing Information.