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Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve

Dover Afb, Delaware · Kent County

The Delaware Reserve encompasses over 6,000 acres from the freshwater wetlands, ponds and forest lands of the Blackbird Creek Reserve to the salt marsh, mudflats, tidal creeks and open water habitats of the St Jones Reserve and Delaware Bay. The Delaware Bay provides habitat for many species of waterfowl, finfish, as w…

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About Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Delaware Reserve encompasses over 6,000 acres from the freshwater wetlands, ponds and forest lands of the Blackbird Creek Reserve to the salt marsh, mudflats, tidal creeks and open water habitats of the St Jones Reserve and Delaware Bay. The Delaware Bay provides habitat for many species of waterfowl, finfish, as well as clams, oysters and crabs. It has the second largest concentration of migrating shorebirds in the Western Hemisphere and the largest population of spawning horseshoe crabs in the world. The Delaware Reserve promotes the stewardship of estuarine and coastal areas through research and education.

How to Get There

The St. Jones Reserve component is located six miles southeast of Dover. The Blackbird Creek component is located in southern New Castle County.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve

Heading to Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve?

No central reservation system listed for Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3082) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve?

The St. Jones Reserve component is located six miles southeast of Dover. The Blackbird Creek component is located in southern New Castle County.

How do I contact Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve?

You can reach the park at phone: 302-739-3436 or email: Jennifer.Holmes@state.de.us.