Holts Landing State Park

Introduction of Holts Landing State Park 

Holts Landing is a little-known gem in the Diamond State’s park system. The 203-acre property features a range of magnificent landscapes, including a bay shore beach, grassy fields, and hardwood forests. Native Americans used to live on the shores of the inland bays, harvesting seafood and hunting in the surrounding marshes and forests. Agriculture gradually grew around the “small bays” after European settlers arrived.

The land that is now Holts Landing State Park has a long history of being a modest family farm. The Holt family ran a farm here with a bayshore boat landing until 1957, when the land was sold to the state highway department.

The first block of land was handed to the State Park Commission in 1965, establishing Holts Landing State Park. Holts Landing Crabbing Holts Landing State Park is home to the sole crabbing pier on Delaware’s Inland Bay. The robust pier, which constructed in 2001 and overhangs the shallow bay waters, allows crabbers and fishermen to catch blue crabs and other mid-Atlantic delicacies. The pier is open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Native Americans used to live on the coasts of the inland bays, harvesting shellfish and hunting in the adjacent marshes and woodlands. Agriculture gradually grew around the “small bays” after European settlers arrived.

The land that is now Holts Landing State Park has a long history of being a modest family farm. The Holt family ran a farm here with a bayshore boat landing until 1957, when the land was sold to the state highway department. The first block of land was handed to the State Park Commission in 1965, establishing Holts Landing State Park.

Holts Landing State Park Camping

If you had a good time at Holts Landing State Park, you can spend the night in one of the campgrounds. Enjoy “primitive” camping for $3 per night (meaning tent only). Although they lack the conveniences of more expensive campsites, this is a very enjoyable way to rough it.

The sun, surf, hiking, camping, and other activities make Holts Landing State Park a must-see for nature lovers!

Holts Landing State Park Activities

Assawoman Canal

Holts Landing State Park also includes the neighbouring Assawoman Canal. The 97-acre canal connects the Indian River Bay to the south with Little Assawoman Bay. The canal, which is nearly three miles long, was originally dug by hand by immigrants in the 1890s. Although the canal’s waters are today quite shallow, it has served as part of the nation’s inland waterway system at various points throughout its history. A privately owned marina now operates on a leased portion of the Assawoman Canal near Indian River Bay. For boats and park visitors, the marina has a fuel pump and a modest boat launching pad (charge required).

The Division of Parks and Recreation is currently proposing to create new recreational amenities in the area in collaboration with private landowners. For additional information about Assawoman Canal events, call the Delaware Seashore State Park headquarters at (302) 227-2800.

Indian River Bay

The Indian River Bay is, of course, the most popular feature of Holts Landing. Visitors to the park on a clear day may see the entire bay, from the Indian River Inlet bridge in the east to the river coves in the west. Because of its central location, the park is an ideal place to launch small motorised boats, sailboats, windsurfing boards, and other small watercraft. A boat launching ramp also allows trailered boats convenient access.

Fishing

Fishing in the bay is a great recreational activity that may be done from boats or from the shoreline. Anglers with luck may catch flounder, bluefish, perch, or sea trout. The shallow bay waters are also ideal for clamming.

Holts Landing State Park Location

Holts Landing State Park is in close proximity to Dewey Beach, Georgetown, and Lewes.

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available