Camden Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, activities, food, accommodations, and more in Camden, Delaware through this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Camden

Camden, located in Delaware, is a charming town that offers a wide selection of attractions that cater to both nature lovers and history buffs. Visitors can enjoy the town’s rich history and culture, explore the great outdoors, or try some of the local dishes and beverages. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll list the top things to see and do, where to stay, what to eat, and more in Camden, Delaware.

List of Places to Visit in Camden

Camden is a small town, but it has plenty of attractions to keep visitors busy. Here is a list of popular places to visit in Camden:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fort Miles Historical Area - This historical place served as a military base during the World War II era. Visitors can learn more about the history of the site, visit the observation tower, and view military artifacts.
  • Johnson Victrola Museum - This museum is the former home of Eldridge Reeves Johnson, the founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Visitors can learn about the history of the company and see exhibits featuring early phonographs and gramophones.
  • John Dickinson Plantation - This historical site is a former plantation that was the home of one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, John Dickinson. Visitors can tour the house and learn more about his life and his contributions to American history.

Natural Attractions of Camden: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Killens Pond State Park - This park features a 66-acre pond where visitors can go fishing, boating, and kayaking. The park also has hiking trails and picnic areas.
  • Woodland Beach Wildlife Area - This wildlife area is a popular spot for bird watching, fishing, and crabbing. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and biking trails.
  • Blackbird State Forest - This forest offers hiking and biking trails that lead to scenic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can also enjoy hunting and fishing during certain times of the year.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Camden

Camden is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some popular hiking and biking routes in Camden:

  • Pemberton Historical Park Trail - This trail is a 5.3-mile loop that takes hikers through wooded areas and past historic sites.
  • Auburn Valley State Park Trail - This trail is a 7.8-mile loop that is popular with bikers. The trail offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Killens Pond State Park Trail - This trail is a 2.6-mile loop that takes hikers around the pond and through wooded areas.

Best Things to Do in Camden: Activities and Tours

Here are some fun things to do while in Camden:

  • Take a ghost tour - The town offers a ghost tour that takes visitors to some of the most haunted places in Camden. Visitors can learn about the history of these places and hear spooky stories.
  • Visit the local breweries - Camden has several breweries that offer tours and tastings. Some popular ones include Blue Earl Brewing Company and Fordham and Dominion Brewing Company.
  • Attend a festival - Camden hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Delaware Wine and Beer Festival and the Delaware State Fair.

Week-Long Itinerary for Camden

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Camden, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Johnson Victrola Museum and walk the Pemberton Historical Park Trail.
Day 2 Explore Fort Miles Historical Area and go fishing or boating at Killens Pond State Park.
Day 3 Take a ghost tour and try some of the local craft beers.
Day 4 Visit the John Dickinson Plantation and go birdwatching at Woodland Beach Wildlife Area.
Day 5 Go hiking at Blackbird State Forest and attend a local festival if available.
Day 6 Spend a day at the beach and try some local seafood in nearby towns.
Day 7 Enjoy a relaxing day at your accommodation, or visit a local spa or winery.

Food and Drink Scene of Camden

Camden offers a variety of local dishes and beverages to try. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Scrapple - a breakfast dish made from pork scraps and cornmeal. It is a traditional dish in Delaware.
  • Fried chicken and dumplings - a staple southern comfort food that is popular in Delaware.
  • Apple cider donuts - a sweet treat made with apple cider and cinnamon.

Local Beverages

  • Dogfish Head Craft Brewery - This craft brewery is located in nearby Milton, Delaware, and is a must-visit for beer lovers.
  • Wine of the State - Delaware is known for its wine production. Visitors can try some of the local wines at Nassau Valley Vineyards.

Where to Stay in Camden: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Camden has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Dover Downs Hotel & Casino - This hotel offers luxurious accommodations and a casino on-site.
  • Comfort Inn & Suites Dover - This hotel offers comfortable rooms and is located close to many attractions in Camden.
  • Airbnb - Camden has several Airbnb options available for those who prefer a more personalized experience.

What to Buy in Camden: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the top souvenirs and local products to bring home from Camden:

  • Delaware beach gear - You’ll find plenty of Delaware beach gear, including t-shirts, hats, and beach towels.
  • Handmade pottery - There are several local pottery studios in Camden that sell handmade pottery and other ceramics.
  • Garden mums - Delaware is known for its mums, and visitors can buy these colorful flowers to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Camden

Camden is a friendly town, and visitors should expect a warm welcome from the locals. The town is steeped in history, and visitors should respect the local culture and customs. Dress appropriately when visiting historical sites, and be sure to ask permission before taking photographs.

Best Time to Visit Camden

The best time to visit Camden is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer is the busiest time of year, with many festivals and events taking place, but it can also be hot and humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of Camden

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Camden:

Do:

  • Explore the great outdoors and take advantage of the hiking and biking trails.
  • Try some of the local dishes and beverages.
  • Visit the historical sites and museums to learn more about the town’s rich history.

Don’t:

  • litter in public areas.
  • Trespass on private property.
  • Disturb the wildlife, particularly in the wildlife areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Camden

Camden is a safe town, but visitors should keep their valuables secure and be aware of their surroundings. If hiking or biking, visitors should bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Health in Camden

Visitors should be up to date on all of their routine vaccinations before traveling to Camden. Lyme disease is a concern in the area, particularly in wooded areas. Visitors should take the necessary precautions to avoid tick bites, including wearing long clothing and using insect repellent.

Getting to Camden: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Camden

The closest airport to Camden is Philadelphia International Airport, which is approximately 85 miles away. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is also an option, and it is approximately 95 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Camden

The closest bus station to Camden is in Dover, which is approximately 7 miles away. There are several bus companies that serve Dover, including Greyhound and Delaware Express.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car to get to Camden. There are several car rental companies located at the airports in Philadelphia and Baltimore/Washington.

How to Get Around in Camden

Camden is a small town, and many of the attractions are within walking distance. Visitors can also rent a car or bike to get around town and explore the great outdoors.

Where to Go Next from Camden: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider after visiting Camden:

  • Rehoboth Beach - This scenic beach town is located approximately 45 minutes south of Camden.
  • Philadelphia - Philadelphia is a vibrant city located approximately 90 minutes north of Camden.
  • Annapolis - This historic town is located approximately 80 minutes west of Camden and offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities.

Conclusion

Camden, Delaware may be a small town, but it has plenty of attractions to offer visitors. Visitors can enjoy the town’s rich history and culture, explore the great outdoors, try some of the local dishes and beverages, and more. From the hiking and biking trails to the local festivals, Camden is a must-visit destination in the Mid-Atlantic region.