Top 15 Stunning Lakes to Explore in Delaware

Delaware, the second smallest state in the USA, is situated in the north-eastern region of the Delmarva Peninsula, a significant landmass along the East Coast. It is characterized by its elongated shape and is divided into three counties, with New Castle County, the northernmost, being the most developed.

The state’s land area covers just 506,000 hectares, slightly less than that of Atlanta. Its eastern side is lined with a coastline, while the western boundary is shared with Maryland. Delaware’s topography is relatively flat, featuring various museums, parks, wildlife refuges, lighthouses, and historic locations.

Many visitors are drawn to Delaware primarily for its beach resorts, earning it the title ‘The Nation’s Summer Capital’. These coastal towns are vibrant and charming, attracting over 8 million tourists annually. However, besides its beautiful beaches, Delaware also boasts several delightful lakes.

If you plan to visit during the warmer months, it is advisable to explore one of the 15 outstanding lakes in Delaware.

1. Silver Lake; Dover, Kent County

Located in Dover, Silver Lake spans 67.5 hectares and is bordered by public spaces that include barbeque grills, picnic tables, walking pathways, and children’s play areas.

This lake hosts an array of fish species such as carp, largemouth bass, crappie, white perch, and striped bass. To fish in the lake, a permit is required, which can be obtained from the City of Dover Parks and Recreation Department.

Silver Lake also features a beach and a boat ramp, making it a wonderful destination for visitors to Dover.

2. Hoopes Reservoir; Newcastle County

Hoopes Reservoir is completely enveloped by lush greenery, providing a tranquil atmosphere for those seeking peace and solitude. Established in 1932 by damming the Old Mill Stream and Red Clay Creek, this 76-hectare reservoir is the largest in Delaware.

Valley Garden Park, situated at the northeast end of the lake, features walking trails, picturesque gardens, and ample open space.

This reservoir bears the name of Edgar M. Hoopes, the Chief Engineer of the Wilmington Water Department, after whom the dam is also named.

3. Trap Pond; Sussex County

Trap Pond, located in the southwestern region of Delaware, is a combination of a pond and state park that encompasses 850 hectares. It represents one of the largest remaining areas of what used to be extensive wetlands in the southwestern section of the state.

Among the park’s standout features are its bald cypress trees, which attract numerous bird species, making it a prime location for birdwatchers.

The campground situated at the northern end of the lake offers 140 sites with electrical and water hookups, as well as 10 primitive sites and 8 cabins. Opposite the campground lies the Bald Cypress Nature Center, showcasing fish, reptiles, and amphibians residing in the pond.

4. Newark Reservoir; Newark, New Castle County

This 12-hectare lake is located just north of Newark’s city center. Constructed in 2006, it was designed to provide water to the city.

Newark Reservoir is highly regarded as a recreational area, featuring walking trails that encircle the entire lake, totaling 1.8 kilometers.

William M. Redd, Junior Park is connected to the reservoir via one of the walking paths. Recreational activities in the lake are limited, allowing only the city’s annual triathlon, where swimming occurs within the lake.

5. Bellevue State Park; Wilmington, New Castle County

Bellevue State Park is located in the suburbs of Wilmington and is home to a picturesque pond surrounded by meadows and trees, along with designated picnic areas.

Walking paths within the park lead to the pond, which serves as a pleasant retreat on hot summer days. While direct access to the pond is restricted, fishing is allowed.

The park spans 133 hectares and features various trails suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and cycling, as well as a barn, stables, an arts center, and Bellevue Hall, the former residence of American businessman William du Pont, Jr.

6. Lums Pond; New Castle County

Lums Pond is recognized as the largest freshwater pond in Delaware, spanning 81 hectares and bordered by Lums Pond State Park.

This state park remains open year-round, offering a multitude of recreational opportunities. During warmer months, visitors can engage in rowing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, although swimming is prohibited.

In winter, activities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular, while hiking is available throughout the year. The park also includes volleyball courts, basketball courts, tennis courts, and several sports fields.

7. Millsboro Pond; Millsboro, Sussex County

Millsboro Pond was historically utilized by the Nanticoke Indians for hunting and fishing. Today, it remains a prime location for fishing!

This 40-hectare pond is plentiful with black crappie, largemouth bass, and pumpkinseed, along with perch and pickerel. Fishing is permitted from either boats or the pond’s shoreline.

Many individuals visit Millsboro Pond for its serene environment, opting to canoe, kayak, or simply admire the scenery. Birdwatching is also quite popular, with numerous waterfowl frequently visiting.

8. Lake Como; Smyrna, Kent & New Castle counties

Lake Como is renowned for its exceptional swimming opportunities, which become available to the public annually starting in mid-May. Additionally, it provides a variety of water-based activities, including paddle boating, canoeing, and fishing.

This lake’s popularity stems from its lifeguard-supervised swimming beach, resulting in busy weekends filled with local families; thus, weekday visits are recommended for a more tranquil experience.

Facilities include a playground and picnic areas along the lake’s shore. Lake Como features a rental center for visitors wishing to hire paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes.

9. Killens Pond; Felton, Kent County

This 26-hectare pond is situated within Killens Pond State Park, alongside the Murderkill River, and historically served as a mill pond.

Killens Pond is favored for its recreational activities, including fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and rowing. The encompassing park also offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing.

The Killens Pond Water Park is positioned north of the pond, while a campground is located to the south. An 18-hole disc golf course is spread throughout the park.

10. Lake Gerar Park; Sussex County

Lake Gerar is a small freshwater lake, located just a short distance from Rehoboth Beach. It serves as an excellent location for a day of activities within the lake, the park, and at the beach.

This six-hectare lake features a fishing pier and is encircled by open space and well-maintained gardens. The park includes children’s play areas, picnic tables, and trails.

At the park’s western end, there is a beautiful Italian Garden, while Rehoboth Beach lies to the east of the lake. Several hotels are nearby, as many tourists choose to vacation in this area during summer.

11. Records Pond; Laurel, Sussex County

Records Pond is situated along Broad Creek in the town of Laurel, enveloped by greenery and trees. It is an outstanding spot for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

The primary attraction for visitors to Records Pond is fishing, with an abundance of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappies, and sunfish available.

A fishing pier is located at the southwest corner of the pond, commonly referred to by locals as Laurel Pond. Those with boats can gain access along the pond’s northern shoreline, just east of US Route 13.

12. Becks Pond; New Castle County

Becks Pond is a favored retreat for residents of Wilmington during hot summer days. Located just southwest of the city, it lies within Becks Pond Park.

The pond is bordered by trees and grassy areas, with access available at the northeast shoreline. This park includes gazebos, grills, picnic tables, and a playground, enhancing the recreational experience.

Recognized as the most popular fishing pond in Delaware, its success can be attributed to both its convenient location and the abundance of crappie, sunfish, and largemouth bass.

13. Banning Park; Wilmington, New Castle County

Banning Park is noted for its scenic beauty and substantial recreational offerings, including activities centered around Banning Park Pond, such as fishing.

The pond can be accessed via the park’s paved pathways, while the wooded sections of the park feature hiking trails leading visitors to the pond.

This park provides a wonderful day out with its picnic areas, grills, fitness circuit, sports fields, and vast open spaces for enjoyment.

14. Sheerness Pool; Kent County

Sheerness Pool is an integral part of the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, established along Delaware’s east coast. This refuge was created in 1937 to serve as a breeding ground for migratory and wintering birds.

Visitors can reach Sheerness Pool via the Parsons Point Trail or the scenic Auto Tour Route that meanders through the refuge, which showcases over 350 bird species, many of which can be observed on the way to the water.

The best wildlife viewing opportunities in the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge occur along Sheerness Pool’s edges, especially during the spring when migratory birds return from their southern journeys.

15. Gordons Pond; Sussex County

Gordons Pond is a wildlife sanctuary located at the southern end of Cape Henlopen State Park. This pond offers a peaceful environment to observe local wildlife.

Access to Gordons Pond can be gained by traversing a trail that follows its western edge. At the pond’s southern end lies an area designated for the Gordons Pond State Park.

While hiking along the 364-hectare salt marsh surrounding the pond, one is often captivated by its stunning landscapes. A pavilion is available at the end of the trail for visitors to enjoy a leisurely picnic while taking in the picturesque views of both the pond and the nearby ocean.