Killens Pond State Park
A 66-acre pond, wooded loop, paddle launch, nature center, and separate waterpark offer very different ways into central Delaware outdoors.
Artwork inspired by Ellen Bernard Thompson Pyle
Killens Pond is a made landscape with a long natural story. The Murderkill River was dammed for grist and sawmills, and the resulting pond now supports bass, crappie, sunfish, paddlers, and a ring of hardwood forest. Choose the Pondside Trail for a slow circuit, or watch the water and bank from the elevated boardwalk. Listen for barred owl and pileated woodpecker in the woods.
The waterpark is a separate ticketed, seasonal activity, not a swimming beach in the pond. Families can combine a short nature-center visit—its exhibits include native reptiles and amphibians—with a walk, then plan slides or a rental only if those services are operating. The main park entrance, campground, waterpark, and launch do not share identical hours or costs.
- Pond
- 66 acres
- Origin
- Murderkill River mill dam
- Wildlife
- Native fish and forest birds
Quick guide
- Choose pond or slides
- The natural pond and ticketed waterpark are separate experiences.
- Walk the edge
- Boardwalk and wooded trail show different views of the water.
Know before you go
- Look for mill history
- The dam links the pond to earlier industry.
- Listen in the woods
- Woodpeckers and owls reward patient attention.
- Visit native animals
- The nature center interprets local reptiles and amphibians.
- Check separate tickets
- Park vehicle entry is not waterpark admission.
Good to know
Do not swim in the millpond or assume the waterpark ticket is covered by a state-park vehicle fee. The waterpark, rentals, and center change schedule independently.
Notice these
- Killens Pond
- Pondside wooded walk
- Elevated boardwalk