Camden, Delaware has an extensive history that can be traced back to the 1780s, with a population of 4,000 residents. Camden is perfectly positioned to give visitors easy access to the state’s more developed northern portion, as well as beautiful beaches along the Atlantic coast to the south. Camden embraces the small-town feel, with much shopping that can be done in nearby Dover. There is an abundance of historic sites and state parks in the region as well.
Continue to read about Camden, DE, and why this small town may be the right fit for you.
Camden, DE Real Estate
Camden is located in Kent County and is considered to be one of the better places to live in Delaware. According to Niche, living in Camden offers residents a rural feel for its small town. Many young professionals and retirees live in Camden. The median home value is $233,700, and the median rent is $1,206. About 16% of the population rent their homes, while the other 84% own their homes. Camden is rated #16 of 77 as “Best Places to Buy a House in Delaware.”
Camden, DE Schools
Students living in Camden, DE are served by the Caesar Rodney School District. The Caesar Rodney School District encompasses a range of educational institutions that cater to all grade levels to ensure comprehensive learning experiences for students. This school district provides a comprehensive range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and support services to prepare students for their future endeavors in higher education or entering the workforce.
Below are the following top-rated schools in the Caesar Rodney School District that serve Camden, DE.
Camden, DE Things to Do
As we discussed above, Camden, DE has an extensive history as the town got its start as a Quaker settlement laid out by Daniel Mifflin. The town gained commercial trade through wharves in a nearby Forest Landing and Lebanon on the St. Jones River, and today, Camden houses many notable sites. Below are our top picks for you for places to explore when in Camden, DE.
John Dickinson’s Plantation. Explore the John Dickinson Plantation located on Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, DE. A wealthy tobacco farmer owned both the residence and farm and had a hand to play in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Today, the plantation is a historic attraction open to visitors with staff dressed in historical attire. With a low-cost admission fee, spend an hour or two exploring the plantation.
First State Heritage Park. Take a stroll with your family through First State Heritage Park is one of several large state parks in the rural areas of Delaware. This state park is full of open spaces and nature preserves, blending in with its surrounding areas. It has no boundaries, and it is easy to move across areas. This park is close to Camden and it is the perfect place to spend a beautiful day with the family.
Picnic at Brecknock County Park. Located just a few minutes from downtown Camden off US Route 13, Brecknock County Park is 90 acres and offers visitors an alternative to the region’s state parks. This park has playgrounds, and a picnic area with covered seating, and the Dunbar trails are open all year round and free. Pets are allowed in the park if they are leashed and cleaned up after.
Camden, DE Shopping
Though it is a smaller town, Camden, DE is close to much shopping in different locations nearby to the town. These are our top picks to keep you and your family busy for a while.
Spence’s Bazaar. This Dover attraction has gratified generations of visitors, described as a four-in-one market. Spence’s Bazaar acts as a farmer’s market, flea market, carnival, and antique mall. This collection of stores sells everything from food to arts and crafts. The produce is in-state and is a big buy in the summer and early fall.
Fifer Orchards. Shop some fruits and vegetables at Fifer Orchards, home to fertile soil and a temperate climate. Located on Allabands Mill Road, one family has owned this farm for generations. Open from April to December, Fifer Orchards Country Store sells its well-known fresh berries, peaches, corn, tomatoes, and pumpkins. There is a section that sells locally-made ice cream as a bonus.
Camden, DE Eateries and Distilleries
After a full day’s worth of exploration in Camden and nearby towns, relaxing in a distillery with a frosted mug and a great meal in front of you is the ideal end to a long day. Below are our top picks for you.
Big Oyster Brewery. Do you enjoy local beer and fresh seafood? These two things go along with each other at the Big Oyster Brewery. Located on Kings Highway in Lewes, this traditional oyster house doubles as a microbrewery, and a raw bar merged as one. The Big Oyster brews a range of brews from light to dark. We recommend starting your meal off with the oyster sliders, house battered, flash fried, baked beignets with melted brie cheese, and topped with herb aioli. Moving onto your entree, we recommend the shrimp piccata, fresh-caught shrimp tossed in with penne pasta, capers, lemon, garlic, white wine sauce, spinach, and topped with parmesan. Wash your delicious meal down with either a light or dark tap beer.
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. The best food can be found near US Route 14 and Lochmeath Way in Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. Founded in 1979, this restaurant has been serving homemade cooking for almost 40 years. Specializing in traditional comfort food like chicken tenders, ribs, pot pie, and meatloaf, and as the name suggests, meals are mainly made on-site scratch. We recommend starting your meal with the honey butter croissants, before moving on to chicken tenders and shrimp combo basket with a side of salty fries. End your meal the right way with a hot fudge cake sundae.
Interested in the small town of Camden, DE? Steeped in rich history as it got its origin as a Quaker settlement, those who flourish in a small town environment will love Camden, DE. Located in Kent County, Camden is part of a fantastic school district, and near some great towns where residents can go shopping and eat out for the day before returning to their serene hometown.