​Big Elk Creek State Park

The 1,700-acre Big Elk Creek State Park in southern Chester County lies less than ten miles northwest of Newark, Delaware.

The majority of the park consists of lovely farmlands and forest. The park acts as a wildlife corridor and provides refuge for an array of threatened and endangered species.

The park’s namesake, Big Elk Creek, traverses the park and is a high-quality stream.

Visitors currently enjoy passive recreational activities, including trail hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting.

Big Elk Creek State Park Master Plan

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks is preparing a master plan to conserve and restore the land, while also providing recreation opportunities for all at Big Elk Creek State Park.

A community  survey for thoughts on creating this park concluded in August 2023.

Seasons and Hours

Big Elk Creek State Park is currently a day-use park with low density recreation. Day-use areas close at dusk. Currently, no restroom facilities exist on site. Please plan accordingly.

Directions

From PA 896 south, turn right onto Strickersville Road in Franklin Township. Travel 1.1 miles to the parking lot on the left.

GPS Decimal Degrees: Lat. 39.730960, Long. -75.835722;

Access for People with Disabilities

This activity or structure is ADA accessible. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

In an Emergency

Call 911.

Nearest Hospital

Christiana Hospital
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Rd.
Newark, DE 19718
302-733-1000