Sussex County Council voted unanimously to approve the expansion of Deep Branch Family Campground during its Jan. 13, 2026, meeting in Georgetown, Delaware, clearing the way for the popular camping destination near Milton to grow its footprint along one of the state’s most traveled coastal corridors.
The 5-0 vote on Conditional Use No. 2586, filed on behalf of Preston and Mason Dyer, allows the campground formerly known as Eagles Nest Family Campground to amend its existing conditional use permit and expand operations onto a 21.93-acre parcel. The property sits in an AR-1 Agricultural Residential District on the southwest side of Coastal Highway, approximately 0.70 miles north of Broadkill Road. The expansion encompasses addresses at 12984 Coastal Highway and 13177 Eagles Nest Trail, positioning the enlarged facility prominently along Route 1.
The Deep Branch approval comes amid sustained interest in outdoor hospitality across coastal Delaware and similar mid-Atlantic destinations, where travelers have increasingly gravitated toward camping and RV accommodations as alternatives to traditional lodging. Properties along high-visibility corridors like Route 1 have drawn particular attention from those looking to expand outdoor hospitality offerings in the region.
The public hearing took place at 1:30 p.m. at Sussex County Administrative Offices, where a couple of residents spoke in favor of the application before the council delivered its unanimous approval, according to WGMD’s coverage of the council’s Tuesday meeting. The favorable testimony from neighboring property owners reflected the community support that often accompanies applications where operators have established positive relationships with adjacent landowners.
Comprehensive site plans that demonstrate how proposed expansions will manage traffic flow, stormwater runoff and setback requirements typically address common concerns raised during public hearings. Local planning boards and councils generally evaluate how well applicants have anticipated potential impacts on neighboring properties and infrastructure. Economic considerations, including local employment, tourism spending and tax contributions, often provide councils with additional context for understanding how expansions affect surrounding communities.
Land use decisions of this nature frequently involve extended review periods, with complex applications sometimes requiring six months to a year beyond initial expectations to reach final approval.
The Deep Branch expansion will bring attention to infrastructure demands that accompany higher guest density, a consideration facing any campground adding significant acreage. Upgraded electrical systems capable of supporting modern RV power requirements, typically 50-amp service for larger units, have become an expected amenity at many campgrounds. Robust WiFi infrastructure throughout camping areas addresses contemporary guest expectations for connectivity during their stays.
Environmental stewardship has become increasingly prominent in coastal campground operations and can serve dual purposes during approval processes. Sustainable stormwater management, native landscaping in buffer zones and energy-efficient lighting address regulatory concerns while also appealing to environmentally conscious travelers who represent a growing segment of the camping market.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact coastal campground operations. Many successful coastal campgrounds have implemented off-season events, winter camping rates and partnerships with local attractions to improve year-round occupancy. Digital reservation systems and dynamic pricing tools have become standard operational components at campgrounds seeking to maximize revenue from expanded capacity.
The Deep Branch location along Coastal Highway positions it within the desirable Delaware coastal tourism corridor, where highway visibility and access factors typically support campground operations. The approval reflects broader interest in expansion across the outdoor hospitality sector, particularly as travelers continue gravitating toward regional road trips and outdoor accommodations.
Sussex County Council will not meet the following week, with county offices closed Monday, Jan. 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The council’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27, when members will likely address other pending land use matters.
For the Dyer family and Deep Branch Family Campground, the unanimous approval marks a significant milestone that will allow the operation to serve growing demand along Delaware’s coast while contributing to the region’s expanding outdoor hospitality sector.