Camping is permitted in designated sites. Some areas have been closed due to the flooding that took place last season, so it will pay to plan ahead. A list of campsites can be viewed by logging on to the Web site: www.nps.gov/dewa/News/RIVRlist.html. More information on the features of the recreation area can be had at the Web site, www.nps.gov/dewa.

AUGUST
Tuckahoe State Park, Maryland
In Queen Anne's County lies 3,498-acre Tuckahoe State Park, a gem of a site found not far from the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay.

Tuckahoe Lake, a 60-acre impoundment of Tuckahoe Creek, provides fishing for species like panfish, largemouth bass and chain pickerel. The pond was originally used to power a gristmill. Though the lake covers about 60 acres, only about 20 acres are open water. The remainder is flooded woodlands. The pond reaches a maximum depth of 7 feet at the dam. Depths of 5 to 6 feet are common in the open-water portion of the lake. Gasoline outboards are not permitted.

The family will find an assortment of amenities at Tuckahoe State Park. A family camping area offers 51 sites, 33 of which feature electric hookups. A central bathhouse is also provided. In addition to the campsites, the park offers four cabins available for rental. Each cabin sleeps four and features electricity, air conditioning, a grill, fire ring and table.

Another feature of Tuckahoe State Park is the Adkins Arboretum, which has nearly three miles of surfaced walkways running through the assortment of native trees and shrubs. Wildlife such as bald eagles, ospreys and great blue herons are commonly seen at this park.

While you can bring your own canoe, visitors also have the option of renting kayaks, paddleboats and canoes at the park office. A multi-use trail network includes four separate trails and can be used for hiking, biking and horseback rides.

More information on Tuckahoe State Park can be obtained by calling the park office at (410) 820-1668.

Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware
What better way to end the summer than a final trip to the beach? The water is warm and the fish should be biting. And Delaware Seashore State Park provides a great venue to do both swimming and fishing.

This state park is located on a barrier island that separates the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and both Rehoboth Bay and Indiana River Bay to the west. Covering 2,825 acres and stretching for six miles, it is considered a beach-goer's paradise.

Surf-fishing is popular off the east side of the island. Certain beach areas are designated as surf-fishing areas. As with Fenwick Island, four-wheel drive vehicular traffic is permitted in some areas with a special permit.

Good angling options also exist along the banks of the Indian River Inlet, where you'll also find a special fishing pier for persons with disabilities. Clamming and crabbing are permitted within some areas of the two bays. During your stay, check with officials for the specifics. The Indian River Marina offers all necessary amenities for the boater. Charter boats also fish out of this marina.

Surfers will find a designated surfing area located along the seashore north of the inlet. Windsurfing and sailing have become popular within the bays.

On Burtons Island, a short nature trail affords scenic views of the salt marshes and bay islands, where gulls are often spotted.

With the tourist season winding down, some park services may not be available after mid-August. Details can be obtained by calling the park office at (302) 227-2800.