By Laura Walter

As I stared at the hole in our tent and shredded food wrappers, I thought, “Certainly this will be the worst thing that happens this weekend.”

It was three hours into my three-day camping trip, and a squirrel had scratched its way into our food supply.

I don’t completely blame the wildlife at Trap Pond State Park (Laurel, Del.) for this brazen action. Although we’d hidden the food in our tent—good idea, poor execution—the groceries weren’t tightly sealed, and the tent’s nylon flap was partially open, so savory scents and squirrels could easily claw their way through the “screen window.”

I had wrongly assumed that food only needs super secure storage in places with wild ponies (Assateague) and bears (anywhere besides the Delmarva Peninsula). Now, I will always pack dry goods in a giant plastic storage container (which we also secured with duct tape and wedged under the picnic tables because the squirrels still tried to examine it).

This is to say: please learn from our lesson. Every part of our Trap Pond weekend was amazing, except where we made ourselves a target for clever wildlife.

We fried sausages for dinner, went to bed early and woke up to a peaceful morning.

Trap Pond State Park surrounds the eponymous, mile-long water feature. We would spend the day hiking the wooded trails that wrap completely around the pond and marsh. It’s a time investment, but a wonderful way to spend a few hours.

We saw dragonflies flitting over a giddy stream, we saw a turtle going for a quiet stroll, we saw a deer from about 20 feet away, and we ate a charcuterie lunch while kayakers paddled over the wide, calm waters.

During dinner that night, I looked around and realized, “This is the meal I’ve been looking forward to, for two years.”

I had built a marvelous campfire on a mild evening. We had roasted two slabs of salmon, with lemon, butter and spicy seasoning atop leftover carrot and celery sticks—plus about a pound of bacon-cheddar potato skins.

Soon after, we happened to hear the first Delaware State Parks outdoor concert of the summer. American folk rock cascaded from the day area, over the pond and through the trees as we roasted s’mores.

Camping at Trap Pond was a great time. People can stay in tents, cabins, RVs or yurts.

The camp store is awesome for providing the necessary (firewood and ice), the forgotten (camping gear and cooking supplies), the fun (surprisingly cool souvenirs), and the critical (Good Humor King Cone ice creams). Nearby are bicycle rentals, a Little Free Library, craft times and bingo games.

The main park has wagon rides, guided walks, fishing events and open hours at the historic Bethesda Church and cemetery (https://destateparks.com/InsightLearn).

The Baldcypress Nature Center packs some impressive displays (fish tanks! taxidermy!) into a small space. With park admission, it’s free and open most days.

Kayaks and canoes can be rented daily in summer. The shallow sloping pond is great for launching, both in the day area and campground. The big boat ramp was closed during our visit, due to waterway repairs.

Trap Pond State Park daily entrance fees cost $4 (Delaware license plate) or $8 (out-of-state) per motor vehicle. Annual passes are available, and entrance is free in winter.

Trap Pond State Park is located at 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel, Del. The campground entrance is around the corner. Check the destateparks.com/TrapPond for updates. Learn more at (302) 875-515. Make camping reservations at (877) 987-2757 or destateparks.com.

Stay safe with bug spray, sunscreen and gallons of water—and enjoy the outdoors.

Bay to the Beach: Byways is a regular column in which we explore interesting places and projects on the Delmarva Peninsula. Find more at baytobaynews.com/bay-to-the-beach-byways