Big Elk Creek State Park
The 1,800-acre Big Elk Creek State Park in southern Chester County lies less than 10 miles northwest of Newark, Delaware.
The majority of the park consists of previous farmlands and forest lands. 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.
Master Planning Task Force
Meeting Four-- August 27, 2024
Big Elk Creek August 27 Meeting Transcript (PDF)
Big Elk Creek August 27 Meeting Slide Deck (PDF)
Meeting Three -- July 1, 2024
Big Elk Creek July 1 Meeting Transcript (PDF)
Big Elk Creek July 1 Meeting Slide Deck (PDF)
Meeting Two -- May 22, 2024
Big Elk Creek May 22 Meeting Transcript (PDF)
Big Elk Creek May 22 Meeting Slide Deck (PDF)
Meeting One -- March 28, 2024
Big Elk Creek March 28 Meeting Transcript (PDF)
Big Elk Creek March 28 Meeting Slide Deck (PDF)
Masterplan Public Engagement
November 2023 Public Meeting
A public meeting presenting the initial development and restoration considerations for Big Elk Creek State Park was held on November 6, 2023.
An overview of the planning process and preliminary design ideas were presented, and attendees offered feedback on the new park concepts.
A
Big Elk Creek State Park Planning Process Frequently Asked Questions Document (PDF) provides information related to questions and comments that arose during and after the November 6 meeting.
Also available is the
Big Elk Creek State Park Foundational and Developmental Planning Presentation (PDF) from the November 6 meeting, which includes additional slides to provide answers to commonly asked questions.
January 2024 Town Hall Meeting
The department attended a town hall meeting on January 10, 2024, and provided a
Big Elk Creek State Park Town Hall Meeting Presentation (PDF), including more information about a timeline for the master plan, ecological restoration work at the park, and details on proposed site improvements.
Please
email all comments about the Big Elk Creek Master Plan to the park.
Masterplan Public Survey
A community survey for thoughts on creating this park concluded in August 2023.
The
Results of the Big Elk Creek Masterplan Public Surveys (PDF) are among the elements under consideration as the department moves to the final design and masterplan for the park.
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 Pennsylvania Route 896 south, turn right onto Strickersville Road in Franklin Township. Travel 2.4 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