ADT Pink Camp

For those embarking on the incredible journey of the American Discovery Trail (ADT) or simply curious about unique local community contributions, ADT Pink Camp in Milton, Delaware, stands out as a truly special place. It’s not a traditional commercial campground with numerous sites and extensive amenities; rather, it functions as a welcoming "trail angel" haven, specifically dedicated to supporting the intrepid hikers who are traversing the entire United States, from Delaware’s Cape Henlopen to California’s Pacific coast.

This unique spot, operated by a generous local named Cait Pinkleton, embodies the spirit of hospitality and mutual aid found along long-distance trails. It offers a safe, inviting, and often unexpected respite for weary adventurers, providing a crucial pause point on their epic journey. While it might not be the typical destination for a family camping trip, it's a testament to the warmth and generosity of the Delaware community and an important landmark for a very specific type of traveler.

ADT Pink Camp is located at 26899 Cave Neck Rd, Milton, DE 19968, USA. Its precise location is highly significant, as it sits directly along the route of the American Discovery Trail (ADT) in Delaware. For hikers, this means it's a perfectly positioned stop for resupply, rest, and community interaction after beginning their journey from the eastern terminus at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes.

The property is just up the road from the bridge crossing Beaverdam Creek, situated between Hudson and Diamond Farm roads. When heading towards Milton, it will be on the right side of Cave Neck Road. For ADT hikers coming from Cape Henlopen, the mailbox marking the property has a small ADT symbol attached to the post on the bridge side, a subtle but vital marker for those on foot. While it's primarily a pedestrian-oriented stop, its location on Cave Neck Road also makes it accessible by car, though visitors should respect its primary function as a trail angel stop. This location offers a convenient and crucial point of support along the approximately 45-mile Delaware section of the ADT, which mostly follows paved shoulders of rural roads and passes through towns like Lewes and Milton.

As a "trail angel" stop, ADT Pink Camp offers services that are tailored to the immediate and often essential needs of long-distance hikers. These services are provided out of generosity and a deep understanding of what thru-hikers require, rather than as commercial offerings.

• Safe Overnight Stay: The primary service is providing a safe and inviting place for hikers to pitch their tents and spend a night or two. This offers a much-needed alternative to "stealth camping" in potentially unauthorized areas.
• Access to Amenities: While not a full-service commercial campground, hikers may be offered access to basic amenities such as a place to recharge portable batteries, access to water, and sometimes even the opportunity to clean up.
• Warm Welcome and Guidance: The host, Cait Pinkleton, is known for her warm and friendly demeanor, often spotting weary hikers on the road and offering assistance. She provides valuable local knowledge and serves as a point of contact for questions about the trail ahead.
• Community Connection: ADT Pink Camp fosters an informal community among hikers. It's a place where they can connect with a fellow adventurer who understands the challenges of the trail and provides moral support.
• Respite and Recharge: The camp offers a crucial opportunity for hikers to rest, resupply in nearby Milton (perhaps grabbing a burger from a local spot like Milton Dough Bar), and physically and mentally recharge before continuing their demanding journey.
• Animal Interaction: Guests have mentioned the presence of chickens, ducks, and a friendly dog (Wilma), which can offer a comforting and lighthearted interaction for hikers who have been on the trail for days.

• Genuine "Trail Angel" Hospitality: The absolute defining feature of ADT Pink Camp is the incredible generosity and kindness of its host, Cait Pinkleton. As a "trail angel," she provides a selfless service to long-distance hikers, offering a safe haven and a warm welcome that is invaluable to those on such a challenging journey. Her philosophy of "once you've been helped on a trail before, you want to help other hikers" truly embodies the spirit of the ADT community.
• Crucial Respite for ADT Hikers: For American Discovery Trail hikers, ADT Pink Camp is a vital stop. It's often the only designated "trail angel" support in the Delaware section of the ADT, providing a much-needed break from the rigors of the trail, allowing hikers to rest and regroup before continuing their miles.
• Unique Local Landmark: While not a commercial attraction, the camp has become a unique and celebrated local landmark within the long-distance hiking community. Its reputation spreads through hiker networks, making it a recognized point of interest on the ADT map.
• Simple and Inviting Atmosphere: The camp offers a no-frills, yet deeply inviting, atmosphere. It’s a place for fundamental needs – safety, rest, and connection – rather than luxury, which is exactly what a thru-hiker often craves.
• Connection to the American Discovery Trail: For those interested in the grand scale of American long-distance trails, ADT Pink Camp offers a tangible connection to the massive, coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail, providing insight into the unique subculture of thru-hiking.

As ADT Pink Camp functions as a "trail angel" stop rather than a commercial campground, it does not typically offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the sense of discounted rates or package deals. The service provided is fundamentally an act of generosity and support for American Discovery Trail hikers.

The "special offer" here is the invaluable hospitality itself: a free, safe, and welcoming place for weary hikers to rest and recharge. While there might not be a fixed charge for services, hikers often express their gratitude through various means, sometimes by contributing to a communal supply or by leaving a small token of appreciation, though this is never expected or required. The primary "promotion" is word-of-mouth within the thru-hiking community, where ADT Pink Camp is highly regarded for its genuine kindness and support.

Given its nature as a private residence and a "trail angel" stop, ADT Pink Camp does not have publicly listed phone numbers for general inquiries, as it is primarily for American Discovery Trail hikers who often arrive unannounced or communicate through an informal network.

• Address: 26899 Cave Neck Rd, Milton, DE 19968, USA

For American Discovery Trail hikers, information about "trail angels" like ADT Pink Camp is typically shared within their community forums, social media groups, and thru-hiker resources. While the host has been known to spot hikers and offer assistance, those planning to visit should seek information through the official American Discovery Trail Society resources or hiker networks for the most appropriate way to approach.

For Delaware locals, ADT Pink Camp offers a unique perspective on community spirit and the hidden gems within our state. While it's not a typical destination for a family camping trip, its existence highlights the incredible generosity and supportive nature that thrives in our rural areas. It serves as a reminder of the epic adventures happening right in our backyard and the kindness of strangers.

For Delaware residents who are active in the hiking community, or perhaps have friends or family embarking on long-distance treks like the American Discovery Trail, knowing about ADT Pink Camp means understanding a vital piece of the trail's support system. It underscores the beauty of Delaware as a starting point for such a monumental journey and the welcoming nature of our communities. It's a place that embodies the true spirit of hospitality, making it a unique and noteworthy part of Delaware's landscape for locals to appreciate, even if their direct interaction is limited to admiring the determination of the hikers it serves. ADT Pink Camp is a testament to how locals can make a significant, positive impact on a national endeavor, one hiker at a time.

ADT Pink Camp

26899 Cave Neck Rd, Milton, DE 19968, USA