Lums Pond State Park Campground

Nestled in the tranquil setting of Bear, Delaware, Lums Pond State Park Campground offers a truly immersive outdoor experience for locals and visitors alike. If you're seeking a peaceful escape from the everyday hustle, a place to reconnect with nature, or an adventurous outing with family and friends, this campground presents a fantastic opportunity. This article will guide you through the various offerings of Lums Pond State Park Campground, from its idyllic location and diverse services to its unique features and contact information, providing a comprehensive overview for anyone in the Delaware region looking for their next camping adventure.

Campgrounds like Lums Pond State Park are invaluable resources, providing accessible avenues for outdoor recreation and fostering a deeper appreciation for Delaware's natural landscapes. They offer a range of camping styles, catering to everyone from seasoned RVers to first-time tent campers, and even those looking for a unique glamping experience in a yurt. Beyond just a place to sleep, state park campgrounds often serve as gateways to a multitude of activities, from tranquil nature walks to thrilling aerial adventures, all within a well-maintained and supportive environment.

What sets a state park campground apart is often its commitment to preserving natural habitats while also providing well-managed facilities for public enjoyment. Lums Pond State Park, centered around Delaware's largest freshwater pond, embodies this balance, offering both a serene natural backdrop and a host of amenities designed to make your camping trip comfortable and memorable. The positive feedback from previous campers, highlighting friendly staff and well-kept facilities, underscores the park’s dedication to a high-quality visitor experience.

Lums Pond State Park Campground is conveniently situated at 3488-3598 Red Lion Rd, Bear, DE 19701, USA. This location in northern Delaware makes it highly accessible for residents across the state, particularly those in New Castle County, as well as visitors from neighboring states like Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The park's proximity to major roadways ensures a relatively easy drive, allowing you to quickly transition from urban or suburban environments to a peaceful natural setting.

The defining geographical feature of the park, and a major draw, is Lums Pond itself – Delaware's largest freshwater pond, spanning 200 acres. This central body of water provides a scenic backdrop and serves as a hub for various water-based activities. Despite its tranquil atmosphere, the campground is not isolated. It's close enough to amenities in Bear and surrounding towns for any last-minute supplies you might need, offering a perfect blend of natural seclusion and practical convenience.

The park's network of trails, including the popular Swamp Forest Trail, which loops around the pond, further enhances accessibility within the park, allowing campers to easily reach various activity areas, the nature center, and other points of interest by foot or bike. While the campground feels secluded and peaceful, its strategic location ensures that you're never too far from necessary services or other regional attractions.

Lums Pond State Park Campground prides itself on offering a range of services and facilities designed to make your camping experience as comfortable and convenient as possible. These services cater to different camping styles and ensure that essential needs are met.

• Variety of Campsite Types: The campground accommodates various preferences with options for tent sites, RV sites, and yurts. RV sites often come with full hookups (electric, water, and sewer), providing modern conveniences for those traveling in recreational vehicles. Tent sites offer a more traditional camping experience, while yurts provide a unique glamping opportunity with beds and a more sheltered environment.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Restrooms and Showers: A consistent highlight from camper reviews is the cleanliness and quality of the main bathrooms and family-style bathrooms with showers. This is a crucial amenity for any campground, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay for all guests.
• Camp Store: The on-site store is "nicely stocked and very convenient," offering a range of "goodies" and essential camping supplies. This minimizes the need to leave the park for forgotten items or snacks, enhancing the overall convenience of your stay.
• Dump Station: For RV campers, a convenient dump station is available for waste disposal, an essential service for maintaining a clean and functional RV throughout your trip.
• Water Hookups: All sites are generally equipped with access to potable water, ensuring campers have a continuous supply for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Most sites are equipped with picnic tables and designated fire rings or pits, allowing campers to enjoy outdoor meals and traditional campfires (when no fire ban is in place).
• Pet-Friendly Policies: Lums Pond State Park is generally pet-friendly, allowing dogs on a leash (not exceeding 6 feet) in designated areas. There is even an off-leash pet area, which is a great amenity for dog owners. Proper cleanup is required, and pets should never be left unattended.

Lums Pond State Park Campground offers a wealth of features and highlights that set it apart as a premier outdoor destination in Delaware, ensuring there's something for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

• Spacious and Unique Campsites: Campers consistently praise the "tons of space" and the unique, "very big" nature of each site. This generous spacing provides privacy and a more secluded feel, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere of the campground.
• Go Ape! Zipline & Adventure Park: A major attraction within the park, Go Ape! offers an exhilarating treetop adventure course with zip lines, rope ladders, and aerial challenges. This unique feature provides an adrenaline rush and a new perspective on the park's forest canopy, making it a fantastic activity for families and groups.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts a variety of scenic bike and hiking trails, including the 7.1-mile Swamp Forest Trail that circles the pond and the 8.1-mile Little Jersey Trail. These trails cater to various skill levels, offering opportunities for challenging rides or leisurely strolls through beautiful woodlands and wetlands.
• Water Activities on Lums Pond: As Delaware's largest freshwater pond, Lums Pond is a hub for water-based recreation. Visitors can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and pedal boating. Boat rentals are often available, making it accessible even if you don't own your own equipment. Fishing is also popular, with opportunities to catch bass, carp, and catfish (Delaware fishing license required).
• Nature Center: The Whale Wallow Nature Center provides an educational component to your visit, offering insights into the local wildlife and habitats. It's a great place to learn more about the park's ecosystem and observe native animals.
• Athletic Fields and Playgrounds: For those who enjoy sports, the park features football, soccer, and cricket fields, as well as tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts. Playgrounds are also available, making it an excellent destination for families with children.
• Disc Golf Course: A popular recreational activity, the disc golf course offers another engaging way to enjoy the park's scenic environment.
• Equestrian Trails and Center: For horse enthusiasts, the park includes equestrian trails and an equestrian center, providing unique opportunities for horseback riding.

As a Delaware State Park, Lums Pond State Park Campground falls under the umbrella of the Delaware State Parks system, which regularly offers various passes and permits that can provide cost savings for frequent visitors and local residents. While specific seasonal promotions for camping might vary, it's highly recommended to explore the following options:

• Delaware State Parks Annual Pass: This pass offers unlimited year-round entry for your vehicle and its occupants to all Delaware State Parks that charge an entry fee. For frequent campers and park visitors, purchasing an annual pass can lead to significant savings over daily entry fees. Different rates apply for Delaware residents and out-of-state visitors, with discounts available for seniors (62 years and over) and Delaware military personnel/veterans.
• Seasonal Camping Discounts: While not always explicitly advertised as "promotions," state parks often have tiered pricing for different seasons. Off-peak seasons (typically spring and fall) might offer lower rates compared to the peak summer months. Inquiring about these seasonal variations can help you plan a more budget-friendly trip.
• Group Rates: For larger groups or organized events, it's worth inquiring if any special group rates or discounts apply to campsite bookings or facility rentals within the park.

For the most current information on passes, permits, and any specific camping promotions, it's best to visit the official Delaware State Parks website or contact Lums Pond State Park directly. Always review the terms and conditions for eligibility and usage.

To plan your visit, make reservations, or get answers to any specific questions about Lums Pond State Park Campground, you can reach out directly to the park staff. They are typically the best resource for up-to-date information on site availability, park conditions, and specific policies.

Address: 3488-3598 Red Lion Rd, Bear, DE 19701, USA

Phone: (302) 368-6989

Mobile Phone: +1 302-368-6989

Reservations for campsites can often be made online through the Delaware State Parks reservation system (such as ReserveAmerica) or by calling the park directly. It's especially advisable to book in advance during peak season or for specific site types, such as full hookup RV sites or yurts.

For residents of Delaware, Lums Pond State Park Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a cherished local gem that offers an accessible and diverse outdoor experience right in their backyard. Its location in Bear makes it incredibly convenient for a quick weekend escape or a longer vacation without the need for extensive travel, reducing time spent on the road and maximizing time spent enjoying nature.

The campground’s appeal to locals stems from its blend of serene natural beauty and a wide array of activities. Whether you're a family with children looking for playgrounds and the thrill of Go Ape!, a couple seeking peaceful bike rides and tranquil pond views, or an individual hoping to reconnect with nature through hiking and fishing, Lums Pond offers something for everyone. The spacious and well-maintained sites, along with the exceptionally clean bathrooms, ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, addressing common concerns for many campers.

Furthermore, the friendly and helpful staff, as noted by numerous visitors, contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere, making it a welcoming environment for all. Even during unexpected circumstances like fire bans due to drought, the park's clear communication and responsible management demonstrate their commitment to safety and the preservation of the natural environment. Lums Pond State Park Campground embodies the best of Delaware's state park system, offering an invaluable natural retreat that locals can proudly utilize and frequently return to for memorable outdoor adventures.