Reconnect with nature in New Castle County’s clean and fun Lums Pond State Park. This park is not just a recreational destination for groups of friends or families but can also be a venue for self-reflection and relaxation. This area can be the right vacation spot during any season. Autumn leaves and trees make an excellent sight for boat riders and nature preserve strollers, while the summer season creates educational wildlife summer camps for kids. Hikers can witness the tranquil scenery in spring, and wanderers can enjoy the snow and cold breeze in winter. The park can accommodate group campers, and there are five pavilions with charcoal grills and 12 to 14 picnic tables, each available for rental. Sixty-eight campsites are commendable for being spacious and convenient, and clean! The pond is in Bear, Delaware, west of the Delaware and Maryland border.
Why go on an adventure near Lums Pond State Park
© WavebreakMediaMicro / Adobe Stock
The tranquil pond is Bear’s hidden gem in the rural community known for being environment and family-friendly; it has many activities that will let you appreciate the great outdoors more than ever. Here are some points that we reviewed so that you can find the best campgrounds, hotels, and RV parks that will make you feel at home.
Discover the Amazing Campgrounds Near Lums Pond State Park
© artinspring / Adobe Stock
We did a preview of the best campgrounds that serve different features and experiences for your getaway, from tent camping to lodging.
- Trap Pond State Park is a park at Laurel, Delaware, located in the Baldcypress Nature Center. History says people built the campground to power sawmills for harvesting bald cypress. The park is home to Bald Eagles, Pileated Woodpeckers, orioles, Wood Ducks, tanagers, and various warblers (small songbirds). Apart from fishing and hiking, guests can take a pontoon tour around the cypress-filled pond. Trap Pond State Park made it to Reader’s Digest Most Scenic Campsites In Every State in 2020. For RV campers, 130 out of 140 campgrounds have water and electric hookups. You can stay at a cabin or yurt that costs $40 and $67, respectively, or bring your tent with a $15 to $43 charge for the tent site.
- Delaware Seashore State Park is for campers who want an oceanfront camping experience. Lifeguards are available from 9 am to 5 pm to patrol the swimmers and surfers. Two sites are located separately on the North Inlet and South Inlet. Catch the beautiful coastline’s sight from the Indian River Inlet bridge that connects the North Inlet and South Inlet! Rates range from $20 to $40.
- Killens Pond Water Park – Delaware boasts pond parks, and Killens Pond State Park is at the state’s heart. Despite its gruesome name, the Murderkill River’s water flows through the Killens Pond, where paddlers can check out without fear. The Killens campground accommodates recreational vehicles and tent camping, cozy cabins, and cottages in 59 available sites with electric and water hookups. Swimming in the pond is prohibited, but the Killens Pond Water Park’s two large pools, one for adults, one for kids, with five slides, and four fountains, will surely satisfy your need to plunge under the sun. Rates are $20 for motorhomes to $105 for deluxe, pond view cottages.
- Four Seasons Family Campground has recreational facilities for families like swimming pools, basketball courts, and a playground. You can also utilize the free WiFi connection or play the arcade while your pup enjoys the spacious dog park. Additionally, you can shop at the Campground Store or try their best ice cream flavors at Sundae Barn Restaurant. Tent campers have a daily rate of $60, with access to electricity and water.
RV Parks Near Bear, Delaware
There are plenty of RV parks you can choose from, and below are several that offer different thrills for their guests. Here we’ve compiled nearby RV parks that you and your family can enjoy visiting when you’re around Bear, Delaware.
- Woodlands Camping Resorts – Woodlands Camping Resorts have amenities fit for families such as swimming pools, fishing ponds, basketball and badminton courts, and playgrounds. Full hookup campgrounds are available for $55. The campground is located at Elkton, Maryland, an eighteen-minute drive to Lums Pond.
- Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina – This family-owned and operated camping park is at Abington, Maryland, along the Chesapeake Bay, with a waterfront swimming pool and a playground. RVers can shop for snacks at the grocery or trinkets at the gift and souvenir shop. The 93 sites have full hookups, WiFi connection, and cable TV, perfect for working away from home while indulging in quiet and peaceful surroundings. Overnight Camping rates at this park start at $70.
- Cape Henlopen – Cape Henlopen State Park is where nature meets history. Fort Miles Historical Area draws tourists because it reflects the World War II defense camp that it used to be. Travelers love to explore this 7,000-acre state park that can accommodate large RVs and has a pull-through site for a $45 to $59 rate. Water and electric sites are also available from $39 to $45. Visitors can rent a bike and stroll the Gordons Pond Trail with relaxing outdoor views of trees, birds, and wetlands.
Lums Pond State Park -The state park has a campground with full hookups (water, electrical, and sewer hookups) and a dump station. In 2020, Reader’s Digest commended this campground as Delaware’s best RV park, and it deserves its title. This site is near the park’s entrance, but the central park is situated on the other side of the pond before you get confused. Recreational amenities include a playground, picnic shelters, a pet area, and a horse camp.
Enjoy the Beauty and Endless Activities Near Bear, Delaware
© RawPixel.com / Adobe Stock
Sightseeing alone near Lums Pond in Bear can make us feel alive, but you and your family can do tons of activities inside the Lums Pond State Park that will keep athletic travelers energized.
Horseback Riding – Horseback Riding is available from eight in the morning until sunset. Riding occurs at the Little Jersey Trail, which starts at the park and is open for all ages. A trail ride is one hour long and costs $40 per hour.
Boating – Guests love to make use of the largest freshwater pond in Delaware by renting pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, and rowboats. Paddling to the pond gives you a glimpse of the ever hospitable turtles.
Biking – Challenge your biking skills and tour the Little Jersey Trail loop and the Michael N. Castle Trail along the Chesapeake & Delaware canal spanning 8.1 miles and 12.4 miles, respectively. There are no bicycle rentals in the area, so gear up your bike for an adventure that awaits you.
Hiking – No one enjoys nature trips better than hikers, and the park allows you to select your adventure from the three trails, but we highly recommend you to explore each! The 6.8 mile Swamp Forest Trail loop suits pro hikers, while the 21 kilometers Little Jersey Trail is best for beginners. A one-mile trail named Mile Loop Trail is for laidback hiking and short nature trekking, catering to beginners or amateurs. Note that only hikers with hiking passports can traverse the Swamp Forest Loop Trail.
Fishing – Catch a pickerel, bluegill, perch, and more when you rent a canoe, pedal boat, kayak, or paddleboat for $8 to $11. You must present your fishing license before entering either of the two available piers, and renters must be 18 and above with a valid ID.
Lums Pond Natural Resources
© Wirestock / Adobe Stock
Lums Pond is the vastest freshwater pond in the state. This 200-acre park opened to the public in 1963. But before it became a spot for wanderlust campers, Native American hunters first used the area. Delmarva bays or egg-shaped ponds are typical in the Lums Pond Woods Nature Preserve. Water activities in the pond are held to strict standards by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to conserve freshwater.
Preparation Before Camping near Lums Pond State Park at Bear, Delaware
You can bring your bike and boat for your fishing trip and trail expedition at state parks near Bear. Do not forget your adventure and dirt-ready shoes, clothes, and backpack. Pack plenty of foods with long shelf lives and are easy to cook. Prepare an emergency kit that includes a whistle, flashlight, bandaids and bandages, gauze pads, medical adhesive tape, meds for pain relief, allergic reactions, and matches. Listed below are your other essentials, the park’s regulations, and fees to help you plan and make your journey hassle-free.
Permits, Reservation, and Regulations
The state park opens at 8 am and closes at sunset. For reservations or questions, you can visit destateparks.com/Contact or contact (302) 368-6989, but we made a quick rundown of the fees and requirements for your trip.
- Entrance fees – Entrance fees cost $4 for residents and $8 for non-residents. Vehicles with 16 or more passengers will pay $17 to $68 for bus entry.
- Full hookup sites – The campground charges $25 to $45 on weekday stays and $30 to $45 during weekends.
- Pet Policy – You can bring your pup as a plus one, but they must be on a leash. Pets are also limited to access picnic areas, cottages, and cabins. Owners must display a valid license (if applicable) or proof that the dog got a rabies vaccine and must be free of ticks, fleas, worms, and mange. Visitors can purchase a pet license online.
- Recreation fees: Miscellaneous charges include an RV dump fee for $10 and a recreational equipment bag (softball, volleyball, horseshoe) for $25 with a $50 deposit. Renters must be 18 years old or above and present a valid id for deposit. Total hookup rates differ from the weekend, weekday stay, residents and non-residents, and camping season schedules, usually from $15 to $32.
- A fishing license is required for anyone who wants to fish at this park.
- Firewood – Bringing outside firewood is prohibited; this prevents invasive insects that are harmful to trees and forests from spreading uncontrollably. If you forgot to bring firewood, you wouldn’t have to worry as you can purchase some in the camp’s store.
Available Amenities
- Entire hookup site 15/20/30/50 amp
- LTE
- Back-in site
- Caters big rigs
- Dump station
- Pet park
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Laundry
- Water access
- Campground store
- Horse camp
RV Essentials
© Wirestock / Adobe Stock
If you’re planning to camp with your recreational vehicle at this campground, we strongly recommend getting these essential things for your RV to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free trip.
- GPS – if you’re an out-of-state traveler, you should consider purchasing a GPS, which helps you navigate unfamiliar roads and paths. This device also provides nearby points of interest for RVers’ destinations that you can visit and doubles up as a dash camera. You can customize your RV’s dimensions for a better route tracking display that best fits your vehicle.
- RV Dehumidifier – We recommended getting the best RV dehumidifier to keep your RV cool and free from stuffy humidity. Utilizing this product will keep your vehicle adequately ventilated and prevent humidity from building up inside.
- Sewer Tote – During vacations, we prefer to use our private toilet than public restrooms, and that’s when a more oversized sewer tote gets handy. This four-wheeler sewer tote with a long tow handle is the most efficient and portable in the market yet.
- RV Awning – Your goal in this vacation might be to soak some Vitamin D, but too much sunlight exposure hurts our skin. Awnings protect your RV and passengers from the sun, heat, rain, and snow. This awning creates a large veranda that shields the front and the sides and blocks 85% of the sunlight. This item has a main polyester component with PVC coating that can resist moisture, dry quickly, and prevent mildew.
- Jack pad – This is for your leveling jacks that deserve sturdy protection from damage. This lightweight, portable, and easy-to-install jack pad is made of steel and is more than enough to protect in rough and soft terrains.
- RV Sewer Hose – Another tip is to check if your sewer hose has cracks or damages before you go. It is also essential to bring a backup sewer hose if your other one breaks. This hose is ideal for distant dump stations with a 20′ length for fast draining.
- Bike rack – For securing your bicycle after exploring the best trails we listed above, here’s a lightweight hitch mount bike rack that can firmly hold your gear even when you are on the road.
- Deep Cycle Battery Charger – Just like your smartphone and its charger, your vehicle’s deep cycle battery and its charger come as a pair, too. This 15-amp battery is robust, durable, and safe from electrical issues and overcharging.
- Patio mat – You do not want to sit or step on dirt or sand, and neither does your picnic table, and that’s why we picked the perfect rug for your getaway that has protection from sun damage.
- Toilet Paper – A necessity for every RV, using the correct toilet paper saves water consumption, but not all toilet papers easily flush down. Here is a list of our top RV-approved toilet papers that are safe to use and ensure that your sewage system won’t clog up.
Other Essentials
Food and water
Clean drinking water – It’s essential to stack up some clean water enough for every member. Also, bring reusable water bottles and straws that are beneficial to the environment.
Large food containers – These are must-haves to store your foods from crackers to
Casseroles – carry ones that are easy to clean, leak-proof, and microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe.
Hygiene Kit
Maintain cleanliness after spending the whole day playing by the pond with these hygiene products.
- Rubbing Alcohol – We recommend bringing rubbing alcohol with at least 70% Isopropyl solution that can dissolve bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- Disinfectant wipes – Countertops, door, and faucet handles are the hotspots for bacteria, germs, and viruses in your RV. Sanitizing the surfaces with disinfectant wipes can prevent these.
- Sunscreen – Painful sunburns ruin your day, but with sunscreen, you can enjoy playing under the sun with adequate protection. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreens with at least SPF 30.
- Insect Repellant – Protection from ticks, fleas, and mosquito bites could bring Malaria, Dengue, or Zika virus during outdoor activities.
- Bed Sheets – You can bring bacteria with you after trekking and transmit it to your bedsheets. Laundry is available in the campground but getting an extra bed sheet is more practical.
Here are Some Establishments around Lums Pond:
Adventure and learning never stop! Establishments close to the pond offer a wide variety of extraordinary indoor and outdoor experiences, from ziplining, rock climbing to gardens and museums, and here are some recommendations.
Delaware Rock Climbing Gym
Delaware Rock Climbing Gym welcomes beginners and pros! This gym is only nine minutes away from the park. The gym also offers classes for sport and outdoor climbing. A day pass is $16 with a $12 additional fee for the equipment package (harness, climbing shoes, chalk ball, and belay device with locking carabiner) but is worth it.
Go Ape Zipline Adventure
Level up your adventure by trying out treetop recreation activities at Go Ape Zipline Adventure! Three thrilling Treetop activities are available. Both treetop and treetop adventure have ziplines and obstacles, but the latter has the longest ziplines of 700ft and the highest platform of 50ft. For adrenaline nuts, monkey drop activity lets you experience a 40ft free fall. Test your hand-eye coordination skills in Axe Throwing activity that even ten-year-old kids can try! Instructors are around to guide you and ensure your safety. Prices range from $14.95 to $59.95. You can find Go Ape Zipline Adventure inside the park.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Want to make your American Ninja Warrior dreams come to life? For only an eight-minute drive from the pond, you can experience Sky Zone Trampoline Park’s newest Ninja Warrior course! There are 11 other available attractions, including wipe out, trapeze and swing, parkour blocks, sky joust, battle beam, and freestyle jump, to name a few. Sky Zone Trampoline Park also offers Skycamp for kids, a private play experience, and Skywars, where players battle using foam balls or blasters. Prices for general admission start from $20 for one hour, while programs vary.
Paintball Action Games
Dare your friends for a paintball battle in Delaware’s largest paintball field! You can bring your paintball gun, also known as a marker, or rent one for $35, admission, protective gear, and 200 paintballs included. Players under 18 years old must have a parent or a guardian sign a release form. There are two gaming types of fields, the woods, and paintball arenas, making seven fields and 50 acres! Did we mention that this paintball center is only six minutes away from the pond?
Longwood Gardens
Your 40-minute drive will not be a waste once you get to Longwood Gardens; this venue has over eight gardens, including Cascade Garden, Wisteria Garden, Longwood Children’s Garden, and Trial Gardens.
You wouldn’t want to miss the sight of the Italian Water Garden inspired by European castle gardens. The Topiary Garden has giant topiaries that are Instagrammable. The oldest building at the Longwood Gardens, the Peirce-du Pont House, is now an administrative office and a conservatory winter garden open for plant and antique lovers. You can find this 1,077 acres botanical garden in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. You wouldn’t want to miss the blooming Japanese Camellia, Primrose, Calla-lilies, and 100,000 more plants! Tickets for adults cost $25, while children age four and under are free.
Winterthur’s Garden, Library, and Museum
Pay a visit to Winterthur’s Garden, Library, and Museum, a property founded by Henry du Pont, a member of the famed du Pont family, and the Peirce-du Pont House owners. The Enchanted Woods garden is a magical escape for kids (and adults, of course!) with the spellbound cottage and treehouse. The Museum, Henry du Pont’s house, has galleries that showcase metalworks, ceramics, 18th to 19th-century paintings, textiles, and porcelains. If you are interested in looking back and appreciating history, the Winterthur Library features historical books, periodicals, and photographs from the colonial period up to the 20th century. Ticket prices for museum and garden and gallery admission are $20 and situated at Bear, Delaware making a 28-minute drive from the pond.
Additional Information for the Establishments around Lums Pond that you can visit
| Name: Delaware Rock Climbing Gym Address: 520 Carson Dr, Bear, DE 19701, United States Social Media Link: Chick Here |
| Name: Go Ape Zipline Adventure Address: 1042 Howell School Rd, Bear, DE 19701, United States Social Media Link: Click Here |
| Name: Sky Zone Trampoline Park Address: 211 Executive Dr #3, Newark, DE 19702, United States Social Media Link: Click Here |
| Name: Paintball Action Games Address: 3110 Old County Rd, Newark, DE 19702, United States Social Media Link: Click Here |
| Name: Longwood Gardens Address: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, United States Social Media Link: Click Here |
| Name: Winterthur’s Garden, Library, and Museum Address: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735, United States Social Media Link: Click Here |
Nearby Hotels
We recommend these hotels near the Lums Pond with positive reviews from guests who enjoyed their stay. The Inns and suites are only 12 to 14 minutes away from the pond.
- Hampton Inn Elkton – Hampton Inn is in Elkton, a town in Maryland. With 71 rooms, each room can have a maximum of two beds. Amenities include free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, free parking, a fitness center, and an indoor pool. Rooms start from $88 for a one king bed or two queen beds guestroom.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Newark Wilmington South – Embassy Suites can accommodate five guests in their suites and accessible rooms. Guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast and a free internet connection, as well as the sleek, white, and minimalist interior of the suites. Rooms are available from $131 to $150.
- Sonesta ES Suites Wilmington-Newark – A maximum of six adults can occupy their two-bedroom loft suite and studio suite, while four adults can stay in the one-bedroom suite. Guests can use the fully equipped kitchen with a full-sized refrigerator, coffeemaker, cooktop stove, microwave, oven, and toaster. Pets are welcome, too, with a $25 fee, excluding the tax (costs vary from your stay duration). Prices range from $99.
- Four Points by Sheraton Newark Christiana Wilmington – Four Points Hotel Managed by Mariott and has stellar reviews for being one of the best accommodations because of its service and cleanliness. Four guests can occupy a guest room with two sofa beds. Standard rates start at $108 per night.
| Name: Hampton Inn Elkton Address: 2 Warner Rd, Elkton, MD 21921, United States Social Media Link: Click Here |
| Name: Embassy Suites by Hilton Newark Wilmington South Address: 654 S College Ave, Newark, DE 19713, United States Social Media Link: Click Here |
| Name: Sonesta ES Suites Wilmington-Newark Address: 240 Chapman Rd, Newark, DE 19702, United States Social Media Link: Click Here |
| Name: Four Points by Sheraton Newark Christiana Wilmington Address: 56 S Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, DE 19702, United States Social Media Link: Click Here |
Conclusion
Lums Pond is a serene and relaxing leisure destination for you and your family or friends. The pond reflects the rural setting in Bear, Delaware —peacefully surrounded by nature, and the unmistakable scent of nature manifests the park’s cleanliness. Campers will surely enjoy privacy because of the quiet and large spaces between lots. You will never run out of places to go and activities with nearby establishments to complete your experience. Not only will you get to reconnect with the calming nature, but your visit will also be rewarding to your spiritual self.