Lums Pond State Park, Bear, Delaware
We arrived at Lums Pond at 11 in the morning only to be told that we couldn't enter until 1 that afternoon. Check out time is noon and the park host take the hour to clean each site before a new camper pulls in. We were able to park the coach just outside the gate in the shade, disconnected the dinghy and used the two hours to run into Costco, then have lunch. Lums Pond is another beautiful state park. All the roads and sites were paved with lots of space between sites. The campground was all green grass. The park host stopped by and told us that the car pass that he put on our post would give us access to other parts of the park. He didn't tell us what all the park had to offer. Since we were just staying one night so we didn't check it out. In writing this I copied their website's description to add below and after reading it, I guessed we missed out on most of what the park has to offer. We will have to visit here again. Very nice clean park with full hook-up sites.
http://www.destateparks.com/park/lums-pond/index.asp
Lums Pond State Park is built around the largest freshwater pond in Delaware. The park features excellent camping, fishing, sports facilities, hiking trails, and an unforgettable Go Ape! Treetop Adventure Course featuring rope ladders, tree-top crossings, Tarzan swings and 5 zip lines — four of them over water! Lums Pond itself covers 200 acres, and although there is no swimming allowed, boat rentals and fishing provide water-bound recreation. A boat launching ramp and two piers allow easy access to the water.
Park History
Before the pond existed, St. Georges Creek flowed through the hardwood forest and was the site of several Native American hunting camps. The creek was dammed in the early 1800's when the C & D canal was built. Water from the pond was used to fill the locks of the canal and power a small mill. This area was first used as a state park in 1963.
Hiking, Picnicking, and Learning
Hikers have the opportunity to explore a variety of habitats along the 7.5 mile Swamp Forest Trail circling the pond. Lums also features over 10 miles of multi-purpose trails (horses, bikes, and hikers). The Whale Wallow Nature Center hosts a variety of programs for visitors during the summer season (Nature Center will be open daily from noon-6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day.). For outdoor dining, picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, and three pavilions can be reserved for larger groups.
Sports
Ball fields and game courts abound at Lums Pond State Park. Choose friendly competition in baseball, softball, football, soccer, tennis, basketball, or volleyball. Sharpen your skill in horseshoes or disc golf. Equipment rentals are available during the summer season. Children can work off their excess energy on the playground.
More Fun
As the weather grows colder, winter activities include hiking, year-round camping, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Hunting is also permitted, but consult the park office for maps and regulations.
About Camping at a Delaware State Park
Delaware State Parks have a great deal to offer in family camping. Take your vacation amid towering trees near a freshwater pond or enjoy the scenery of rolling sand dunes and sparkling bay waters.
All of the campgrounds provide drinking water outlets, modern shower and sanitary facilities, and sewage dump stations. Campsites are equipped with a picnic table and may include a fire ring (campfire regulations). Many have electric and water hookups.
During the summer season and in high-use areas like Delaware Seashore and Cape Henlopen State Parks, campers should register for the entire length of their stay, up to 14 days.
Don't Move Firewood!
Help us protect our trees by preventing the spread of harmful insect pests to Delaware's parks and forests. Use the firewood sold at the campground or from local sources near the park you are visiting. Please do not bring firewood with you into Delaware!
