Picture of Lums Pond

Lums Pond State Park


Trail Closure Alert

The Little Jersey Trail will be closed past the Boat Launch parking lot until further notice for maintenance.

Find Your Adventure at Lums Pond

Swamp Forest trail signpost at Lums Pond State Park

Hike the Swamp Forest Trail

Discover Delaware’s largest millpond! Witness spectacular views along this 6.4-mile trail that weaves through diverse habitats along the pond’s edge.

Biker on the Swamp Forest Trail

Bike the Trails

Lums Pond State Park features bike trails for all skill levels. Experienced bikers can try the more challenging Swamp Forest Trail, while the 8-mile long Little Jersey Trail is enjoyable for all skill levels.

Pedalboat crossing Killens Pond in late afternoon

Paddle the Pond

Kayak, canoe, or pedalboat around the pond and look for wildlife. Spot turtles basking on logs, Great Blue Herons standing along the shoreline, and osprey flying overhead. Find the best fishing spots and reel in a largemouth bass.

Young  man on Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course zip line

Try a New Adventure

Zip through the trees at Go Ape's Adventure Park, go horseback riding at Sunset Stables, or dock your boat at Summit North Marina to grab a bite to eat at Grain H2O. Endless adventures await!

RV at the Lums Pond State Park campground

Get Outside

Lums Pond State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Plan a picnic, play a round of disc golf, bring your four-legged friends to the dog park, or go camping at the Lums Pond Campground!

Rocking chairs await at the Whale Wallow Nature Center at Lums Pond State Park.

Superintendent’s Pick: Visit the Nature Center

Stop by the nature center to learn about the park and its native wildlife. See live reptiles and freshwater fish tanks, then sign up for a program. We recommend the guided kayak tour!

About the Park

Surrounding Delaware’s largest freshwater pond, Lums Pond State Park offers a variety of recreational activities. Seventeen miles of trails wind through hardwood forest of varying ages from mature to young growth, which can also be experienced via the Go Ape Treetop Course. Wetlands around the park are home to reptiles, amphibians, and notable dragonfly species. The St. Georges Creek once flowed through these lands that were also home to Native Americans. The creek was later dammed when the C&D Canal was built in order to supply water for grist mills. The boathouse offers a variety of watercrafts to explore the pond up close. The campground welcomes tents and RVs while a primitive campsite is available for groups. Pavilions can be rented for events and disc golf, cricket, football, soccer and tennis and an off-leash dog park are also available. At the park’s nature center, visitors see live animal exhibits including a 500 gallon freshwater aquarium exhibit with fish that are native to the pond.

pavilion at Lums Pond

Going Ape

Ziplining at Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course at Lums Pond State Park

The Go Ape ziplining course allows visitors to see the park from a whole new perspective – from the treetops! The main course, for ages 10 and up, is a 2- to 3-hour adventure featuring rope ladders, treetops crossings, a Tarzan swing and four epic ziplines that take you over the pond. Go Ape also offers the Treetop Journey course, a perfect 1-hour introduction to aerial adventure, open to all ages.

Camping

Camping at Lums Pond State Park

The newly-renovated campground offers sites with three-point hookups (water, electric and sewer), as well as four horse campsites without hookups. If you prefer a bed to a bedroll, stay in one of our yurts! These round stationary structures with canvas walls feature a single and double bed bunked together, a double bed-sized futon, an outdoor seating area, and outdoor deck.

Reader's Digest recommends Lums Pond State Park as the best RV park in Delaware.

University of Delaware fightin blue hen logo

The Place To Be for UD Home Games!

Lums Pond is proud to be the official campground of UD Athletics! This fall football season, bring your friends and families out to cheer on our home team, and then spend the night at our new and improved campground. Watch for special discounts during football season!

Fishing and Boating

As the largest freshwater pond in Delaware, Lums Pond is one of the best fishing spots in the state, with anglers landing crappie, bluegill, perch, pickerel, largemouth bass, and more. Striped bass is stocked periodically. Fishing permits are required. Click for information about fishing licenses. WARNING: The State online automated fishing license system is NOT compatible with mobile devices or iPads and may encounter printing issues with touch screen computers and apple products.

Bring your own boat, or rent one of ours: rowboats, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats are available, and a boat launching ramp and two piers allow easy access to the water. The Summit North Marina on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal offers private slips for 250 boats and fuel sales, boat storage and repair services.

Horseback Riding

The Little Jersey Trail is a shared-use trail designated for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

  • Access to the riding trail is limited to park operating hours (8 a.m. to sunset.)
  • Vehicles and trailers used for the transport of horses must park in designated areas.
  • Riding trails may be closed due to hazardous conditions or at the Division’s discretion.
  • Riders are responsible for cleaning up after their horses on roadways and in parking areas.

Sport Fields and Courts

Football, soccer, softball, and cricket fields may be rented through the park office for a $50 fee. Tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts are first-come, first-served. Horseshoe, volleyball, and softball equipment may be rented for $25 during the summer season. Individuals renting equipment must be at least 18 years of age, present a valid driver's license as proof of age, and may leave either the driver's license or $50 as a deposit.

Nature Store

Lums Pond’s nature store, located in the park office, stocks t-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts, books related to gardening, fishing and camping, a wide assortment of children's books and toys, and nature-themed gifts.

Nature Preserve

Lums Pond Woods Nature Preserve – This Nature Preserve is a great example of a Northern Coastal Plain/Piedmont Basic Mesic hardwood Forest. Delmarva Bays are scattered throughout the forest. This Nature Preserve captures all the mature woodlands within the Park.

Amenities: Loop Trail (pedestrian, bike, horse) in and outside of Nature Preserve. Parking in park.

Acreage: 181 acres

Upcoming Events

Lums Pond Trail Days

Saturday, March 23, 2024

10:00 AM

Join a guided group hike to shake off some of those winter blues and learn about different trails around Lums Pond. The naturalist will be able to point out helpful tips for hiking the pond and provide information on wildlife and the history of the park. Weather permitting. For meeting location and trail length call the park office at 302-368-6989. Free

Add to Calendar 3/23/2024 10:00:00 AM 3/23/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Lums Pond Trail Days Join a guided group hike to shake off some of those winter blues and learn about different trails around Lums Pond. The naturalist will be able to point out helpful tips for hiking the pond and provide information on wildlife and the history of the park. Weather permitting. For meeting location and trail length call the park office at 302-368-6989. Free Lums Pond

Calling all Frogs

Friday, April 5, 2024

7:30 PM

Bring your flashlight and join us on a search for frogs! Hike at Lums Pond after dark and learn about Delaware's amazing amphibians. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6989. $8 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/5/2024 7:30:00 PM 4/5/2024 9:00:00 PM America/New_York Calling all Frogs Bring your flashlight and join us on a search for frogs! Hike at Lums Pond after dark and learn about Delaware's amazing amphibians. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6989. $8 per person Lums Pond

Dip-Netting Discovery

Sunday, April 7, 2024

11:00 AM

Do you want to know what lives in Lums Pond? Come grab a net and find out! Weather permitting. Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989.

Add to Calendar 4/7/2024 11:00:00 AM 4/7/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Dip-Netting Discovery Do you want to know what lives in Lums Pond? Come grab a net and find out! Weather permitting. Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989. Lums Pond

Hike with a Naturalist Series

Saturday, April 13, 2024

10:00 AM

Join us for the Hike with a Naturalist Series at the Campground! We will be learning about the physical traits and adaptations of birds found here at the park and why they are so important. This program includes a short hike where we will do some bird watching.Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989.

Add to Calendar 4/13/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/13/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Hike with a Naturalist Series Join us for the Hike with a Naturalist Series at the Campground! We will be learning about the physical traits and adaptations of birds found here at the park and why they are so important. This program includes a short hike where we will do some bird watching.Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989. Lums Pond

Calling all Frogs

Friday, April 19, 2024

7:30 PM

Bring your flashlight and join us on a search for frogs! Hike at Lums Pond after dark and learn about Delaware's amazing amphibians. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6989. $8 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 4/19/2024 7:30:00 PM 4/19/2024 9:00:00 PM America/New_York Calling all Frogs Bring your flashlight and join us on a search for frogs! Hike at Lums Pond after dark and learn about Delaware's amazing amphibians. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6989. $8 per person Lums Pond

Wildlife Wonders- Earth Day Edition!

Saturday, April 20, 2024

11:00 AM

Join us this Earth Day to look at the nature center animals up close while learning the impacts of pollution on wildlife found in the park. By using the simple phrase Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for daily decisions you can make a difference.

Add to Calendar 4/20/2024 11:00:00 AM 4/20/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Wildlife Wonders- Earth Day Edition! Join us this Earth Day to look at the nature center animals up close while learning the impacts of pollution on wildlife found in the park. By using the simple phrase Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for daily decisions you can make a difference. Lums Pond

Dip-Netting Discovery

Sunday, April 21, 2024

11:00 AM

Do you want to know what lives in Lums Pond? Come grab a net and find out! Weather permitting. Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989.

Add to Calendar 4/21/2024 11:00:00 AM 4/21/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Dip-Netting Discovery Do you want to know what lives in Lums Pond? Come grab a net and find out! Weather permitting. Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989. Lums Pond

Hike with a Naturalist Series

Saturday, April 27, 2024

10:00 AM

Join us for the Hike with a Naturalist Series at the Campground! Come and learn the basics of how to ID certain trees and why it's important to know what plants are in your area. Includes a short walk to get some hands-on experience.Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989.

Add to Calendar 4/27/2024 10:00:00 AM 4/27/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Hike with a Naturalist Series Join us for the Hike with a Naturalist Series at the Campground! Come and learn the basics of how to ID certain trees and why it's important to know what plants are in your area. Includes a short walk to get some hands-on experience.Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989. Lums Pond

Calling all Frogs

Friday, May 3, 2024

8:00 PM

Bring your flashlight and join us on a search for frogs! Hike at Lums Pond after dark and learn about Delaware's amazing amphibians. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6989. $8 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/3/2024 8:00:00 PM 5/3/2024 9:30:00 PM America/New_York Calling all Frogs Bring your flashlight and join us on a search for frogs! Hike at Lums Pond after dark and learn about Delaware's amazing amphibians. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6989. $8 per person Lums Pond

Dip-Netting Discovery

Sunday, May 5, 2024

11:00 AM

Do you want to know what lives in Lums Pond? Come grab a net and find out! Weather permitting. Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989.

Add to Calendar 5/5/2024 11:00:00 AM 5/5/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Dip-Netting Discovery Do you want to know what lives in Lums Pond? Come grab a net and find out! Weather permitting. Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989. Lums Pond

Birding by Kayak

Saturday, May 11, 2024

9:00 AM

This world migratory bird day join us for a special birding trip out on the water! This guided tour is for beginner birders and will look for some of the year round residents as well as some returning migrants like the Osprey! Previous paddling experience is required. Open to participants 14 years and older. (With a parent or guardian). Only double kayaks available so program registration is for two paddlers. $35 per kayak

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/11/2024 9:00:00 AM 5/11/2024 10:00:00 AM America/New_York Birding by Kayak This world migratory bird day join us for a special birding trip out on the water! This guided tour is for beginner birders and will look for some of the year round residents as well as some returning migrants like the Osprey! Previous paddling experience is required. Open to participants 14 years and older. (With a parent or guardian). Only double kayaks available so program registration is for two paddlers. $35 per kayak Lums Pond

Dip-Netting Discovery

Sunday, May 19, 2024

11:00 AM

Do you want to know what lives in Lums Pond? Come grab a net and find out! Weather permitting. Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989.

Add to Calendar 5/19/2024 11:00:00 AM 5/19/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Dip-Netting Discovery Do you want to know what lives in Lums Pond? Come grab a net and find out! Weather permitting. Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989. Lums Pond

Sunset Hike and Campfire

Friday, May 24, 2024

7:00 PM

Join us on a guided hike of the park an hour before sunset. Afterwards, bundle up by a cozy campfire. Each registration receives a packet with supplies for two s'mores. Participants must be 13 years or older. This hike is about 2 miles in length. Call the park office at 302-368-6989 for more details. $8 per person

Register Online

Add to Calendar 5/24/2024 7:00:00 PM 5/24/2024 9:00:00 PM America/New_York Sunset Hike and Campfire Join us on a guided hike of the park an hour before sunset. Afterwards, bundle up by a cozy campfire. Each registration receives a packet with supplies for two s'mores. Participants must be 13 years or older. This hike is about 2 miles in length. Call the park office at 302-368-6989 for more details. $8 per person Lums Pond

Hike with a Naturalist Series

Sunday, May 26, 2024

10:00 AM

Join us for the Hike with a Naturalist Series at the Campground! Learn how to identify certain animals by understanding their physical traits and learn different ways to track wildlife.This program will include a short walk for some hands-on experience.Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989.

Add to Calendar 5/26/2024 10:00:00 AM 5/26/2024 11:00:00 AM America/New_York Hike with a Naturalist Series Join us for the Hike with a Naturalist Series at the Campground! Learn how to identify certain animals by understanding their physical traits and learn different ways to track wildlife.This program will include a short walk for some hands-on experience.Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989. Lums Pond

Dip-Netting Discovery

Sunday, June 2, 2024

11:00 AM

Do you want to know what lives in Lums Pond? Come grab a net and find out! Weather permitting. Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989.

Add to Calendar 6/2/2024 11:00:00 AM 6/2/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Dip-Netting Discovery Do you want to know what lives in Lums Pond? Come grab a net and find out! Weather permitting. Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989. Lums Pond

Dip-Netting Discovery

Sunday, June 16, 2024

11:00 AM

Do you want to know what lives in Lums Pond? Come grab a net and find out! Weather permitting. Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989.

Add to Calendar 6/16/2024 11:00:00 AM 6/16/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Dip-Netting Discovery Do you want to know what lives in Lums Pond? Come grab a net and find out! Weather permitting. Pre-Registration is required by calling 302-368-6989. Lums Pond

Map and Directions