Picture of Lums Pond

Lums Pond State Park


Whale Wallow Trail Closure

The Whale Wallow Loop trail next to the nature center will close to the public on March 1 for improvements and repairs to the boardwalk. It is expected to reopen in late spring or early summer.

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

Winter Warm Up Hike

Sunday, December 17, 2023

10:00 AM

Join us on a guided group hike to 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. This hike meets in the Area 1 parking lot and is a 2.5 mile loop. Pre-Registration required, please call the park office at 302-368-6989. Free with paid park entry.

Add to Calendar 12/17/2023 10:00:00 AM 12/17/2023 11:30:00 AM America/New_York Winter Warm Up Hike Join us on a guided group hike to 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. This hike meets in the Area 1 parking lot and is a 2.5 mile loop. Pre-Registration required, please call the park office at 302-368-6989. Free with paid park entry. Lums Pond

Whale Wallow Explorers: Watersheds

Saturday, January 6, 2024

11:00 AM

Explore the importance of water and the way it moves over the landscape in this interactive program! For children ages 6 - 9. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6989. $6 per child, free for adults.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 1/6/2024 11:00:00 AM 1/6/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Whale Wallow Explorers: Watersheds Explore the importance of water and the way it moves over the landscape in this interactive program! For children ages 6 - 9. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6989. $6 per child, free for adults. Lums Pond

Citizen Science - Eastern Bluebird Nest Box Monitoring Program

Saturday, January 13, 2024

1:00 PM

The park will be recruiting for the nest box monitoring program and need your help to create a volunteer team dedicated to maintaining and monitoring the boxes in the park. This program will be an introduction to the importance and biology of bluebirds as well as what will be expected in the monitoring program. Volunteers for the monitoring must be 17 years or older but all are welcome for this introductory program.

Add to Calendar 1/13/2024 1:00:00 PM 1/13/2024 2:30:00 PM America/New_York Citizen Science - Eastern Bluebird Nest Box Monitoring Program The park will be recruiting for the nest box monitoring program and need your help to create a volunteer team dedicated to maintaining and monitoring the boxes in the park. This program will be an introduction to the importance and biology of bluebirds as well as what will be expected in the monitoring program. Volunteers for the monitoring must be 17 years or older but all are welcome for this introductory program. Lums Pond

Reptile Hour!

Sunday, January 14, 2024

11:00 AM

Join a naturalist to learn about the reptiles in the park and meet some of the nature center reptiles up close to learn how we care for them. We will also do a fun reptile related craft to take home!Free.

Add to Calendar 1/14/2024 11:00:00 AM 1/14/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Reptile Hour! Join a naturalist to learn about the reptiles in the park and meet some of the nature center reptiles up close to learn how we care for them. We will also do a fun reptile related craft to take home!Free. Lums Pond

Sunset Hike and Campfire

Saturday, January 27, 2024

4:00 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.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 1/27/2024 4:00:00 PM 1/27/2024 6:00:00 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, register online. Lums Pond

Whale Wallow Explorers: Owls

Saturday, February 3, 2024

11:00 AM

Hoo Hoo is up for a look into our feathery friends the OWLS! Join the naturalist as we learn about owls in the park and dissect owl pellets to see what kind of food they eat. For children ages 6 - 9. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6989. $6 per child, free for adults.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 2/3/2024 11:00:00 AM 2/3/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Whale Wallow Explorers: Owls Hoo Hoo is up for a look into our feathery friends the OWLS! Join the naturalist as we learn about owls in the park and dissect owl pellets to see what kind of food they eat. For children ages 6 - 9. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6989. $6 per child, free for adults. Lums Pond

Lums Pond Trail Days

Saturday, February 10, 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 2/10/2024 10:00:00 AM 2/10/2024 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

Reptile Hour!

Sunday, February 11, 2024

11:00 AM

Join a naturalist to learn about the reptiles in the park and meet some of the nature center reptiles up close to learn how we care for them. We will also do a fun reptile related craft to take home!Free.

Add to Calendar 2/11/2024 11:00:00 AM 2/11/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Reptile Hour! Join a naturalist to learn about the reptiles in the park and meet some of the nature center reptiles up close to learn how we care for them. We will also do a fun reptile related craft to take home!Free. Lums Pond

Valentine Hike and Campfire

Saturday, February 17, 2024

4:30 PM

Grab a loved one and join us on a guided tour of the park at sunset. Afterwards, you can 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 1.5 miles long. Call the park office at 302-368-6989 for more details. $8 per person, register online.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 2/17/2024 4:30:00 PM 2/17/2024 6:30:00 PM America/New_York Valentine Hike and Campfire Grab a loved one and join us on a guided tour of the park at sunset. Afterwards, you can 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 1.5 miles long. Call the park office at 302-368-6989 for more details. $8 per person, register online. Lums Pond

Whale Wallow Explorers: Landscape Engineers

Saturday, March 2, 2024

11:00 AM

Join us to explore the world of Beavers! Learn all about these busy mammals and how they earned their name landscape engineers. This program will explore the incredible natural world through crafts, games and science experiments. For children ages 6 - 9. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6989. $6 per child, free for adults.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 3/2/2024 11:00:00 AM 3/2/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Whale Wallow Explorers: Landscape Engineers Join us to explore the world of Beavers! Learn all about these busy mammals and how they earned their name landscape engineers. This program will explore the incredible natural world through crafts, games and science experiments. For children ages 6 - 9. Online registration ends 24 hours prior to the program. After that, please call 302-368-6989. $6 per child, free for adults. Lums Pond

Sunset Hike and Campfire

Saturday, March 9, 2024

5:00 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.

Register Online

Add to Calendar 3/9/2024 5:00:00 PM 3/9/2024 7:00:00 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, register online. Lums Pond

Reptile Hour!

Sunday, March 17, 2024

11:00 AM

Join a naturalist to learn about the reptiles in the park and meet some of the nature center reptiles up close to learn how we care for them. We will also do a fun reptile related craft to take home!Free.

Add to Calendar 3/17/2024 11:00:00 AM 3/17/2024 12:00:00 PM America/New_York Reptile Hour! Join a naturalist to learn about the reptiles in the park and meet some of the nature center reptiles up close to learn how we care for them. We will also do a fun reptile related craft to take home!Free. Lums Pond

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

Map and Directions