🏆 Official Guide: Lums Pond State Park — A 1,790-acre park near Bear/Newark, Delaware, surrounding Lums Pond — Delaware’s largest freshwater pond (189 acres) — featuring the Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park, kayak/canoe/SUP rentals, fishing (bass, pickerel, catfish), 68 full-hookup campsites + yurts, 10+ miles of trails, 18-hole disc golf, Whale Wallow Nature Center, sports fields, and a dog park.
Lums Pond State Park is Delaware’s most action-packed state park — and its crown jewel is the largest freshwater pond in the state. From soaring through the treetops on the Go Ape zipline course to paddling the serene 189-acre pond, this park delivers an impressive range of activities for families, anglers, and outdoor adventurers.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 1042 Howell School Rd, Bear, DE 19701 |
| Size | 1,790 acres — Delaware’s largest freshwater pond |
| Pond | 189 acres — kayaking, canoeing, fishing |
| Swimming | ⚠️ Not permitted in the pond |
| Entry Fee | Per vehicle — March 1 through November 30 |
| Go Ape | Treetop zipline + adventure course (seasonal) |
Accommodations
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Campground | 68 full-hookup sites (water, electric, sewer) |
| Yurts | Unique glamping option — reservable |
| Equestrian | Primitive equestrian campsites |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Go Ape Zipline | Treetop course — ziplines over the pond (seasonal) |
| Kayaking/Canoeing/SUP | Rentals available (May–Sep) — non-motorized |
| Fishing | Bass, pickerel, perch, bluegill, crappie, catfish |
| Hiking | 10+ mi — Swamp Forest Trail (6.4 mi), Little Jersey (8 mi) |
| Biking | Multi-use trails — hiking + biking + equestrian |
| Disc Golf | 18-hole course |
| Camping | 68 full-hookup + yurts + equestrian |
| Nature Center | Whale Wallow — wildlife exhibits + education |
| Dog Park | Off-leash area for dogs |
| Sports | Football, soccer, baseball, basketball, tennis, cricket |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim in Lums Pond?
No — swimming is not permitted in Lums Pond. The park focuses on paddling, fishing, and other water activities. Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals are available seasonally.
What is Go Ape?
Go Ape is a treetop zipline and adventure course within the park, featuring multiple ziplines (some soaring over the pond), suspended obstacles, and Tarzan swings. It operates seasonally from spring through late fall.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Fort DuPont State Park (a short drive away) and Fort Delaware State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Delaware state parks online at delawarestateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lums Pond State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Delaware State Parks are pet-friendly: leashed pets are welcome in most park areas, but all pets must be licensed with proof of rabies vaccination, and picnic areas, park buildings and yurts are closed to pets.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet, except in designated off-leash areas.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- State law prohibits pets from all swimming and sunbathing beaches May 1 - September 30; Beach Plum Island bans pets year-round.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs are allowed, and only in designated dog-friendly units (e.g. cabins at Killens Pond, Trap Pond, Cape Henlopen, cottages at Delaware Seashore); $25 per night pet fee, 2-dog maximum.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $25 per night pet fee for dog-friendly cabins/cottages (max 2 dogs).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Fort Delaware State Park and Killens Pond Water Park are closed to pets; pets allowed in surf-fishing vehicle areas on a 6-foot leash.
Are dogs allowed at Lums Pond State Park?
Delaware State Parks are pet-friendly: leashed pets are welcome in most park areas, but all pets must be licensed with proof of rabies vaccination, and picnic areas, park buildings and yurts are closed to pets. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via destateparks.com. More: Delaware state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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