Camping opportunities near Bear, Delaware feature lush woodland settings and water access along the Chesapeake watershed. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching 85-90°F and winter lows averaging 25-30°F. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, though facilities like water hookups may be winterized during colder months.
What to do
Water recreation on two lakes: Visitors at French Creek State Park Campground enjoy activities on Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake. "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks. A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake," notes a camper who appreciates the variety of water options.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple fishing locations exist throughout the region's parks. At French Creek, "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish." Ice fishing is permitted at some parks when conditions allow.
Historical exploration: The area offers connections to American history. Near Elk Neck State Park Campground, "Turkey Point Lighthouse is nearby. The town of North East is close and is a quaint town with a Main Street and great little shops." The lighthouse offers weekend hours for visitors who complete the hike.
Orienteering and outdoor challenges: Some parks host special events throughout the year. A visitor reports: "We have also attending an Orienteering event here which was nation wide and really exciting. People came from all over the country to attend which was really a great experience."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Ample space between sites ranks high with campers. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, a visitor highlights: "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern."
Paved parking pads: Level surfaces for equipment setup receive positive mentions. A French Creek camper notes, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers."
Secluded settings: Privacy between sites appeals to many campers. At Blackbird State Forest Campground, visitors appreciate the layout: "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!" Another adds, "The only thing about this site specifically is the trail was close by so you'd occasionally see people walking by but not enough that it didn't still feel secluded."
Year-round options: Several parks maintain winter accessibility. A French Creek visitor reports: "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early."
What you should know
Seasonal facilities: Water access varies by season. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water."
Campsite terrain variations: Surface conditions differ between sites. At Susquehanna State Park, "Our specific site was supposed to have a tent pad but there wasn't a spot cleared for our tent and we had to move the heavy picnic table so we weren't putting up our tent on top of the fire ring. We also had to use a paper plate to rake as many rocks and gravel from the site."
Limited services: Some campgrounds have minimal amenities. At Blackbird State Forest, "No running water- only port a potties but they were clean." Another camper adds, "There is one water pump. And there are plenty of hiking trails in the state forest, complete with mushrooms, and deer-hunting-stands."
Reservation challenges: Popular periods fill quickly at certain locations. A camper notes, "I understand why it is so difficult to get a reservation at Lums Pond. Book early because it fills up fast!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites strategically for playground access. At Susquehanna State Park Campground, "For kids, the playground was fantastic, though, it was not shaded. It is also in the middle of the Acorn and Beechnut loop. This is great if you want to be away from the playground, as you can book one of the sites further off and not have kids running about."
Kid-friendly biking: Some campground roads are better suited for young cyclists. A visitor notes, "The camp road was minimally hilly and would be safe and easy for little kids to ride their bikes, unlike some of the campgrounds that have pretty decent hills."
Family entertainment options: Structured activities exist at select campgrounds. The Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA features family-oriented amenities: "This campground is very family friendly. We saw so many children running around having a great time! They have a catch and release pond and we found a pickleball court at a nearby city park."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings enhance family camping experiences. At Susquehanna, visitors report: "Took a nice hike out to the susquehanna and spent a few hours fishing in the pond. Lots of wildlife." Another camper adds, "Scared a bunch of deer (ok they scared me!!) and checked out the giant old growth trees, hiked over a bridge and stream which was full of fish I could see!"
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: RV campers should verify space requirements. At Elk Neck State Park, "In the full hook up loop pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites."
Hookup locations: Utility placement varies between campgrounds. One RVer discovered at a regional park: "The site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both."
Winter camping options: Some parks maintain limited winter facilities. A visitor notes, "It cost us $65 for the weekend plus a $6 service fee for using the Reserve America website. We had electric however no water or sewer hookup. There was a spigot for water at the next site over from us."
Accessibility considerations: Access roads vary in quality. At Woodlands Camping Resort, "The dirt/sand roads were horrible," while another camper adds, "This place was great! We stayed here for 5 weeks while working in the area. It's a clean, well kept space, completely surrounded by state forest."
For pet friendly camping near Bear, Delaware, most parks welcome leashed dogs but enforce specific rules. Many locations offer designated pet exercise areas and convenient waste disposal stations throughout their grounds.
