Camping options near Bear, Delaware include both large state park facilities and privately owned RV resorts within a 30-mile radius. The area features generally flat terrain with elevations under 80 feet above sea level and humid subtropical climate conditions. Average summer temperatures range from 65-87°F, making water activities particularly popular at Lums Pond and surrounding waterways from June through September.
What to do
Water activities on Bush River: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina provides direct access to water recreation from waterfront sites. "Fishing piers, (I love to crab) catch them and steam them in my camper (a MD thing :-) Only bait at the camp store or within 25 miles is night crawlers," notes a visitor. The marina allows boat launching and kayaking from designated areas.
Golf near campgrounds: Spring Gulch Resort Campground offers miniature golf for families, though some visitors note it needs maintenance. "Mini golf was fun but need to be regreened... several holes needed maintenance," reports one camper who stayed in June.
Hiking around Lums Pond: The state park features a 7-mile hiking trail that circles the pond plus an 8-mile multi-purpose trail system. "The trails were well marked, and the day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike," writes a recent visitor. No significant elevation changes make these trails suitable for most fitness levels.
What campers like
Spacious site layouts: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers paved, level sites with well-functioning full hookups. "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," mentions a camper. The concrete pads and generous spacing between sites create a less crowded atmosphere compared to private campgrounds.
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds near Bear maintain high standards for bathhouses. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," notes a Lums Pond camper. Similar comments about clean facilities appear in reviews for multiple campgrounds in the region.
Family-oriented environments: Thousand Trails Circle M provides numerous family activities. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground. We moved to a full hookup on the Delaware section. Open, accommodating for our rig," writes one family. The campground features both indoor and outdoor pools, putt-putt golf, and a playground.
What you should know
Reservations essential: During peak seasons (May-September), popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. This applies particularly to state parks with limited sites. "Book early because it fills up fast!" warns a Lums Pond regular who visits twice yearly.
RV park vs. campground distinction: Village Scene Park and similar facilities function more like residential communities with temporary RV spaces. "Is this a 55+ retirement community? Yes, kind of. Trailer home park? Well, sort of. Is this a place where you can roll up for one night and anchor your RV? Yep, it still is," explains one visitor about the suburban setting near Philadelphia.
Variable site quality at some campgrounds: Site conditions can vary significantly within the same facility. "We camped here over Memorial Day weekend and it was full. Miniature golf course could use some upkeep as there was trash strewn throughout the course," notes one Spring Gulch Resort visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake-In-Wood Campground provides multiple recreational options for children. "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards)," writes one parent. The campground also features swimming areas, though parents should supervise closely as water quality varies seasonally.
Scheduled activities: Many private campgrounds offer organized events for children. "This campground was very nice. They had a live band one evening. Activities through the day were fun," notes a visitor to Sun Valley Campground. Weekend programming typically runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Safety considerations: At Lums Pond, tent sites require a longer walk to bathrooms than RV sites. "Some engineering genius put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most. Tent campers... keep your shoes handy, it's a hike," advises a recent visitor. Families with young children should factor this into their site selection.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Mays Landing Resort and similar older campgrounds may have uneven sites. "Site are very unleveled so the staff switched us to a pull thru space that was a tad bit more level but still very unleveled," reports an RVer. Bring extra leveling blocks when visiting older facilities in the region.
Access limitations: Some campgrounds have tight entry roads with residential surroundings. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," advises one visitor. Village Scene Park similarly sits within a suburban neighborhood with narrow access points.
Weather preparedness: Sites near water bodies can flood during heavy rain. "When it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground," notes a visitor to Circle M. Tent sites in particular are vulnerable to standing water after storms, as experienced by a camper who "literally dug a trench around the tent to keep it dry" during a heavy rainfall event.
