Lums Pond State Park Campground features electric sites with concrete pads set on 20-acre woodland grounds about 15 minutes from Clayton, Delaware. The campground maintains 68 sites for RVs and tents with a maximum length of 60 feet for larger vehicles. Winter temperatures in this area average 30-40°F while summer months typically range from 75-85°F with moderate humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Water activities on the pond: The 200-acre pond at Lums Pond State Park Campground provides electric-motor boating, fishing, and paddling opportunities. "The pond is huge; perfect for kayaking or canoeing," notes one visitor. Most water activities are concentrated on the main pond area with boat rentals available seasonally.
Explore hiking trails: The trail system at Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers 20 miles of hiking paths also open for biking and horseback riding. A camper observed, "Spacious, wooded sites with power hookup. Nice spread out camp sites with power hookup." The trails range from flat, easy routes to more moderate terrain through mixed forest.
Visit nearby beaches: Plan a day trip from your camping base to coastal destinations. Cape Henlopen State Park has swimming beaches with lifeguards typically on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "If you want the experience of driving on the beach - go for it!" recommends one visitor, though a special permit is required for beach driving access.
What campers like
Spacious, level sites: Campers consistently mention the site layout at Lums Pond State Park Campground. "The sites are large and well spaced. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," reports a recent visitor. Most sites measure approximately 40-45 feet in length with 20-25 feet of width.
Clean facilities: Susquehanna State Park Campground earns praise for its bathhouse conditions. "Bathhouses were immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated," noted one camper. The facilities typically include hot showers, flush toilets, and dishwashing stations.
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at smaller campgrounds like Martinak State Park. "Great short camping trip for a quick weekend away. We stayed on the butterfly loop. Cell service (T-Mobile) was spotty at times, bathhouses were fine, and the ranger was on patrol regularly," shares a visitor. Most campgrounds in the region enforce quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: The popularity of Lums Pond State Park Campground makes securing weekend bookings difficult, especially during peak season (May-September). "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations. Book early because it fills up fast!" advises a regular visitor. Reservations typically open six months in advance.
Limited shade at some sites: While most campgrounds offer wooded sites, certain areas provide less coverage. At Parvin State Park, "The entire campground is very open. No gravel or pads on sites, just bare ground." During summer heat, shadeless sites can become uncomfortably warm, particularly during midday hours.
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds in the region have water issues. At Parvin State Park, a camper noted, "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order." Consider bringing drinking water if staying at campgrounds with reported water quality concerns.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Killens Pond State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities including a water park. "My son absolutely loved this place. There's anything and everything you could think of available to keep everyone busy. A water park, volley ball field, playgrounds, amphitheater, nature center, nature trails, and boat rentals at the lake," shares an enthusiastic parent.
Junior Ranger programs: Several state parks offer educational activities for children. Tuckahoe State Park provides "a number of additional activities, including disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and boating (canoe/kayak rentals available). If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program."
Family-sized cabin options: For glamping in Clayton, Delaware area without tent setup, G & R Campground provides cabin accommodations. "Nice quiet campground. Older but clean. Nice cabins," notes a visitor. Most cabins sleep 4-6 people with basic amenities like beds, electricity, and some with air conditioning.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: For RVers seeking full amenities near Clayton, Delaware, Cape Henlopen State Park Campground offers varied site options. "Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved," reports one RVer. However, be aware that "None of the sites are level. Sites are mostly small and close together."
Site selection strategy: When booking at state parks, carefully research specific sites. At Tuckahoe State Park, "We took out 1st trip over the 4th of July weekend. We really liked the park, but beware, the sites can be small! I watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites." Many campgrounds provide site-specific dimensions online.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds provide dump stations, though hours may be restricted. At Tuckahoe, "The dump station is sometimes secured has a combination lock. Ask for the combination during check-in." Martinak State Park features water and electric sites but no sewer connections, requiring use of the central dump station for waste disposal.
