Lums Pond State Park Campground offers a variety of camping options 9 miles from Townsend, Delaware, situated along the eastern seaboard. The campground sits at an elevation of just 80 feet above sea level in Delaware's characteristic flat coastal plain. Weather conditions remain mild most of the year with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows rarely dropping below freezing, making year-round camping possible at several locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Susquehanna State Park Campground provides excellent access to waterways where visitors can expect to catch various freshwater species. "We 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!" noted one camper after an evening hike.
Hiking trail exploration: Martinak State Park Campground offers well-maintained paths through forested areas. As one visitor mentioned, "We had a great time with our 3 little ones. They have lots of easily walked trails. Bath houses are kept clean."
Kayaking on waterways: Tuckahoe State Park Campground provides water access for paddlers. "There's a boat launch in nearby West Denton or also at Tuckahoe and a few other nearby spots," explains a reviewer who appreciated the network of river trails accessible from the park.
Playground time: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. At Susquehanna State Park, "The playground was fantastic, though, it was not shaded. It is also in the middle of the Acorn and Beechnut loop."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Lums Pond State Park Campground receives high marks for its site layout. "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."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the quality of bathhouses. At Susquehanna State Park, "Bath house was immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated."
Off-season tranquility: Several parks remain open year-round or have extended seasons. "We stayed in one of the cabins for thanksgiving and had a wonderful time. They are cozy but very comfortable!" remarked one winter visitor to Killens Pond State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting allows for animal sightings. One reviewer at Susquehanna noted, "Took a nice hike out to the susquehanna and spent a few hours fishing in the pond. Lots of wildlife."
What you should know
Site variations: At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, "Nice pads, even with rain none were flooded. The wooded area makes you feel a little more secluded from any neighbors." However, at Parvin State Park, "no gravel or pads on sites, just bare ground."
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have issues with water. A Parvin State Park visitor 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."
Limited off-season amenities: While glamping near Townsend, Delaware is available year-round at some locations, services may be reduced. "We arrived on a Tuesday a few days after they closed the pool, and by Wednesday I had the whole row of tent sites to myself," shared a camper at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly. As one Lums Pond visitor advised, "Book early because it fills up fast!"
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Parvin State Park Campground offers lake activities for children. "This camp site is super convenient and close to Philly/Trenton/ocean city. But when you're there you don't feel totally secluded," noted one visitor who appreciated the scenery while staying connected.
Playground proximity: When selecting a site, consider distance to play areas. At Susquehanna State Park, "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."
Nature programs: Several parks offer educational activities. At Woodlands Camping Resort, a visitor highlighted that the "closest bathhouse is a 10 min walk from where we were" - something to consider with small children.
Cabin alternatives: For glamping in Townsend area, cabins provide comfort for families not ready for tent camping. "We stayed in site #3, it had a nice huge concrete pad and fire ring. We set-up our new tree tent behind the actual campsite and it worked perfectly," shared a camper at Martinak State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers full service sites. "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families. The staff are friendly and welcoming. It's easy to navigate to the park from the interstate, and big rigs fit easily."
Site dimensions: Be aware of size restrictions. At Tuckahoe, one RVer warned, "We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and with were an issue."
Access considerations: Road conditions can affect RV camping. At Lums Pond, "Easy access from I-95. Beautiful park setting with fantastic site—spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved," making it ideal for larger vehicles.
Dump station availability: Not all parks offer full hookups. At Tuckahoe, one camper appreciated "the commercial-sized washing sink for your dishes, since you don't have full hookups its a BIG deal."
