Lums Pond State Park Campground remains open throughout the year in Delaware, located about 20 miles northwest of Smyrna. The campsites sit at approximately 60 feet elevation near the 200-acre millpond, the largest freshwater pond in Delaware. Most campsites include concrete pads that help with leveling during wet seasons when the clay-based soil can become saturated.
What to do
Hiking trails around the pond: Lums Pond State Park features a 7-mile trail circling the entire pond and 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," notes one Lums Pond State Park Campground visitor.
Water activities on the Bush River: Fishing directly from waterfront sites at Bar Harbor RV Park is popular from spring through fall. "Kayak rentals, boat slips. Close to all types of stores, civilization, 7-11, a nice seafood store to get crabs or fish if you didn't catch any," mentions a Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina camper.
Cape May attractions: When camping at Sea Pines in New Jersey, make time to explore nearby beaches and boardwalks. "Explore cape may and the boardwalk while in the area. Some sites are very tough and have some trees that occasionally make it so only a dead perfect backing could get you in," advises a visitor at Thousand Trails Sea Pines.
What campers like
Spacious sites at Lums Pond: The renovated camping area offers generous spacing between sites. "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer. There are some equestrian and tent sites as well," explains one regular camper.
Family-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds within driving distance of Smyrna offer excellent facilities for children. "Great campground for kids activities! Keeps them busy the whole time!" notes a visitor at Yogi Bear At Tall Pines Resort in Elmer, NJ.
Waterfront camping options: Multiple RV parks in the region feature lakefront or riverside sites. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. We are here visiting family for the holidays and it's serving us well. Cute little dock, fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks," explains a winter visitor at Bar Harbor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Book early because it fills up fast!" warns a regular at Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Bathroom facilities vary: Newer facilities tend to receive better reviews. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," notes one Lums Pond camper.
Site quality considerations: When selecting a campground near Smyrna, research individual site conditions. "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. The campground gave more of a Mobil home park feel and the park itself was a bit dated. But it was very quiet and the people were friendly," explains a visitor at Mays Landing Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and splash pad access: During summer months, water features are important amenities. "Nice pool and splash pad. Kids love the lake. Bathroom cleaned daily. Could use more showers. Nice and quiet at night," shares a Sea Pines visitor.
Playground facilities: Evaluate playground options when choosing a family-friendly campground. "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards). The only complaint I have is that the kiddie swings seem to be modeled after the seasickness machine," mentions a parent who stayed at Lums Pond.
Consider activity schedules: Some campgrounds offer organized events while others focus on natural recreation. "Clean and well-run. Beautiful main building. close to a lovely walking trail," notes a visitor at Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have tight turns and obstacles. "Sites can tight and lots of trees, sometimes making it difficult to get in and out of," explains a reviewer at Sea Pines.
Seasonal availability: Several RV parks near Smyrna operate only during warmer months. "We stayed early in the season and found it to be a little closed up still. It was very quiet and had a few chats with the Ladies in the office who were very nice and informative," notes a visitor at Thousand Trails Lake & Shore.
Site leveling conditions: RV camping near Smyrna, Delaware often requires leveling equipment. "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," explains a camper at Lums Pond, where the concrete pads help with stability.
