Lums Pond Youth Camp

As a professional content writer focused on highlighting local gems for Delaware residents, we’re spotlighting a unique recreational offering: Lums Pond Youth Camp. Located within the highly popular Lums Pond State Park, this designated area caters specifically to chartered youth groups, scout troops, and similar organizations seeking an authentic, primitive camping experience. It’s an ideal spot for Delaware organizations looking to host large gatherings, educational outings, or team-building retreats in a naturally beautiful, yet controlled, environment.

Lums Pond State Park, which surrounds Delaware's largest freshwater pond, is well-known throughout the First State for its diverse recreational opportunities. The Youth Camp, however, is a distinct section of the park's offerings, providing a more secluded and tranquil setting than the main public campground. This separation allows groups to enjoy a deeper connection with nature and fosters a sense of camaraderie away from the general public. Many local campers have noted that this area is significantly quieter and more private, making it a perfect retreat.

The Youth Camp operates on a reservation-only basis, ensuring that all groups have adequate space and privacy for their planned activities. Unlike the main campground, this area is designed for rustic, tent-only camping, encouraging participants—especially youth—to fully embrace the traditional outdoor experience. It serves as a vital resource for New Castle County and the wider Delaware region, providing necessary facilities for youth development and outdoor education.

The surrounding state park itself offers a vast 1,790 acres of hardwood forest, wetlands, and open fields, providing a stunning backdrop for any group adventure. The Youth Camp is truly a cherished resource for organized groups within the Delaware community.

The Lums Pond Youth Camp is situated within the expansive grounds of Lums Pond State Park, conveniently located in Bear, Delaware, in the 19701 zip code. The general vicinity is easily accessible for residents across New Castle County and other parts of the state via major routes. The specific primitive camping area is located off Route 71, also known as Red Lion Road.

For local groups coordinating travel, the GPS address often associated with this area is 2610 Red Lion Rd, Bear, DE 19701, though all reservations must be managed through the main park office. Being close to the C&D Canal and the center of New Castle County makes this campground a relatively short trip for most northern Delaware organizations, minimizing travel time and maximizing valuable time spent outdoors. Despite its secluded nature, the camp is not difficult to reach, offering that desirable balance of being "away from it all" while still being close to home.

It is important to note that access to the Youth Camp area is controlled. Primitive camping vehicles are the only ones permitted beyond the gate to maintain the secluded and rustic atmosphere that groups value. This controlled access ensures a higher level of safety and privacy for the groups utilizing the sites.

The Lums Pond Youth Camp provides essential, primitive services tailored to the needs of organized youth and group camping, focusing on simplicity and the traditional outdoor experience.

• Group Site Capacity: There are typically three large, primitive campsites available in this section. Each site is designed to accommodate a substantial number of campers, with a maximum capacity often set at up to 50 persons per site, making it suitable for larger scout troops or church groups.
• Reservation System: Camping is exclusively available by advance reservation only. This ensures that the secluded nature of the camp is preserved and space is confirmed for organized groups. Booking must be done directly through the Lums Pond State Park office.
• Essential Amenities: Each dedicated group site is equipped with core amenities necessary for a rustic stay, including a picnic table for group meals and a designated fire ring for campfires and cooking.
• Sanitation Facilities: The primitive campground is equipped with portable toilets strategically placed for convenient use by all sites. Campers should be aware that, as a primitive area, showers and traditional bathhouses are not available here, reinforcing the rustic camping commitment.
• Dedicated Group Support: The camp's operation is supported by the staff of Lums Pond State Park, who are available to assist with group logistics and adherence to park regulations, ensuring a safe and organized outing.
• Potable Water: Campers must plan accordingly as the primitive youth sites may not offer drinking water directly on-site, requiring groups to bring their own supply for drinking and cooking purposes.

Choosing the Lums Pond Youth Camp provides groups with access to both the secluded camp atmosphere and the wealth of recreational features available throughout Lums Pond State Park.

• Seclusion and Quiet: A highly praised feature by past visitors, the Youth Camp offers a quiet, more secluded alternative to the main campground, fostering a deeper sense of natural immersion for youth groups.
• Direct Access to Park Trails: The camp’s location provides easy access to the park’s extensive trail system, which includes over 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use, such as the popular Little Jersey Trail.
• Lums Pond Water Activities: Groups can easily access the main park amenities near Delaware's largest freshwater pond. While swimming is generally prohibited, the park offers boat rentals for kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, perfect for group excursions (seasonal availability applies).
• Go Ape! Treetop Adventure: A massive highlight of the state park is the Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park, offering high-flying obstacles and ziplines through the forest canopy—a thrilling activity for youth groups.
• Amphitheater-Style Fire Pit: Some primitive group sites feature a large, amphitheater-style fire pit, which is perfect for nightly gatherings, storytelling, and educational programs around a central campfire.
• Nature Center and Education: The nearby Whale Wallow Nature Center offers educational programming and live animal exhibits, providing valuable learning opportunities about Delaware’s unique ecosystems for all participating youth.
• Sports Fields and Courts: Within the main park area, groups can utilize various athletic facilities, including disc golf, cricket, football, soccer, and tennis courts, for organized sports and recreation.

The Lums Pond Youth Camp is a specialized part of a Delaware State Park, and as such, all bookings and inquiries must go through the main park office to check availability and complete the reservation process.

• Address (Lums Pond State Park Main Office): 1068 Howell School Rd, Bear, DE 19701, USA
• Youth Camp Location (General GPS): 2610 Red Lion Rd, Bear, DE 19701, USA
• Park Office Phone for Reservations: (302) 368-6989
• Toll-Free Reservation Number (Delaware State Parks): (877) 987-2757

Lums Pond Youth Camp is the superior choice for chartered groups in Delaware because it offers a dedicated, secluded, and affordable venue for large-scale primitive camping. Unlike a standard public campground, the youth camp is structured for organized group use, providing the necessary space and privacy that is critical for youth supervision and programming. The reservation-only system ensures that groups have confirmed, undisturbed access to sites designed to accommodate up to 50 people, eliminating the uncertainty of finding adjacent spots in a general camping area.

For a reservation fee that offers excellent value, groups gain access to a rustic, natural environment that encourages traditional camping skills and teamwork, while also benefiting from the extensive resources of Lums Pond State Park. The proximity to high-adventure activities like the Go Ape course, educational opportunities at the Nature Center, and diverse trails means that trip leaders have an abundance of programming options. Choosing this camp is an investment in providing Delaware's youth with a memorable, safe, and enriching outdoor experience that is both conveniently located and naturally preserved. It truly stands out as the premier destination for organized group camping in New Castle County.

Lums Pond Youth Camp

Delaware 19701, USA