Lums Pond Youth Camp

For youth organizations, scout troops, and school groups in the Delaware region, finding a dedicated space to connect with nature is essential for building teamwork and outdoor skills. Lums Pond Youth Camp, located within the expansive Lums Pond State Park, offers a specialized "primitive" camping experience designed specifically for organized youth groups. Unlike the bustling main family campground, the Youth Camp is known for its seclusion and tranquility, providing a focused environment where young explorers can immerse themselves in the hardwood forests surrounding Delaware’s largest freshwater millpond. This area is tucked away from the more high-traffic zones of the park, ensuring that your group can enjoy a peaceful retreat under the stars.

The Lums Pond Youth Camp operates as a primitive site, meaning it prioritizes a "back-to-basics" approach to the great outdoors. This setting is perfect for groups looking to practice traditional camping techniques, such as tent pitching, outdoor cooking, and fire safety. The camp is managed by the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation, ensuring that while the experience is rustic, it remains safe and well-maintained. Because it is a designated youth area, it offers a level of privacy that allows for structured programs and late-night campfire stories without the typical distractions of a mixed-use campground.

Location and Accessibility are key factors that make this site a top choice for regional organizations. The Youth Camp is situated off Route 71 and Howell School Road in Bear, Delaware, with a specific GPS entrance typically recognized at 2610 Red Lion Road. Its location in New Castle County makes it highly accessible for groups traveling from Wilmington, Newark, or even across the state line from Maryland and Pennsylvania. While the site itself is primitive and nestled within the woods, the park infrastructure provides necessary support for arrivals. Highlights of the location include:

• Located within the 1,790-acre Lums Pond State Park in Bear, DE.
• Dedicated on-site parking for group vehicles and equipment trailers.
• Secluded primitive area separate from the main RV and family tent loops.
• Easy road access via DE-71, making it simple for buses or carpools to reach the gate.
• Proximity to the park’s main office (1068 Howell School Rd) for check-in and administrative needs.

Services Offered at Lums Pond Youth Camp are intentionally minimal to preserve the primitive camping experience, yet they provide the essential framework for a successful group outing. The camp consists of three large, distinct sites that can be reserved individually or together for larger gatherings. Because this area is specifically for chartered youth groups, the reservation process is handled directly through the park office rather than standard online portals. The primary services include:

• Three spacious primitive campsites, each capable of accommodating up to 50 people.
• On-site parking areas specifically for the youth camp users.
• Access to potable water through the main park office or a central spigot within the park grounds.
• Portable toilet facilities provided on-site for group convenience.
• Professional park ranger patrols to ensure the safety and security of all young campers.
• Check-in services through the main Park Office and Nature Store.

Features and Highlights of the Youth Camp extend beyond the campsites themselves. Staying here gives your group "front-row" access to the diverse habitats and recreational opportunities that make Lums Pond State Park a crown jewel of Delaware’s park system. From the 200-acre pond to the miles of multi-use trails, the highlights include:

• Large, established fire rings at each site for evening campfires and cooking.
• Traditional picnic tables provided for group meals and outdoor classroom sessions.
• Access to over 10 miles of trails, including the Swamp Forest Trail which circles the pond.
• Proximity to the Go Ape! Zipline Treetop Adventure course for high-energy group activities.
• Boat rentals (kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats) available seasonally at the nearby boathouse.
• Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including ospreys, great blue herons, and turtles.
• Access to the park's athletic fields, disc golf course, and off-leash dog park.

If your organization is planning a trip to Lums Pond Youth Camp, it is important to note that reservations are required and should be made well in advance, especially during the peak spring and fall scouting seasons. The camp is available for chartered youth groups with a mandatory minimum ratio of one adult supervisor for every ten youths. For inquiries regarding availability or to secure a permit, you can contact the park office:

• Address: 2610 Red Lion Rd (Camp Entrance) / 1068 Howell School Rd (Main Office), Bear, DE 19701, USA
• Phone: (302) 368-6989

What is worth choosing at Lums Pond Youth Camp is the unparalleled opportunity for group bonding in a strictly educational and recreational environment. If you are looking for a location that prioritizes the safety and privacy of minors while offering a true wilderness feel, this is the premier choice in Northern Delaware. It is worth choosing for its affordability—with a flat reservation fee that is significantly lower than commercial campgrounds—and for its "carry-in, carry-out" philosophy that teaches campers the importance of environmental stewardship. Choosing this camp means giving your group the space to grow, explore, and learn in one of the most beautiful natural settings the First State has to offer.