Lums Pond Dog Park

## Introduction / Overview

For dog owners across Delaware, finding a natural, expansive, and truly enriching environment for their furry friends to play is a top priority. The Lums Pond Dog Park, located within the beautiful Lums Pond State Park in Bear, DE, offers precisely that. This is not your typical small, fenced-in urban dog run; it's a sprawling natural area designed for dogs to experience the joy of off-leash freedom in a truly open setting.

What truly sets Lums Pond Dog Park apart is its emphasis on wide open spaces and the unique opportunity for dogs to swim in a pond. This makes it an ideal destination for energetic pups who love to run, fetch, and cool off in the water, offering a natural and stimulating environment that goes beyond standard dog park amenities. Reviewers consistently highlight the sheer amount of room available, confirming that "Our pups, love, running off leash and swimming in the pond."

As part of a state park, Lums Pond Dog Park provides a more natural and less manicured experience, allowing dogs to truly explore. It's a beloved spot for local Delawareans seeking a comprehensive outdoor adventure for their canine companions, where the focus is on expansive play and natural interaction.

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## Location and Accessibility

The Lums Pond Dog Park is situated on an Unnamed Road, Bear, DE 19701, USA, placing it conveniently within the larger Lums Pond State Park. This location in Bear, Delaware, makes it a readily accessible destination for dog owners across northern Delaware and even neighboring states, though state park entrance fees apply.

As a state park amenity, access involves an entrance fee, which is typical for Delaware State Parks. Current fees from March 1st through November 30th are generally $4 per vehicle for Delaware-registered vehicles and $8 per vehicle for out-of-state registered vehicles. During the off-season (December 1st to February 28th/29th), entrance is typically free. The park is generally open daily from 7 AM to 7:30 PM, providing ample time for visits throughout the day. Parking is available within Lums Pond State Park, and the dog park itself is clearly marked within the park grounds.

While the dog park offers off-leash freedom within its designated area, it's crucial to remember that dogs must be kept on a leash (not exceeding 6 feet) in all other areas of Lums Pond State Park, in accordance with Delaware State Park rules. This combination of dedicated off-leash space and extensive leashed trails within a beautiful natural setting makes Lums Pond Dog Park a highly attractive and accessible option for Delaware locals.

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## Services Offered

Lums Pond Dog Park provides services and amenities focused on facilitating natural and expansive play for dogs, particularly those who enjoy water activities. While it leans into a more natural setting, it still offers essential provisions for responsible pet ownership:

• Wide Open Off-Leash Space: The primary service is a vast, wide open space where dogs can run freely off-leash. This is ideal for high-energy dogs who need ample room for sprinting and extensive play.
• Pond Access for Swimming: A significant highlight and service is the pond access, allowing dogs to cool off and enjoy swimming. This is a unique and highly valued feature, as noted by enthusiastic reviews stating pups "love... swimming in the pond."
• Dog Waste Bags (Variable Supply): While the park is intended to provide dog waste bags, user reviews suggest that the supply can be inconsistent. It is always advisable for visitors to bring their own bags to ensure they can clean up after their pets.
• Trash Receptacles: Trash bins are available for the proper disposal of dog waste and other litter, encouraging cleanliness within the park.
• Water Access (for dogs): While not explicitly stated as fountains, the pond provides a natural water source for dogs. Visitors should still consider bringing their own fresh drinking water, especially during warmer months.
• Natural Environment: Unlike urban dog parks, Lums Pond Dog Park offers a more natural, less manicured environment, allowing dogs to explore varied terrain and natural smells.

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## Features / Highlights

Lums Pond Dog Park boasts several compelling features that make it a premier destination for dog owners in Delaware:

• Expansive Off-Leash Area: The most significant highlight is the sheer size of the open space. This allows dogs to truly stretch their legs, engage in long-distance fetch, and run freely in a way that smaller, urban dog parks simply cannot accommodate.
• Natural Water Access (Pond Swimming): The unique opportunity for dogs to swim in the pond is a major draw, especially during warm weather. This provides excellent physical exercise and a fun way for dogs to cool down, a feature not commonly found at many dog parks.
• Integration within a State Park: Being part of Lums Pond State Park means visitors can combine a dog park visit with other outdoor activities such as hiking on leashed trails, picnicking, or enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding park. This offers a full day out for active families and their pets.
• Natural Terrain: The park offers a more natural setting compared to manicured, artificial turf parks. This allows dogs to experience varied ground, including some muddy areas, which can be part of the authentic outdoor experience for many canines.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the wide open spaces often allow for a less crowded feel, contributing to a "nice environment for your dog to explore."
• Lola Approved: As one enthusiastic reviewer stated, it's "Lola approved 🐾🐾," indicating that even the pickiest pups find joy here!

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## Promotions or Special Offers

As a public dog park located within Lums Pond State Park, the Lums Pond Dog Park does not typically offer commercial promotions or special discounts. The main "offer" for visitors is access to a large, natural, and unique off-leash environment for their dogs, for the standard state park entrance fee.

However, dog owners in Delaware can benefit from the state park system's various passes and programs:

• Annual Passes: Delaware residents can purchase an annual park pass for a more cost-effective way to visit Lums Pond and other state parks multiple times throughout the year. As of early 2025, an annual pass for Delaware registered vehicles is $35, and $70 for out-of-state vehicles. Senior and military discounts on annual passes are also available.
• Daily Pass Booklets: For less frequent visitors, booklets of daily passes can offer a slight discount compared to paying daily.

Additionally, the Delaware State Parks system or local dog groups may occasionally host special events at Lums Pond State Park that involve dogs, such as dog-friendly walks, charity events, or responsible pet ownership days. Locals are encouraged to check the official Delaware State Parks website (destateparks.com) and their event calendars for any upcoming activities that might enhance their visit or offer special experiences.

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## Contact Information

For inquiries regarding Lums Pond Dog Park, including its current conditions, rules, or state park entrance fees, the best point of contact is the Lums Pond State Park Office or the Delaware State Parks general information line.

• Address: Unnamed Road, Bear, DE 19701, USA (located within Lums Pond State Park)
• Lums Pond State Park Office Phone: (302) 368-6989
• Delaware State Parks General Information: (302) 739-9220

It is always recommended to check the official Delaware State Parks website (destateparks.com) for the most up-to-date information on park hours (generally 7 AM to 7:30 PM), entrance fees, pet regulations within the wider state park, and any important alerts or announcements.

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## Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For dog owners residing in Delaware, particularly in the Bear area and beyond, Lums Pond Dog Park stands out as a highly suitable and cherished destination. Its appeal for locals is deeply rooted in its expansive natural setting and the unique opportunities it offers for canine recreation.

The primary reason for its suitability is the sheer scale of the off-leash area. Unlike many confined urban dog parks, Lums Pond offers "wide open space!" This is invaluable for high-energy dogs who truly need to run, stretch their legs, and engage in vigorous play. For local pups who love to sprint and explore, this freedom is unparalleled and directly contributes to their physical and mental well-being.

A significant draw and a feature not commonly found in other dog parks is the ability for dogs to swim in the pond. This provides an excellent way for dogs to cool off during warmer months, adds a stimulating element to their play, and caters to water-loving breeds. This natural water access makes it a unique and highly desirable location for Delawareans whose dogs enjoy a good splash.

Furthermore, its location within Lums Pond State Park means that a visit to the dog park can easily be combined with other outdoor activities. Locals can enjoy hiking on leashed trails, picnicking, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the surrounding state park, turning a quick dog outing into a more comprehensive family adventure. While the park entrance fee applies from March to November, many local users find the value offered by the expansive and unique environment well worth the cost, especially with annual pass options.

In essence, Lums Pond Dog Park provides a vital and unique resource for Delaware dog owners. It's a place where pups can truly be dogs – running free, swimming, and exploring in a vast, natural setting. For any local seeking an authentic outdoor experience that caters to their canine companion's need for space and adventure, Lums Pond Dog Park is an ideal and highly recommended choice.