• Winter sunrise, Kittatinny Ridge

    Delaware Water Gap

    National Recreation Area NJ,PA

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  • River Safety, River Road

    River Road is closed 6/18-20 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for routine repair. ... Until river levels drop, swimming is prohibited and life jackets muist be worn on any vessel on the rriver within the park. More »

Boat

A boat rounding a curve in a river
Upstream through the Gap
 

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area includes nearly 40 miles of the free-flowing Delaware River. One of the most popular activities enjoyed by visitors each year is boating.

Boat Launches & Canoe Access Points

Regulations.
Within the Smithfield/Coppermine Pool: Operating a vessel within the designated swimming area, as delineated by regulatory buoys, is prohibited. Operating a vessel in excess of 5-mph or creating a wake while within 500 feet upstream or downstream of the designated swimming area, as delineated by regulatory buoys, is prohibited. Operating a vessel propelled by machinery within the designated canoe channel, as delineated by regulatory buoys, is prohibited.
Within the Milford Beach pool: Operating a vessel within the designated swimming area as delineated by regulatory buoys is prohibited.

Camping is limited to boaters on authorized overnight trips.

Personal water craft and waterskiing are prohibited in the park.

It is unlawful to operate a vessel while intoxicated.

Seasonal speed limits
From April 1 through September, 30: 10 mph speed limit
From October 1 through 31 March 31: 35 mph speed limit

More Information
Water Safety

Did You Know?

A ranger testing water quality in a stream.

... that the Middle Delaware River exceeds ordinary federal standards for clean water. Because of this, special higher standards have been set for the river, so it does not "deteriorate" to being just "clean enough." The river in this park is, and will remain, truly "cleaner than clean." More...