Boating Restrictions

 

Expanded Amenity Fees for parking at boat ramps
Swim Safe!/Su chaleco salvavida | Surviving the Sun

Fishing | Eating the Fish (also see Information Sources below)

 

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are permitted only on some stretches of the river. Review the park's alcohol policy.

 

Speed Limits from April 1 to September 30 each year
A no-wake zone is enforced from 500 upstream of the designated swimming area at Turtle Beach to 500 feet downstream of the designated swimming area at Turtle Beach.
A no-wake zone is enforced from Smithfield Boat Access to 500 feet south of the designated swimming area at Smithfield Beach.
A 10 m.p.h. speed limit is enforced on the rest of the length of the river within the park.

There is no longer a designated zone of 35 m.p.h. for waterskiing. Waterskiing and jetskiing are prohibited.

 

Lifejackets / Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's)

Each occupant on a boat must have a lifejacket (pfd) which fits, is in good shape, and is accessible in an emergency. Children who are 12 years of age and under MUST WEAR A LIFEJACKET on board a vessel.

Lifejackets / Cold Water Safety

In Pennsylvania waters (including the Delaware River) boaters must wear lifejackets on boats less than 16 ft. in length and on canoes and on kayaks, from November 1 through April 30. This regulation is intended to protect boaters from the dangers of cold water shock if they fall into the water.

 

Canoe Campsites

River & Canoe Campsite Map (pdf file)
Page 1: River Safety; Distances; Camping Regulations
Page 2: River map showing location of campsites
(The full size of this file is legal size 8.5 x 14". Adjust print settings to print on 8.5 x 11" letter-size paper.)

 

Information Sources

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife | Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
Pennsylvania Fishes

Buying a fishing license (in person or on line)

 

Compendium of Park Regulations