Plan Your River Trip

 
pair of red kayaks float down river, each with a pair of kayakers holding blue and yellow paddles. All are wearing life jackets. Green bushy trees line bank against blue sky with puffy white clouds. River reflects the blue and green of trees and sky.
Kayaks paddling down the river.

NPS

 

A fun and safe trip anywhere starts with a good plan.

Things to Know Before You Go

 

Water Safety

If you are planning to spend time in or on the river, please bring a life jacket with you. River currents are often stronger than they appear, and the water temperature is often much colder than air temperature, with risks of drowning and hypothermia.

Life jackets are required to be within reach for anyone who is boating or using a vessel on the river, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, inner tubes, and other watercraft. Life jackets must be worn by children 12 years old and younger. When the river is six feet or higher, and during the Cold Water Mandatory Life Jacket season from November 1 – April 30, everyone on the river must wear a life jacket.

Call the river hotline to learn about daily river conditions at 845-252-7100. Please note is is only available between May 1 - October 1. Check out our river safety information for more details on how to be safe in and around the river.

 

 

Public Accesses

Do your research before your trip on locations and amenities of public accesses. While all public accesses can accommodate visitors on-foot, only a few are designed to launch a boat. Parking may be limited. Please refer to our public accesses page for more information.

Please respect the local community and do not launch from, take out on, or park in private property.

Limited Cell Reception

Cell phone connectivity is limited within the park boundaries. Please be aware that you may not have cell phone reception and thus be unable to make calls or text in many areas of the park and while on the river.

With limited connectivity, it is always a good idea to make a plan. Let someone else know where you are going, what you are doing, and when you plan to return, in case anything happens.

 

Emergency Contact Information

Know who you can call for help. In an emergency, always call 911.

National Park Service 24 Hour Dispatch: 570 426-2457

New York State Police
Deposit (near Hancock): 607-467-3215
Narrowsburg: 845-252-3212
Deerpark (north of Port Jervis): 845-856-5911

Pennsylvania State Police
Honesdale: 570-253-7126
Blooming Grove (near Hawley): 570-226-5718

 

Recommended Packing List

 

Boating

Thinking of heading out on the water? Options from whitewater rafting to floating along the river abound. There are many liveries located along the river where you can rent a boat, canoe, kayak, inner tube, and other vessels and equipment. You are also permitted to bring your own equipment. However, a valid state registration is required for all motorized watercraft and for any commercial non-motorized vessels launching from Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission accesses. Please also familiarize yourself with mandatory life jacket rules while on the river.

 
  • Boating
    Boating

    The Upper Delaware's mild rapids and quiet pools are ideal for canoeing, kayaking, or rafting.

  • Public access area into a river. Paved ramp inclines into the river. People with kayaks enter water.
    Boat Rentals

    Learn about liveries and boat rentals on the Upper Delaware river.

  • Park Ranger tugs on life jacket worn by intern at shoulders. Both smile at camera.
    Safety

    Learn essential safety tips and information for recreating on and around the Upper Delaware River.

 

Fishing

The Upper Delaware is known as an excellent fishery, with trout, bass, walleye, eels, and shad in abundance. Bait and tackle shops are located in the area. If you plan to fish, and are 16 or older, you need a New York or Pennsylvania fishing license, which is valid on either side of the river. Licensed commercial fishing guides also operate on the Upper Delaware. New Jersey fishing licenses are not valid on the river.

 
  • Fishing
    Fishing

    The pristine water of the Delaware River provides ideal habitat for a variety of fish and is well known for ample fishing opportunities.

  • Two men in motorboat with fishing rods in the middle of the river.
    Fishing Permits

    Learn about fishing licenses and permits at Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

  • three people standing in boat with motor. Man in middle holds up large, green-gray fish.
    Fishing Regulations

    Check up on the most up-to-date laws fishing laws and regulations before you reel in your next big catch!

 

Camping & Lodging

No campgrounds within the park boundaries are owned by the National Park Service. However, there is a Pennsylvania State Forest primitive camping area within Delaware State Forest, near Pond Eddy, NY that is administered by the NPS. This site is only accessible by boat and is for river users only. To obtain a permit to this campground, contact the National Park Service at 570-685-4871. Permits are first-come, first-served.

In addition, numerous privately-owned campgrounds are along or near the river. We recommend you make reservations in advance for these campgrounds.

Hotels and other lodging are available in various towns, townships, and boroughs in and along the river valley. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the summer season.

 
  • gray-green tent with blue rain tarp nestled in between tree trunks in forest.
    Camping

    Explore camping opportunities along the Upper Delaware river!

  • White two-story wood frame house with grey A-frame roof, dark green shutters, and small front porch
    Lodging

    View list of lodging options within the park boundaries.

Last updated: May 6, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

274 River Road
Beach Lake, PA 18405

Phone:

570 685-4871

Contact Us