Plan Your Visit

Getting Started

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  Basic Information

  Find business hours, information, and more.

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  Directions and Transportation

  Find your way to and around the park.

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  Fees & Passes

  Learn about fees and passes in the park.

 

Plan Your Activities

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  Places To Go

  Click here for information about specific places in the park, such as hiking trails, swim beaches, or waterfall sites.

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  Things To Do

  Are you looking to meditate, hike, fish, hunt, or just explore nature? Click here for a list of things to do during your visit.

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  Accessibility Information

  Accessibility information for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

 

Resources

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  National Park Service App

  Keep the park in the palm of your hand!

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  Maps

  Search the park for trails and sites.

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  Guide to the Gap

  Trail maps, history, and more!

 

Conditions and Safety

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  Current Conditions

  Find out the conditions within the park.

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  River Conditions

  See the river levels, temperature, and more.

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  Weather Conditions

  Being prepared for the weather is an important part of planning.

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  River Safety

  Make safe choices when exploring off the river.

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  Safety

  Be prepared for the activities you want to enjoy.

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  Wildlife Safety

  Keep wildlife wild by giving them space.

 

Visitor FAQs

Explore the dropdown list of frequently asked questions to assist with your trip planning.

What can we do in the park?

The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a large natural area with a ton of history.

Hiking on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, learning about historic villages from rangers, watching volunteers demonstrate skills from the 19th century, taking a stroll on a boardwalk trail to waterfalls, picnicking at a swim beach, and so many more activities can be experienced in the park with the right planning.

For more information, explore the Things To Do - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) page for ideas and information on different activities available.

Can I park my car overnight?

This site is open to the public from dawn to dusk for outdoor recreation activities.

Overnight parking is permitted only while the vehicle owner and passengers are:

• Thru-hiking along the Appalachian Trail
• On an extended river trip
• Fishing and hunting during times that fall within applicable state laws (ex: night catfishing)

Register Your Overnight Parking Information Here

Ranger Tip: Don't forget to let a family member or friend know your plans!

Where can we camp?

River Camping

For people kayaking and canoeing the Delaware River for multiple days, there are reservable river campsites available on Recreation.gov.

Developed Campgrounds

There are three developed campgrounds in and immediately arround the park. From RV spaces to primitive tent camping sites, these campgrounds are ready to host your vacation.
Dingmans Campground
Mohican Outdoor Center
Worthington State Forest

Group Camping

For a primitive campground, visit Valley View or River Bend Group Campgrounds. These areas are designed for larger groups to be able to camp together.

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is permitted only for those thru-hiking the Appalachian National Scenic Trail on extended, multi-day trips. There are no other backcountry camping opportunities within the park.

Marijuana/Alcohol/Drug Use

While the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the land is maintained by the federal government. This makes the use of marijuana illegal within the park boundaries. 

Consumption of alcohol is not permitted on land in the park, including at the beaches, picnic areas, and campgrounds.

Possession or use of marijuana or other illicit drugs is punishable by a maximum fine of $5000 and six months in jail. 

Where are pets allowed?

Pets are welcome in most areas of the park! 

However, there are some popular areas where pets are not permitted. Those sites are:

• Dingmans Falls Visitor Center and Recreation Site

• Raymondskill Falls Recreation Site

• Milford, Smithfield, and Turtle Beaches (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)

• George W. Childs Park (closed until further notice)

• Valley View Group Campground

• Rivers Bend Group Campground

Pets must be on a leash of six feet or under at all times.

Owners must pick up after their pet and use proper disposal receptacle. 

Dogs in support of hunting must follow federal and state laws. Conditions can be found in the Superintendent's Compendium.

For more information on visiting the park with pets, please visit Pets - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

What is the Delaware River like?

The Delaware River is a 330-mile stretch of undammed river extending from Hancock, New York to the Atlantic Ocean. 

About 40 miles of the Delaware River falls within the park, surrounded by the Pocono Mountains. This section of river contains class one rapids, making it an easier paddle for beginners. However, the river should not be underestimated.

Before any river adventure, make sure you are prepared! Without a properly-fitted and fastened lifejacket and a plan, the Delaware River can be dangerous. Visit River Safety - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) to learn more ways to stay safe on the river.

For information on river conditions, please visit Current River Conditions - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

How can I rent a boat?

Some local companies work within the park through Commercial Use Authorizations to provide visitors with fun paddling and floating experiences! 

For more information and phone numbers of local companies, please visit Canoe/Kayak Liveries - Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).