Washington Crossing Historic Park Canoe Launch on the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
See the Boat Launches web page for an interactive location map.
TYPE
Hand-launched watercraft only.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Canoe Launch on the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
LOCATION
Washington Crossing Historic Park, which is operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is located at 1112 River Road in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania. The canoe launch is the last take-out point within the boundary of the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River.
FEES
While there is no specific fee to use the canoe launch at Washington Crossing Historic Park, a fee-based launch permit is required by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). This requirement is for all types of watercraft including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats, rafts, and sailboats without a motor. This applies even to out-of-state paddlers who are in Pennsylvania on vacation unless their home state already requires launch permits for non-motorized boats and their boat has one attached. Those from states that do not require such permits must get one from the PFBC. If you have three months before your vacation, you can get a permit by mail. There are also retail stores in Pennsylvania where launch permits are sold. See the PFBC’s Registering / Titling An Unpowered Boat web page for details (scroll to the bottom for Launch Permits).
BOAT RAMP DETAILS
The Washington Crossing Historic Park Canoe Launch is a cinderblock ramp designed for all types of boats, but a locked gate at the road prohibits vehicles and the launching of boats from a trailer. People can carry their hand-launched watercraft around the gate.
Gate at the entrance to the Washington Crossing Historic Park Canoe Launch on the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
Washington Crossing Historic Park Canoe Launch on the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
There is a place along the road near the gate where you can park to load or unload your boat and gear, but after doing so you must use the main parking lot on the other side of the road. The walk from the road to the water is no more than 100 yards.
If you are coming from upriver and taking out at Washington Crossing, when you see the Washington Crossing Bridge, be on the lookout for a small island that is separated from the mainland by a very narrow channel. The canoe launch is located on that channel near the downriver end of the island.
Island and bridge right before the Washington Crossing Canoe Launch on the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River
Those launching from Washington Crossing Historic Park and heading downriver will be leaving the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic River. The next public boat ramp is 3.5 miles away in Yardley, Pennsylvania.
View from the canoe launch at Washington Crossing Historic Park
View of the Washington Crossing Bridge from the canoe launch at Washington Crossing Historic Park on the Lower Delaware River
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Last updated on February 26, 2024
