Personal watercraft boat launch at Smithfield Beach, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
See the Boat Launches web page for an interactive boat ramp location map
TYPE
The Smithfield Beach Boat Ramp can accommodate trailer-launched and hand-launched watercraft. Motorized boats must have a valid state registration. There is a separate boat ramp for commercial outfitters and personal boats.
LOCATION
The Smithfield Beach Boat Ramp is located on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River at the southern end of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. If using Google Maps for directions, search “Smithfield Beach Boat Ramp.”
FEES
Fees are collected for parking at Smithfield Beach from mid-April through early October. There is no specific fee to use the boat ramp, so you can get dropped off to launch your boat or picked up at the end of your day on the river for free as long as the vehicle transporting you does not park at the facility.
Yearly passes are available that cover all fee areas in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, or you can pay at the site for the day you use the facilities. At Smithfield Beach, there is a fee station at the entrance that is staffed when enough employees show up for work. When staffed, only credit / debit cards are accepted. If nobody is manning the station, only cash or checks are accepted, so do not head to Smithfield Beach without a check or the proper amount of cash, regardless of whether you end up needing it, unless you have a season pass.
There is a collection box for cash or check payments. Fill out the pay envelope (be sure you have a pen) and place your payment inside. Tear off the receipt, then drop the envelope into the box. Place the receipt on your car dashboard. If using cash, know the fees ahead of time and bring the appropriate amount because there is no way to get change.
These fees are not covered by the annual National Park Pass, but Senior, Access, Golden Age, and Golden Access pass holders do get a 50% discount. Get the latest fees on the National Park Service’s official Fees and Passes web page for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
BOAT RAMP DETAILS
As mentioned, there are two different boat ramps at Smithfield Beach. On the north side of the facility (your left if looking at the Delaware River) is a concrete ramp for personal boats. Those launched from a trailer use the right side of the ramp (yellow side), and hand-launched boats use the left side (green).
Personal watercraft boat launch at Smithfield Beach, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
View downriver from the boat ramp at Smithfield Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
At the southern end of the property is a launch area for commercial outfitters. Since most outfitters are conducting canoe and kayak tours, not motorboat tours, the ramp is dirt. In fact, it’s not really a ramp at all, just a cleared area of shoreline.
Boat launch for commercial outfitters at Smithfield Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
There is a third ramp 150 yards north of the commercial ramp. There is no parking, or even a drop-off area, and it doesn’t appear to be used much. My guess is that it is an alterative launch to use if there is too much traffic at the main ramps.
Third boat launch at Smithfield Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
View from the water of the third boat launch at Smithfield Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
A large parking lot with spaces for vehicles with trailers is located next to the personal boat ramp. There is no parking at the commercial ramp.
Parking lot for vehicles with boat trailers at Smithfield Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
At the personal boat ramp is a fancy outhouse—what I call a portable toilet in a permanent building—and at the commercial boat ramp is a small, modern restroom. A large, modern restroom is located in the middle of Smithfield Beach near the parking areas.
Fancy outhouse next to the personal boat launch at Smithfield Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Restroom next to the commercial outfitters boat launch at Smithfield Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
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Last updated on January 25, 2024
