Boating on the Delaware River in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

This web page pertains to motorboats. See the Paddling web page for information on hand-paddled watercraft such as canoes and kayaks.

Motorboats are allowed on the Delaware River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Please obey the following rules (per the National Park Service website):

• Boats must have a valid state registration.
• Motorized vessels may not be operated in excess of 5 MPH or create a wake within 500 feet upstream or downstream of designated swimming areas and designated canoe channels, as delineated by regulatory buoys, within the Smithfield / Coppermine Pool and the Milford Beach pool.
• Personal watercraft and waterskiing are prohibited in the park.
• It is unlawful to operate a vessel while intoxicated.
• From April 1st through September 30th, the speed limit is 10 MPH.
• From October 1st through March 31st, the speed limit is 35 MPH.

See the following web pages for information on and photos of boat ramps that allow the launching of motorized boats from a trailer within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area:

Milford Beach Boat Ramp (PA)
Parking fee

Dingmans Ferry Boat Ramp (PA)
Parking fee

Eshback Access Boat Ramp (PA)
Free

Bushkill Access Boat Ramp (PA)
Parking fee

Poxono Boat Ramp (NJ)
Free

Smithfield Beach Boat Ramp (PA)
Parking fee

Worthington State Forest Boat Ramp (NJ)
Free

Kittatinny Point Boat Ramp (NJ)
Free

Keep in mind that if you have a motorized boat that can be hand launched (no trailer), you can use any boat ramp or canoe launch in the park. See the Boat Launches web page for a complete list of launch sites.

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