Turtle Beach Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

There are two large picnic areas at Turtle Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, one on either side of a stand of trees located at the center of the facility. The south side picnic area is where the beach is, while the north side picnic area is next to the parking lot. Both sides have their own restrooms. There is a fee to use the facility from mid-April through early October. This applies to everyone who uses the beach or parks at the beach, whether arriving in a vehicle, on a bike, on foot, or on a magic carpet. For the current entrance fee, visit the National Park Service’s official Fees and Passes web page for the park.

Turtle Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

All tables are taken on a first come, first served basis. While you are welcome to hold a group event here, the tables are chained to the ground, so there is no way to rearrange them. Groups of 30 or more need a permit to gather, but that doesn’t guarantee any tables. Somebody in the group still has to be there first thing in the morning to stake a claim. The better option is to hold your outing at the Milford Beach Picnic Area, which can be reserved. For information about permits, call the special use permit coordinator for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area at (570) 426-2440.

There are no grills at any of the picnic areas within the park. However, you can bring your own charcoal or gas grill—no ground fires are allowed. For those using charcoal, there are hot coal bins on the premises. Please dump your coals in one of these and not on the ground.

Trash cans and hot ash bins are available at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s Turtle Beach Picnic Area

The south side picnic area is where Turtle Beach is located, and this side is out in the open with only a few small trees to provide shade. It is more festive, though during the summer it is certainly going to be hotter. There are roughly two dozen picnic tables on the hill overlooking the Delaware River.

Turtle Beach Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Three of the picnic tables have metal umbrellas and seats attached. There are also five umbrellas standing on their own, only two of which have a standard picnic table underneath them. The other three are shading nothing but grass, which makes them an ideal location for pitching a blanket.

Turtle Beach Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

The north side picnic area has much more shade. It is not in the forest, but it certainly has a forest-y feel to it. There are fifteen standard tables and seven umbrella tables. There are no views of the Delaware River from this side due to excessive vegetation blocking the view.

Picnic area on the north side of Turtle Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Picnic area on the north side of Turtle Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Restroom building on the north side of Turtle Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

There is a dirt path that runs through the dividing section of trees that connects the two sides together. It is a .2-mile walk from the parking lot to the beach.

Gravel path connects the north and south picnic areas at Turtle Beach, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Also at Turtle Beach is an old house and some sort of barn, neither in the best of shape. They are just old structures with no historical significance, and both are closed to the public.

Old barn at Turtle Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

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