Smithfield Beach at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
There are three designated swimming beaches within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: Milford Beach, Smithfield Beach, and Turtle Beach. There is nothing prohibiting people from swimming elsewhere on the Delaware River (except at Kittatinny Point), however swimming outside of the beach areas is dangerous due to strong currents. The water at the beaches, on the other hand, is as still as a lake. Do keep in mind that even at the beaches you are swimming at your own risk. There are no lifeguards on duty. All beaches are closed for safety reasons when the Delaware River water level reaches 15 feet at the Montague River Gauge (near Milford Beach).
Entrance fees are collected at all three beaches from mid-April through mid-October. The fee applies to everyone who uses the beach or parks at the beach, whether you arrive in a vehicle, on a bike, on foot, or on a magic carpet. There is no fee to use the boat ramps at the beaches as long as the vehicle transporting you departs the facility after dropping you off or picking you up. Boaters who park at the beach must pay the entrance fee. See the National Park Service’s official Fees and Passes web page for the current prices.
Season passes are available specifically for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Fees are not covered by the annual National Park Pass, but Senior, Military, Access, Golden Age, and Golden Access pass holders do get a 50% discount.
Those without a season pass can pay at the beach for the day they use the facilities. Each beach has a fee station 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. Since there is no way to know ahead of time what the situation will be, do not head to the beach without a check or the proper amount of cash unless you have a season pass.
When paying with cash or check, use the collection boxes that are at each beach. 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 or carry it with you if you came on foot, bike, or magic carpet. If using cash, know the fee ahead of time and bring the appropriate bills because there is no way to get change.
All three beaches have picnic areas and restrooms. The facilities and beach grounds are open from 6 AM to 8 PM during the fee season, and from sunrise to sunset the rest of the year.
Use of flotation devices other than U. S. Coast Guard approved life jackets is prohibited. Furthermore, no kites, glass containers, or alcohol is allowed at the beaches. Pets, other than service animals, are not allowed at Milford Beach and Smithfield Beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and at all times at Turtle Beach. The only exceptions are for those passing through the beach areas on the McDade Recreational Trail or launching boats at one of the boat ramps.
See the following web pages here on National Park Planner for more information:
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Last updated on August 2, 2024
