Smithfield Beach on the Delaware River in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

FEES

Smithfield Beach is one of three swimming areas within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Entrance fees are collected from mid-April through early 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 pass through the facility on the McDade Recreational Trail or to use the Smithfield Beach Boat Ramps 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. At Smithfield Beach, there is 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 arrived on foot, bike, or magic carpet. If using cash, know the fees ahead of time and bring the appropriate bills because there is no way to get change.

BEACH AND AMENITIES

While called a “beach,” don’t expect white sand. The beach area is simply a large grass field with a clearing along the riverbank. The Delaware River is typically dangerous to swim in due to current, but because the water pools in the Smithfield Beach area, there is very little current. During the fee season, the swimming area is marked off with ropes in the water. Stay within this area. There are no lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk.