Turtle Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Turtle Beach is one of three swimming areas within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and the only one located on the New Jersey side of the park. It is open year-round from 6 AM to 8 PM.
FEES
Entrance fees are collected at Turtle Beach from mid-April through early October. This applies to everyone, whether arriving in a vehicle, on a bike, on foot, or on a magic carpet. 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 on the day they use the facilities. At Turtle 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 box. 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.
Typical collection box at fee areas within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
BEACH AND AMENITIES
Turtle Beach is divided into two sections by a stand of trees. On the south side is the beach and a picnic area. On the north side is the parking lot and another picnic area. Both sides have their own restrooms. The restroom building at the beach has two outdoor rinse-off showers for feet and lower legs (the spigot is knee high).
Picnic tables overlooking Turtle Beach at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Restroom and outdoor rinse-off facility at Turtle Beach, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
It is a .2-mile walk along a gravel path from the parking lot to the beach. There is a separate road to the beach that ends in a loop, but there is no parking. I have no idea what this road is for other than to perhaps drop off passengers or disabled visitors at the beach.
Gravel path from the Turtle Beach parking lot to the beach, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
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 at Turtle Beach, this is a generally safe area for swimming. There are no lifeguards, so regardless of how safe it might be, swimming is at your own risk.
View of Turtle Beach from the Delaware River, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Pets, other than service animals, are not allowed at Turtle Beach at any time. Furthermore, no kites, glass containers, alcohol, or flotation devices other than U. S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are allowed at the beach.
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Last updated on January 28, 2024
