Delaware River in the Water Gap

40 free-flowing miles with river campsites.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area protects 40 miles of the longest free-flowing river in the East, running between wooded ridges in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to the gap it cuts through Kittatinny Ridge. Liveries drop you upstream for a day float, or you can string together nights at 62 primitive river campsites booked by zone on Recreation.gov. The current is gentle, but the riverbed has sudden drop-offs and strong hidden currents, so keep life jackets on.

At a glance

River

40 miles inside the park

River campsites

62 primitive, zone permits on Recreation.gov

Overnight rule

14+ river miles for a one-night trip

Speed

2–3 mph between rapids at average levels

Liveries

8 permitted outfitters

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate

What’s here

• Flatwater
• Multi-day trips
• Paddle-in camping
• Boat rentals
• Fishing

Rentals, guides and shops

• Adventure Sports

  Marshalls Creek livery with canoe, kayak and raft day trips and multi-day trips, shuttle included.

• Edge of the Woods Outfitters

  Canoe, kayak, raft and bike rentals in the village of Delaware Water Gap, plus overnight canoe camping trips.

• Kittatinny Canoes

  Canoe, kayak, raft and tube trips plus riverside campgrounds, upriver around Dingmans Ferry and Milford.

Where to stay

• hotelThe Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort

  Historic resort on the Delaware in Shawnee on Delaware, with a spa and its own brewery.

  15 min drive
• innDeer Head Inn

  Historic inn and jazz club in the village of Delaware Water Gap.

  20 min drive

Nearby

• Bushkill Falls · 20 min drive

  Privately run trails and boardwalks past a series of waterfalls.

• ShawneeCraft Brewing · 15 min drive

  Brewery at the Shawnee Inn with a taproom and wood-fired pizza.

Getting there

• Lehigh Valley International (ABE) · about 50 min drive
• New York City · about 1.75 hr
• Philadelphia · about 2 hr

Directions in Google Maps