Where can I swim in the Delaware River?

Some popular Delaware River swimming holes are located at Bulls Island just north of New Hope and Lambertville, Farview in Stroudsburg, Flatbrook and Milford swimming holes in Milford, and at the Trestle Bridge in Columbia, New Jersey. 112 Popular swimming lakes include Crater Lake and Highlands Natural Pool.



Swimming in the Delaware River is a popular summer activity, but it requires choosing designated safe spots due to strong currents and deep channels. One of the best areas for "wild swimming" and tubing is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which features official swim beaches like Smithfield Beach and Milford Beach in Pennsylvania, and Turtle Beach in New Jersey. These areas often have lifeguards during the peak summer season. Further south, Lumberville and various spots in Bucks County are popular for tubing and wading. In 2026, water quality monitoring is very active; it is vital to check "River Conditions" before heading out, as heavy rains can lead to high bacteria levels or dangerous debris. Always avoid swimming near urban areas like Philadelphia or Camden, where industrial runoff and heavy commercial shipping traffic make the water unsafe. Wearing a life jacket is strongly recommended for all river activities, even for strong swimmers.

People Also Ask

For its size, the Upper Delaware River contains some of the highest water quality in the eastern United States. The upper portion of the watershed remains largely forested. These forests act as a natural buffer against pollution and erosion by filtering water, which is very important for maintaining water quality.

MORE DETAILS

On March 24, 2023, the Trinseo Altuglas chemical plant in Bristol, Pennsylvania in the United States had an equipment failure that resulted in a leak of between 8,100 and 12,000 gallons of butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and methyl methacrylate into Otter Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River.

MORE DETAILS

Crocodiles and alligators, of course, are not native to the Delaware River, preferring much warmer climates. Some locals are theorizing that a local pet is on the loose.

MORE DETAILS

However, the most famous fact about the Delaware River is the famous crossing of it by George Washington in 1776 which helped him successfully surprise Hessian troops in New Jersey during the American Revolution.

MORE DETAILS

The dead zone on the river ran from Philadelphia to about 25 miles down river in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. That made it impossible for migratory fish like shad to breed. They would die on their journey upstream before they could lay their eggs in the upper Delaware. Once plentiful caviar and sturgeon also disappeared.

MORE DETAILS

Fish consumption advisories issued in early 2018 show that the concentration of chemical contaminants in fish caught from Delaware waterways continues to decline – which indicates water quality is improving throughout the state and also means that fish caught in many Delaware waters can be eaten with lowered concerns ...

MORE DETAILS

No contaminants from the Bristol Township spill have been detected in the Delaware River water: tap water continues to be safe. Residents should continue to use tap water as they normally would.

MORE DETAILS

Here are some of the most important tips for having a safe and fun time on the river: Always wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device (PFD) in the water. Never drink alcohol and swim. Never try to swim across the river.

MORE DETAILS

Enjoy a scenic, fun and refreshing 3 - 4 hour tube, raft, canoe or kayak ride down the Delaware River, which is the nation's most historic river and perfect for outdoor water sport activities.

MORE DETAILS

On March 24, 2023, the Trinseo Altuglas chemical plant in Bristol, Pennsylvania in the United States had an equipment failure that resulted in a leak of between 8,100 and 12,000 gallons of butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and methyl methacrylate into Otter Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River.

MORE DETAILS