Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

View of the Delaware River cutting between two low mountain peaks

The Delaware Water Gap is the geologic formation that gives the park its name. This distinctive cut thru the Kittatinny ridgeline was made by the Delaware River over thousands of years.

A waterfall flows toward the viewer along a rocky riverbed.

Fulmer Falls is the second of three waterfalls in George W. Childs Park

A woman braids rye straw for hatmaking

a snaking river view from a mountain top

High view of the Delaware River from atop Mount Tammany

Great Blue Herons attending their nests in a tree

Great Blue Herons attend their nests in a tree

A strongly running Dingmans Falls waterfall surrounded by plants.

Dingmans Falls in summer, as seen from the wheelchair and stroller accessible boardwalk

Silver Thread Falls, as seen from the Dingmans Falls Boardwalk

Photos: National Park Service

About Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history, and striking scenery along 40 miles of the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi. The park offers year-round recreation including hiking, paddling, fishing, and hunting.

Quick Facts

State New Jersey

Designation National Recreation Area

State Code NJ,PA

Weather Spring: Temperatures usually range from lows of 26 F to highs of 80 F with average rainfall of 5 inches. Summer: Temperatures usually range from lows of 55 F to…

Location & Map

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located in New Jersey.

Get Directions

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle $10.00

Entrance fee for beaches and boat launches. Fee is good for one vehicle and it's passengers (up to 7 people).

Operating Hours

Park roads are open 24-hours a day. Most day-use areas within the park are open sunrise to sunset (such as trailhead parking lots, Millbrook Village, and all picnic areas).

Wednesday All Day

Monday All Day

Thursday All Day

Sunday All Day

Tuesday All Day

Friday All Day

Saturday All Day

Activities

Arts and Culture Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Biking Boating Camping Backcountry Camping Canoe or Kayak Camping Car or Front Country Camping Group Camping RV Camping Climbing Fishing Freshwater Fishing Fly Fishing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Canoe or Kayak Camping Kayaking Junior Ranger Program Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Snowshoeing Swimming Freshwater Swimming Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is a long, narrow park that sits between two major interstates, I-80 at the south and I-84 at the north. US 209 is the main north/south road through the park on the Pennsylvania side and Old Mine Road is the main north/south road though the park on the New Jersey side.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA, 18324

Phone 5704262452

Email dewa_interpretation@nps.gov

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park $45.00

Annual seasonal pass for expanded amenity fee areas. Passes can be purchased from park visitor centers or staffed fee booths located at Milford Beach, Smithfield Beach, and Turtle Beach.

Topics & Themes

Architecture and Building Arts Dams Conservation Movement Animals Birds Foothills, Plains and Valleys Forests and Woodlands Geology Freshwater Springs Lakes River and Riparian Scenic Views Trails Waterfalls Wetlands

Things To Do

Millbrook Village

Take a walk around Millbrook Village.

Easy Hike Along Hornbecks Creek

An easy, one-mile out and back hike along the Lower Hornbecks Creek will lead visitors to a small waterfall, but…

Biking on the McDade Recreational Trail

Snowshoe and Cross-country Ski on the McDade Trail

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the McDade Recreational Trail.

Hike the Cliff Trail

The Cliff Trial along the Raymondskill Ridge has gorgeous scenic views and just enough elevation gain to get the heart…

Tour Old Mine Road

Take a tour of Old Mine Road.

Cruise along one of the oldest roads in the country and view historic structures from the comfort of your own…

Visitor Centers

Bushkill Meeting Center

A visitor center with restrooms, a bookstore, and passport stamps. The building and bathrooms are accessible. America the Beautiful passes and park season passes are…

Hours: A visitor center with restrooms, a bookstore, and passport stamps. The building and bathrooms are accessible. America the Beautiful and Park Season passes are available by appointment only. Please visit our Fees & Passes page for more information.

Campgrounds

Dingmans Campground

Dingmans Campground is a 136-site rustic campground located in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania. Dingmans Campground offers a variety of settings with campsites along the river, forest…

136 Sites

Mohican Outdoor Center

Primitive group campsites in a wooded setting adjacent to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in New Jersey; Drinking water available; Call 603-466-2727 for additional information…

16 Sites

River Camping

The Middle Delaware Scenic and Recreational River offers 62 primitive campsites along the water. These sites are available for overnight paddling trips along the Delaware…

62 Sites