Generated illustration of a natural swimming setting; not a photograph of this location
Designated River BeachesNJ

Delaware Water Gap Swimming Spots

By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated

Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.

The Glen on Van Campens Brook prohibits swimming and wading. Find official Delaware Water Gap beach guidance, current restrictions, fees and safety information.

Water type
Designated River Beaches
Access
Designated area only
Fee
Beach fees April through October; check current NPS fees
Best season
when a designated beach is open and river conditions permit swimming
Nearby towns
Delaware Water Gap Area, New Jersey And Pennsylvania
Water body
Delaware River

Location

Map & Directions

NJ
Nearby towns
Delaware Water Gap Area, New Jersey And Pennsylvania
Designated beach search
Turtle Beach, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, New Jersey
Map searches for the named location. Confirm the entrance and current access with the park before you go.

Sources & checks

This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.

Swimming rules
Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
Access location not verified
The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
Record updated
· This is a data update, not a field visit.

Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.

The Glen: swimming and wading are prohibited

Our previous guide incorrectly recommended The Glen on Van Campens Brook for swimming. The National Park Service prohibits swimming and wading throughout this protected trout stream. Visitors must remain on the trail. See the official Van Campen Glen rules.

Use designated river beaches

NPS identifies Turtle Beach in New Jersey and Milford Beach and Smithfield Beach in Pennsylvania as designated swimming beaches. Choose an open designated beach and check current conditions before entering the river. Swimming is also prohibited at Karamac; the old Farview directions in this guide have been removed.

Beach conditions, fees and safety

NPS reports no lifeguards at these beaches. Beach fees apply April through October. Use a properly fitted life jacket, swim with a companion and never attempt to cross the river. Consult the official NPS swimming page for beach directions, fees, restrictions and current information.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring drinking water, especially for Milford Beach, where NPS reports no potable supply. Beach rules exclude pets, alcohol and water toys. Life jackets are the permitted exception to the flotation-device restriction. Turtle Beach has picnic tables and restrooms but no vessel launch. Choose your beach before travel rather than treating this regional listing as one entrance.

Getting There

For directions to an open designated beach, use the National Park Service swimming page: https://www.nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/swim.htm. Turtle Beach is in New Jersey; Milford Beach and Smithfield Beach are in Pennsylvania. Do not use the former Farview/Karamac or The Glen swimming directions.

Access Notes

Swimming and wading are prohibited anywhere along Van Campens Brook, including The Glen. NPS also prohibits swimming at Karamac. For swimming, use an open designated beach: Turtle Beach in New Jersey, or Milford Beach or Smithfield Beach in Pennsylvania. Follow posted restrictions and closures.

Plan Your Visit

Parking & Access

Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.

Regulations & Fees

Swimming and wading are prohibited anywhere along Van Campens Brook, including The Glen. NPS also prohibits swimming at Karamac. For swimming, use an open designated beach: Turtle Beach in New Jersey, or Milford Beach or Smithfield Beach in Pennsylvania. Follow posted restrictions and closures. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.

Seasonality & Flow

Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.

What to Bring

Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.

Nearby Facilities

Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.

Map data retrieved 2026-06-15

Delaware Water Gap Park and Ride

Park & ride

4.2 (46)

Unnamed Road, Stroudsburg, PA 18360

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

National reserve

4.7 (6773)

1978 River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324

Vast forested preserve featuring hiking trails, campsites & water sports on the Delaware River.

Cycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom

Mountain Vista Campground

Campground

4.3 (428)

415 Taylor Dr, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water

Cranberry Run Campground

Campground

4.4 (267)

188 Campground Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301

Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA Holiday

Campground

4.2 (877)

227 Hollow Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302

Free Wi-Fi

Restroom

Public bathroom

4.4 (7)

Camelback Rd, Tannersville, PA 18372

Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau

Visitor center

4.3 (100)

1004 W Main St, Stroudsburg, PA 18360

Gender-neutral restroomRestroom

Pennsylvania Welcome Center

Tourist information center

4.4 (1716)

18 River Rd, Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327

Restroom

Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Water Gap Swimming Spots

Can you swim or wade at The Glen?

No. The National Park Service prohibits swimming and wading anywhere along Van Campens Brook, including The Glen.

Where does NPS designate swimming beaches at Delaware Water Gap?

Turtle Beach is in New Jersey. Milford Beach and Smithfield Beach are in Pennsylvania. Use an open designated beach and check NPS conditions and restrictions before visiting.

Are there lifeguards at these beaches?

No. The current NPS swimming page states that there are no lifeguards at the beaches.

Are beach fees charged?

NPS charges beach fees April through October. Check the official NPS swimming and fees pages for current prices and pass information.

Highlights

Designated NPS beaches only
No swimming or wading in Van Campens Brook
No lifeguards at NPS beaches

Location & Area Map

Safety Information

Important Safety Tips

  • Do not swim or wade in Van Campens Brook
  • Use an open designated beach and follow posted restrictions
  • There are no lifeguards at NPS beaches
  • Wear a properly fitted life jacket and swim with a companion
  • Never attempt to swim across the Delaware River

Conservation & Ethics

Protect This Place

Van Campens Brook is a protected trout stream. NPS prohibits swimming and wading throughout the brook and requires visitors to remain on the trail.

Explore More Nearby Swimming Guides

You Might Also Like

At a Glance

Best Time to Visit
when a designated beach is open and river conditions permit swimming
Difficulty Level
Varies by designated beach; check NPS access information
Fee
Beach fees April through October; check current NPS fees
Facilities
Check NPS for facilities at the beach you plan to visit. NPS reports no lifeguards at its swimming beaches.
Activities
Swimming at open designated beaches only
Phone
570-426-2452

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

Camping Information

Unknown

Loading weather data…

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

  • Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
  • Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
  • Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes

Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.

Explore More Swimming Holes

Discover other amazing natural swimming destinations across America