Canoe Camping the Delaware River
Section: Matamoras to Delaware Water Gap - 45 miles
Boat Access Points: Matamoras, Dingmans Bridge, Eshback, Bushkill, Smithfield Beach, Poxono Access, Worthington State Forest, Delaware Water Gap
River Class: 1
Description: Beautiful scenery, turkeys, deer, bear, large groups of paddlers on weekends
USGS Gauge: Minimum depth for paddling 2.3 ft at Port Jervis - USGS Website
More Information:
Kittatinny Visitor Center 908-496-4458
Extending approximately 280 miles the Delaware River is the longest un-dammed stretch of river east of the Mississippi River. Because the river is partially protected, it is free from large scale commercial and industrial development. It is clean and clear and serves as a watershed for about 15 million people located in New York City and New Jersey, and also serves as a major recreation attraction for the people of eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York City.
History of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area was established due to the Tocks Island Dam that was to be constructed just several miles upstream of the Delaware Water Gap. This dam was to be one of the largest in the United States stretching almost 40 miles upstream with the purpose of providing electricity and water resources to Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey residents. The Federal government acquired 70,000 acres of property in preparation for the dam; however, due to economics and local opposition the dam project was dropped in 1975, and in 1978 the acquired property was added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The Tocks Island Dam bill was finally ended by Congress in 1992. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area resulted from the 70,000 acres acquired for the now defunct Tocks Island Dam project.
Canoeing Matamoras to the Delaware Water Gap
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area is regulated by the National Park Service and is one of the most popular stretches on the Delaware River. Although the Delaware Water Gap provides many unique opportunities for recreation and exploration, realize that you are not escaping civilization to a more serene environment on this river. There are primitive campsites available, but on the weekends you will be competing with crowds of paddlers, swimmers, barbequers, campers, and fisherman for these camping spots. If you do manage to secure one of these primitive campsites expect to be interrupted by park authorities because primitive camping along the river is only allowed in designated areas on a one night pass through basis only. So when planning a weekend canoe camping trip through the Gap you may want to consider camping at a commercial campsite rather than attempting primitive camping. Camping at a commercial site will allow you to take advantage of the many recreational opportunities offered in the Delaware Water Gap. Visit the Dingmans Campground website.
This section is approximately 16 miles...Update in Progress
If you are determined to camp at one of the primitive campsites you best opportunity will be throughout the week. There are many primitive sites along the Pennsylvania shore and some island camping is available. Contact the National Park Service for more information.
Delaware Water Gap Canoe Liveries and Delaware River Links
Kittatinny Canoes
Adventure Sports
Delaware River Facts
Download the Delaware Water Gap Map
Delaware River Boat Access Points and Mileage