Delaware Water Gap Swimming Spots

Few places in the Northeast offer such a satisfying range of natural swimming experiences as the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Straddling the New Jersey shore of the Delaware River, this sprawling recreation area invites visitors to cool off in ways that suit every comfort level — from a developed sandy beach to a hidden waterfall pool reached by trail. Whether you're hauling towels and snacks for a family afternoon or lacing up boots for a more adventurous dip, the Gap has a spot with your name on it.

The Setting: Three Spots, Three Moods

Turtle Beach is the most accessible of the area's swimming destinations, offering a family-friendly stretch of riverfront where the terrain is gentle and the access is straightforward. It's the kind of place where kids wade in gradually, the current is manageable, and a lazy afternoon passes without much effort at all. Farview, by contrast, demands a short hike and rewards it with rocky ledges that drop toward the river and long views across the water into Pennsylvania — the kind of spot where you sit on sun-warmed stone and feel genuinely remote, even if the parking area isn't far behind you. Then there's The Glen, the jewel of the three. A moderate trail with uneven terrain leads you into a shaded hollow where a waterfall feeds a cool, clear pool, and a natural rock slide invites you to barrel through it like you're ten years old again. The roar of the falls, the cold shock of the water, the moss-covered walls of the gorge — The Glen delivers an experience that stays with you.

What to Expect in the Water

The Delaware River runs wide and muscular through this corridor, its water carrying the green tint of a river fed by Appalachian ridges and forest runoff. Depths and currents vary significantly by location and season — Turtle Beach offers calmer, shallower conditions more suited to casual swimmers, while Farview's rocky approach means you'll want water shoes and some confidence. The Glen's waterfall pool is fed by a tributary stream, keeping it refreshingly cold even in midsummer. These are all unofficial or semi-developed spots, so there are no lifeguards on duty; swim with a buddy and read conditions carefully before diving in.

Plan Your Visit

Restroom facilities are available at the Delaware Water Gap Information Center and at the Worthington State Forest campground, where overnight camping is also an option if you want to stretch your stay into a full weekend. There is no fee to swim at these spots, though you should come prepared — bring water, snacks, and sun protection, especially for the hike to Farview or The Glen. Weekdays are noticeably quieter; summer weekends draw crowds that can make parking and solitude harder to come by. The season runs from late spring through early autumn, with May through September offering the most reliable conditions. The town of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, sits just across the river and provides easy access to restaurants, gear shops, and lodging for visitors making a longer trip of it. Plan to arrive early, stay for hours, and leave with wet hair and a better mood than you arrived with.

Directions to Delaware Water Gap Swimming Spots Farview Swimming Area: Starting in Stroudsburg, PA, take Interstate 80 (I-80) east and cross into New Jersey. Take Exit 1 (the first exit in NJ) and follow signs to the Delaware Water Gap Information Center. You will be on Old Mine Road. From the Information Center, head west on Old Mine Road (upstream along the Delaware River). You will pass under I-80 and enter the Water Gap/Worthington State Forest area. Continue on Old Mine Road until you reach a narrow, one-way section controlled by a traffic signal. Proceed through this section carefully. Approximately 1 mile after the one-way section, look for a sign on your right for the Farview hiking trail. On your left, you will see a large parking area marked "Karamac." Park here. From the parking area, follow one of the trails that zig-zag down to the Delaware River. The swimming area is located in the river. The southern end of the swimming area features rocky ledges suitable for jumping (note: jumping is prohibited by park rangers). The northern end has a gradual slope, clean water, and a gentle current during most of the summer. Be cautious of strong currents and check conditions before entering the water. Avoid swimming if the current is too swift. Note: Alcohol is prohibited in the park, and life jackets are required for tubing. Be aware of jet skis on weekends from nearby residents across the river. Coordinates for Farview Parking Area: Latitude: 40.9891, Longitude: -75.1283 Google Maps Link Turtle Beach Swimming Area: From the parking area for Sunfish Pond (near Farview), continue north on Old Mine Road for approximately 5 miles. Look for signs directing you to Turtle Beach, a well-developed swimming area in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Turtle Beach offers lifeguards, changing rooms, and other amenities, making it a great spot for families. Bathing suits are required. Note: There is an entrance fee for the National Recreation Area. Coordinates for Turtle Beach: Latitude: 41.03172, Longitude: -75.03694 Google Maps Link The Glen Swimming Area: From Turtle Beach, continue north on Old Mine Road for approximately 4 miles. Look for the Upper Glen parking area on the east (left) side of the road. Park here. From the parking area, cross the road and follow the trail along Vancampens Brook. Walk downstream (to the right) for about 0.5 miles to reach The Glen swimming area. The Glen features a waterfall that flows into a deep circular swimming hole surrounded by rock faces. There is also a natural rock slide leading to a shallow pool. Jumping is prohibited and considered dangerous. The water is clean and clear, making it a relaxing spot for swimming and water play. Coordinates for Upper Glen Parking Area: Latitude: 41.0652, Longitude: -74.9853 Google Maps Link Coordinates for The Glen Swimming Area: Latitude: 41.05933, Longitude: -74.99578 Google Maps Link Helpful Notes: All swimming areas are located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area or Worthington State Forest. Be mindful of park rules and regulations, including restrictions on alcohol and jumping from rocks. Parking areas are clearly marked, and trails are well-defined. Wear appropriate footwear for hiking to the swimming spots. Always check water conditions and currents before swimming, as the Delaware River can be unpredictable. Safety should be your top priority.

Restroom facilities are available at the Delaware Water Gap Information Center and at the Worthington State Forest campground, where overnight camping is also an option if you want to stretch your stay into a full weekend. There is no fee to swim at these spots, though you should come prepared — bring water, snacks, and sun protection, especially for the hike to Farview or The Glen. Weekdays are noticeably quieter; summer weekends draw crowds that can make parking and solitude harder to come by. The season runs from late spring through early autumn, with May through September offering the most reliable conditions. The town of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, sits just across the river and provides easy access to restaurants, gear shops, and lodging for visitors making a longer trip of it. Plan to arrive early, stay for hours, and leave with wet hair and a better mood than you arrived with.

Access varies by spot. Farview and The Glen are reached via trails from parking areas. Turtle Beach is a developed facility with an entrance fee for the National Recreation Area. All areas prohibit alcohol, and jumping from rocks is prohibited. Parking is available but can fill on weekends.

The Delaware Water Gap has long been a focal point for outdoor recreation and cultural history, including nearby Millbrook Village, which reflects 18th-century life.

Follow Leave No Trace principles. Preserve the natural environment by avoiding littering and respecting wildlife habitats.