The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area spans over 70,000 acres across the Pennsylvania and New Jersey border.
Smithfield Beach is situated at a point on the river where the Delaware is wide enough to facilitate safer swimming compared to the swifter currents found closer to the Gap itself.
The beach serves as a popular transit point for canoeists and kayakers completing multi-day river trips.
As part of the National Park System, the site is subject to specific federal regulations regarding resource protection and wildlife interaction.
Smithfield Beach is a designated swimming area located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania. It features a sandy beach situated along a broad, slow-moving section of the Delaware River. The site provides essential amenities for day-use visitors, including picnic tables, charcoal grills, and public restrooms. It serves as a primary access point for both swimmers and paddlers navigating the middle section of the river. The beach is monitored by the National Park Service, which maintains the grounds and enforces park-wide safety regulations. Visitors are advised that river conditions, including water levels and currents, change frequently based on weather patterns. The area is positioned near the base of the mountains that define the Delaware Water Gap corridor.
The shoreline looking north toward the forested slopes of the Delaware Water Gap.
Check the official National Park Service website for current water quality advisories before swimming.
Bring water shoes, as the river bottom can be rocky despite the sandy beach area.
Pack out all trash, as there are limited disposal facilities on site.
Do not attempt to swim across the river, as hidden currents and boat traffic create significant hazards.
Swimming is permitted only during the summer season when lifeguards or designated monitoring is in effect.
No glass containers allowed; pets must remain on a leash at all times; federal regulations prohibit the collection of natural artifacts.
