Smithfield Beach
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania · on Delaware River · Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Verified · 5 independent sources
- WATER
- river
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $10 per vehicle
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Smithfield Beach
Smithfield Beach is a National Park Service-managed swimming hole on the Delaware River within Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, about 7 miles north of the town of Delaware Water Gap, PA. For anyone looking for a river to swim in here, it is one of only three officially designated swim beaches in the recreation area, with a grassy/sandy shoreline, picnic areas, restrooms, and boat/canoe launch access. It operates as a fee area from April through October.
The beach sits on River Road along the Delaware River inside the national recreation area, with a grassy/sandy shoreline backed by woods and mountain slopes typical of the Water Gap corridor. It also serves as an access point for the Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail, which runs along the river through the park.
Swimming at Smithfield Beach
Swimming is officially permitted only within a designated area of the beach; the NPS website is explicit that there are no lifeguards ('swim at your own risk') and that swimmers should stay within the marked zone and away from boat/canoe launches. The Delaware River here has a broad, sandy/grassy entry that first-hand accounts describe as calm on the surface, but NPS and secondary sources both warn of hidden strong currents and sharp drop-offs beyond the shallows. It suits casual waders and swimmers who stay close to shore rather than open-water swimmers wanting to cross the river.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located on River Road inside Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, approximately 7 miles north of the town of Delaware Water Gap, PA, and reached via US-209/River Road on the Pennsylvania side of the river.
Parking: On-site parking lot is first-come, first-served; it closes to new vehicles when full and reopens as space frees up, spots cannot be reserved, and leaving forfeits your space. Lots commonly fill on summer weekends.
The hike in
Smithfield Beach is a drive-up river beach: the designated swim area is directly adjacent to the on-site parking lot and picnic area, essentially a short walk (under a couple minutes) from the car to the water. No trail hike is needed to reach the swimming area itself, though the beach also serves as a direct access/trailhead point for the much longer Joseph M. McDade Recreational Trail, which runs along the river through the park for those who want to walk or bike further afterward.
Confirmed by two independent first-hand descriptions that both frame it as one of the easiest, most direct-access swim spots in the recreation area, with no mention of any approach hike.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
The designated swim area is a broad, gently-sloping sandy/grassy shoreline that first-hand accounts describe as calm and beginner-friendly, but the official NPS page is explicit that there are no lifeguards on duty ('swim at your own risk'), depth 'varies wildly and unexpectedly' with sharp drop-offs, and swimmers must stay within the marked designated area. Life jackets are recommended for all visitors. Best for kids who stay in the shallow marked zone under direct adult supervision, not for open-water swimming.
Parking
Paid, $10/vehicle/day (NPS 'expanded amenity fee', April-October; a lower ~$7 weekday rate is cited by a secondary source)
First-come, first-served on-site lot; it closes to new vehicles once full and reopens as space frees up (no reserving spots, and leaving forfeits your space). Fills quickly on summer weekends. Walkers/pedestrians passing through on the McDade Trail or simple drop-offs are not charged.
Restrooms
Yes
On-site restrooms at Smithfield Beach itself, including accessible restrooms and additional seasonal restrooms per the NPS facility page (not a trailhead pit toilet situation, full restroom building(s) at the beach parking/picnic area).
Hours
No specific daily open/close hours found; the beach is accessible via River Road whenever the road itself isn't closed for weather or hazards. The $10/vehicle expanded amenity fee applies seasonally, April through October.
On the water
Restrictions: Swimming is prohibited within 50 feet of the boat/canoe launch, and inflatable toys/floaties are banned specifically within the designated swim area (this is a swim-area rule, not a boating ban). Broader park-wide guidance closes the river to public use above a 15-foot gage height and requires life jackets above 8 feet.
The NPS facility page for Smithfield Beach lists both a 'Boat Ramp' and a separate 'Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch' among on-site amenities, and states that commercial livery services also send visitors out on river trips from this beach, though no specific liveries are named on the NPS page itself. No paddleboard-specific mention was found.
Rentals nearby
Canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubes for Delaware River trips (per their site: 'Canoes, kayaks, rafts, tubes & overnights')
103 Five Star Ln, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, same town as Smithfield Beach; exact distance/river put-in relative to Smithfield Beach itself was not stated on their site.
Smithfield Beach: FAQ
Does Smithfield Beach charge a fee?
NPS 'expanded amenity fee' charged April-October: cited as $10 per vehicle per day (a lower ~$7 weekday rate is cited by secondary sources); walkers/pedestrians pay a small fee in some accounts (~$1) but those simply dropping someone off or passing through on the McDade Trail are not charged. Credit/debit accepted only when staff are on duty, otherwise cash stations or fee envelopes are used. Season passes ($12.50-$45, discounted for seniors/military) are sold on-site on weekends.
Is Smithfield Beach kid friendly?
The designated swim area is a broad, gently-sloping sandy/grassy shoreline that first-hand accounts describe as calm and beginner-friendly, but the official NPS page is explicit that there are no lifeguards on duty ('swim at your own risk'), depth 'varies wildly and unexpectedly' with sharp drop-offs, and swimmers must stay within the marked designated area. Life jackets are recommended for all visitors. Best for kids who stay in the shallow marked zone under direct adult supervision, not for open-water swimming.
Do I need to hike to reach Smithfield Beach?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Smithfield Beach?
First-come, first-served on-site lot; it closes to new vehicles once full and reopens as space frees up (no reserving spots, and leaving forfeits your space). Fills quickly on summer weekends. Walkers/pedestrians passing through on the McDade Trail or simple drop-offs are not charged.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Smithfield Beach?
The NPS facility page for Smithfield Beach lists both a 'Boat Ramp' and a separate 'Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch' among on-site amenities, and states that commercial livery services also send visitors out on river trips from this beach, though no specific liveries are named on the NPS page itself. No paddleboard-specific mention was found.
When is the best time to visit Smithfield Beach?
Fee season and normal operation run April through October, with swimming most practical in summer (roughly June-August); weekday visits are described as far less crowded than summer weekends.
What are the rules at Smithfield Beach?
No lifeguards at any time ('swim at your own risk'); swim only in the designated area and never within 50 feet of a boat or canoe launch; life jackets/PFDs strongly recommended, inflatable toys and floaties are prohibited in the swim area; no alcohol; personal grills allowed but no ground fires; pets are not permitted at the beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What water body is Smithfield Beach on?
Smithfield Beach is on Delaware River, a natural river verified in USGS hydrography data.
More swimming holes near East Stroudsburg
★ Top verifiedPromised Land Main Beach
Greentown, Pennsylvanialake
⛺🛶🏄🚤
Laurel Ridge Beach
Hawley, Pennsylvanialake
🛶🏄🚤
Tobyhanna State Park
Tobyhanna, Pennsylvanialake
⛺🛶🚤
Hopatcong State Park
Landing, New Jerseylake
⛺🛶🚤
★ Top verifiedTobyhanna Lake Beach
Coolbaugh Township, Pennsylvanialake
⛺🛶🚤
Tall Timber Lake
Pocono Pines, Pennsylvanialake
⛺