Ask ten people where to go kayaking around Philadelphia, and you’ll probably hear the same handful of places. Fairmount Park. Boathouse Row. Maybe Marsh Creek.
They’re all wonderful places to paddle, but they’re only the beginning.
Some of the best days on the water happen when you venture just a little farther from the city. Within an hour or so, you can trade busy streets for quiet creeks, tree-lined lakes, peaceful wildlife refuges, and winding rivers that feel a world away from Center City.
One weekend, you might find yourself gliding past the Philadelphia skyline. The next, you’re listening to nothing but birdsong in the Pine Barrens or drifting along the Delaware River surrounded by rolling hills.
That’s one of the things I love most about living here. We have access to an incredible variety of paddling destinations without making a full weekend trip out of it.
This guide isn’t meant to rank the “best” places—because everyone’s idea of the perfect paddle is different. Some people enjoy calm lakes where the kids can safely learn to kayak. Others prefer longer river trips, wildlife viewing, or scenic canals with plenty of history.
Instead, think of this as a local’s collection of favorite places to explore throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. Some you’ve probably heard of. Others may become your next favorite weekend adventure.
And if we’ve missed one you love, let us know. We’d love to keep this guide growing.
Table of Contents
- Philadelphia County
- Bucks County
- Montgomery County
- Chester County
- Delaware County
- Camden County, NJ
- Burlington County, NJ
- Gloucester County, NJ
- Worth the Extra Drive
- Tips for Planning Your Paddle
- Frequently Asked Questions
Philadelphia County
Philadelphia may be known for its history, neighborhoods, and sports, but it also offers plenty of opportunities to experience the city from the water. Whether you’re paddling along the Schuylkill River with Boathouse Row in view or launching into the Delaware River, these spots offer a unique perspective that many locals never experience.
Image Source: https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/boathouse-row/
Bartram’s Garden Community Boathouse
Website • Directions
Location: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19143
Outfitters: Hidden River Outfitters (seasonal programs), Bartram’s Garden Community Boating Program
Best for: Families, beginners, scenic paddles
Rentals: Yes (seasonal)
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Walnut street dock
Website • Directions
Location: Walnut Street Bridge, Center City Philadelphia
Outfitters: Hidden River Outfitters
Best for: Skyline views, guided tours, first-time visitors, sunset paddles
Rentals: Yes
Bring your own kayak: Limited (dock is primarily used for guided launches; check current policies)
boathouse row (schuylkill river)
Location: Kelly Drive & Boathouse Row, Fairmount
Outfitters: Hidden River Outfitters (nearby tours), Philadelphia Canoe Club (members/programs)
Best for: Iconic Philadelphia views, photography, recreational paddling
Rentals: Via nearby outfitters
Bring your own kayak: Yes (launch from nearby public access points)
boathouse at fdr park
Location: FDR Park, South Philadelphia
Outfitters: Friends of FDR Park (occasional programs)
Best for: Families, casual paddling, beginners, wildlife
Rentals: Occasionally (special events/programs)
Bring your own kayak: Yes
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Location: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153
Outfitters: None onsite
Best for: Birdwatching, wildlife photography, quiet paddles, nature enthusiast
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Penn’s Landing / Delaware River Waterfront
Location: Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia
Outfitters: Independence, Seaport Museum (seasonal paddling program), Hidden River Outfitters (select tours)
Best for: Waterfront views, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, special events, visitors
Rentals: Seasonal
Bring your own kayak: Depends on the launch/event
Penn’s Landing / Delaware River Waterfront
Location: Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia
Outfitters: Independence, Seaport Museum (seasonal paddling program), Hidden River Outfitters (select tours)
Best for: Waterfront views, Benjamin Franklin Bridge, special events, visitors
Rentals: Seasonal
Bring your own kayak: Depends on the launch/event
Frankford Boat Launch
Directions
Location: 5501 Tacony St., Philadelphia, PA 19137
Outfitters: None
Best for: Delaware River access, fishing, experienced paddlers
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Tacony Boat Launch
Website • Directions
Location: 7071 Milnor St., Philadelphia, PA 19135
Outfitters: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Best for: Delaware River paddling, fishing, launching personal watercraft
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Linden Avenue Boat Ramp
Directions
Location: Baxter Trail, Philadelphia, PA 19136
Operator: Philadelphia Commission of Parks & Recreation
Best for: Delaware River access, fishing kayaks, experienced paddlers
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
East Park Canoe House
Location: East Fairmount Park (Kelly Drive area)
Outfitters: Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (special programs)
Best for: Schuylkill River paddling
Rentals: Limited / Program dependent
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Philadelphia Canoe Club
Website • Directions
Location: 4900 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19127
Outfitters: Philadelphia Canoe Club
Best for: Lessons, whitewater instruction, recreational paddling, club trips, experienced paddlers
Rentals: Club boats available for members/classes
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Schuylkill Beach (Unofficial Launch)
Website • Directions
Location: Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Philadelphia
Outfitters: None
Best for: Local paddlers, easy Schuylkill River access
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Bucks County
Image Source: https://www.driftwoodwateradventures.com/
Ask longtime paddlers where they spend a summer weekend, and Bucks County comes up often.
With the Delaware River forming its eastern border and several beautiful lakes and parks scattered throughout the county, there’s something here for every experience level. Families will appreciate calm lakes with rental facilities, while more adventurous paddlers can enjoy full-day trips on the Delaware River.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful afternoon or an all-day excursion, Bucks County offers some of the region’s most scenic places to get on the water.
Tyler State Park
Location: 101 Swamp Rd., Newtown, PA 18940
Outfitters: Driftwood Water Adventure – Tyler State Park Boat Rentals
Best for: Families, beginners, calm paddling, nature lovers, photography
Rentals: Yes (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards)
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Core Creek park (Lake luxembourg)
Location: 901 Bridgetown Pike, Langhorne, PA 19047
Outfitters: Core Creek Park Boat Rental
Best for: Beginners, families, flatwater kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding
Rentals: Yes
Bring your own kayak: Yes (Launch permit require)
peace valley park (lake galena)
Location: 264 Creek Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901 Peace Valley Boat Launch
Outfitters: Peace Valley Boat Rental
Best for: Families, wildlife viewing, beginners, paddleboarding, birdwatching
Rentals: Yes
Bring your own kayak: Yes (Launch permit require)
lake nockamixon
Location: Nockamixon State Park, 1542 Mountain View Dr., Quakertown, PA 18951
Outfitters: Nockamixon Boat Rental
Best for: All experience levels, fishing, long paddles, families, sailing enthusiasts
Rentals: Yes
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Delaware river (upper bucks county)
Location: Access points in Point Pleasant, Upper Black Eddy, Lumberville, New Hope, Washington Crossing, and other river towns.
Outfitters: Bucks County River Country / Delaware River Pedal Country
Best for: Scenic, river trips, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, groups, intermediate paddlers
Rentals: Yes
Bring your own kayak: Yes
washington crossing historic park
Location: 1112 River Rd., Washington Crossing, PA 18977
Outfitters: None onsite
Best for: History lovers, Delaware River Paddling, self-guide trips
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes (Launches are available on both the Delaware River and the Delaware Canal.)
delaware canal state park
Location: Runs approximately 60 miles from Easton to Bristol, passing through New Hope, Lumberville, Erwinna, Upper Black Eddy, and several Bucks County river towns.
Outfitters: Nearby outfitters in New Hope and Upper Bucks (depending on launch location)
Best for: Scenic paddling, history, canal exploration, wildlife, photography
Rentals: Varies by location
Bring your own kayak: Yes (Check access points and regulations before launching.)
delaware canal state park
Location: Runs approximately 60 miles from Easton to Bristol, passing through New Hope, Lumberville, Erwinna, Upper Black Eddy, and several Bucks County river towns.
Outfitters: Nearby outfitters in New Hope and Upper Bucks (depending on launch location)
Best for: Scenic paddling, history, canal exploration, wildlife, photography
Rentals: Varies by location
Bring your own kayak: Yes (Check access points and regulations before launching.)
tohickon creek
Location: Access varies through Ralph Stover State Park and the Point Pleasant area.
Outfitters: Local guided outfitters (seasonal)
Best for: Experienced paddlers, scenic creek paddlers, spring paddling
Rentals: Limited
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Lake Towhee Park
Location: 1600 Old Bethlehem Rd., Applebachsville, PA 18901
Outfitters: None
Best for: Quiet paddles, fishing, birdwatching, beginners
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes (Launch permit required.)
Montgomery County
If there’s one county that doesn’t get enough credit for outdoor recreation, it’s Montgomery County. Most people know it for charming downtowns like Skippack and Ambler or for shopping at King of Prussia, but it also offers some of the best flatwater paddling close to Philadelphia.
From quiet reservoirs to historic canal systems, Montgomery County is perfect for anyone looking for a relaxing day on the water without driving too far.
Image Source: https://www.driftwoodwateradventures.com/
green lane park
Website • Website • Directions
Location: 2144 Snyder Rd., Green Lane, PA 18054
Outfitters: Green Lane Boat Rental
Best for: Beginners, families, wildlife viewing, flatwater kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding
Rentals: Yes (kayaks, canoes, paddleboard, electric boats)
Bring your own kayak: Yes (Launch from designated areas only)
betzwood launch
Website • Directions
Location: 1400 N. Outer Line Dr., Norristown, PA 19403
Outfitters: None onsite
Best for: Schuylkill River trips, intermediate paddlers, history lovers, longer river paddles
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Schuylkill canal
Location: Mont Clare / Upper Providence Township, PA
Outfitters: None
Best for: Calm paddling, beginners, scenic canal exploration
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Chester County
Ask local paddlers about Chester County, and one destination almost always comes up first: Marsh Creek.
But there’s much more to discover here than one popular lake.
Chester County combines rolling countryside, wooded creeks, and scenic reservoirs, making it one of the most diverse paddling regions near Philadelphia.
Image Source: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/marsh-creek-state-park
marsh creek state park
Website • Directions
Location: 675 Park Rd., Downingtown, PA 19335
Outfitters: Marsh Creek Boat Rental
Best for: Everyone, families, beginners, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing
Rentals: Yes (kayaks, canoes, tandem kayaks, paddleboards, sailboats, rowboats)
Bring your own kayak: Yes
hibernia county park
Website • Directions
Location: 1 Park Rd., Coatesville, PA 19320
Outfitters: None
Best for: Quiet paddling, canoeing, fishing, and nature lovers
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
brandywine creek
Location: Multiple access points throughout Chester County, including Downingtown, Coatesville, Chadds Ford, and Embreeville.
Outfitters: Northbrook Canoe Company / Wilderness Canoe Trips / Brandywine Outfitters (seasonal, depending on section)
Best for: River trips, imtermediate paddlers, scenic countryside, wildlife
Rentals: Yes (through outfitters)
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Delaware County
Delaware County may be one of the smallest counties in the region, but it still offers a few worthwhile places to paddle—especially if you enjoy wildlife, tidal waterways, and quieter settings.
While you won’t find as many rental outfitters here as in neighboring counties, these destinations are well worth exploring if you’re bringing your own kayak or canoe.
Image Source: https://www.dreamstime.com/scenery-john-heinz-national-wildlife-refuge-summer-near-philadelphia-airport-pennsylvania-usa-scenery-john-heinz-national-image226583439
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Location: 8601 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19153
Outfitters: None onsite
Best for: Birdwatching, wildlife photography, quiet paddles, nature enthusiast|
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
ridley township municipal marina
Location: 401 S. Swarthmore Ave., Ridley Park, PA 19078
Outfitters: None
Best for: Experienced paddlers, tidal paddling, Delaware River access, fishing
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
darby creek (lower tidal section)
Location: Lower Darby Creek near Tinicum Township and the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge
Outfitters: None
Best for: Wildlife, birdwatching, experienced paddlers, photography
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
chester waterfront (delaware river)
Location: Public river access points along the Chester waterfront
Outfitters: None
Best for: Experienced paddlers, Delaware River exploration, scenic waterfront views
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Camden County, New Jersey
Just across the Ben Franklin Bridge, Camden County offers one of the most accessible paddling destinations in South Jersey. The Cooper River Water Trail connects a growing network of launch sites, making it easy to explore calm waters, scenic parks, and the Camden waterfront. Whether you’re looking for a short family paddle or a longer river adventure, this county has become a hidden gem for kayakers and canoeists.
Image Source: https://www.travelingphotographer.com/Cooper-River-Park-photos.html?
cooper river park
Website
Location: 510 Park Blvd., Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08002 Cooper River Park
Outfitters: Hidden River Outfitters (occasional guided programs) / Cooper River Water Trail (maps, launch information, and paddling resources)
Best for: Beginners, families, flatwater kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, scenic evening paddles
Rentals: Limited seasonal programs (no permanent rental concession)
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Notes: This is Camden County’s signature paddling destination. The calm water and multiple launch sites make it ideal for beginners, while experienced paddlers can explore longer sections of the Cooper River Water Trail
kayak landing & parking
Location: S. Park Drive, Collingswood, NJ 08108 Cooper River Kayak Landing
Outfitters: None onsite
Best for: Personal kayaks, easy launch access, families, recreational paddling
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Notes: One of the easiest public launch points on the Cooper River. Parking is adjacent to the launch, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the river.
newton lake park
Location: Haddon Township, NJ 08107
Outfitters: None
Best for: Quiet paddles, wildlife, beginners, photography
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes (launch from the public boat launch)
Notes: One of the easiest public launch points on the Cooper River. Parking is adjacent to the launch, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the river.
newton lake boat launch
Location: U.S. Route 30 at N. Newton Lake Drive, Collingswood, NJ 08107
Outfitters: None
Best for: Personal kayaks, canoes, flatwater paddling
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Notes: This public launch provides convenient access to Newton Lake and is especially popular with local paddlers who own their own equipment.
pyne poynt park
Location: 600 Pearl St., Camden, NJ 08105
Outfitters: Center for Aquatic Sciences Kayaking Program
Best for: Guided kayak trips, beginners, educational paddles, Delaware River views.
Rentals: Yes (during scheduled programs)
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Notes: The Center for Aquatic Sciences offers guided paddles launching from Pyne Poynt Park, exploring the back channel of the Delaware River, Petty’s Island, and the lower Cooper River. These programs are especially well suited for first-time kayakers.
wiggins park marina
Location: 2 Riverside Dr., Camden, NJ 08103
Outfitters: None
Best for: Experienced paddlers, Delaware River access, waterfront views
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Notes: Located along the Camden Waterfront, this marina offers access to the Delaware River. Because of boat traffic and tidal conditions, it’s best suited for experienced paddlers. The marina has recently undergone major improvements.
Cramer hill waterfront park
Location: 1648 River Ave., Camden, NJ 08105
Outfitters: None
Best for: Families, beginners, short paddles
Rentals: No
Bring your own kayak: Yes
Notes: The protected fishing basin at Cramer Hill Waterfront Park is one of the easiest and most family-friendly paddling areas on the Cooper River Water Trail. Camden County even recommends it as a beginner route.
Looking for Even More Places to Paddle?
We’ve covered quite a bit of ground—from Philadelphia and the Delaware River to Bucks, Montgomery and Chester counties, and across the river into South Jersey. But this is by no means every place you can put a paddle in the water.
If you’re looking for more launch points, waterways and paddling destinations beyond the locations we’ve covered here, PaddleGuide.com is another useful resource to explore.
Visit PaddleGuide.com
It’s a good place to continue your search when you’re ready to venture a little farther from home or simply want to see what other paddling opportunities are out there.