Page last update: 13 May 2025
How many people visit Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area each year?
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area NRA attracts 4 million visitors annually and has seen an increase in visitation over the past decade.
- In 2024, Delaware Water Gap NRA welcomed 4,079,763 people (3% YoY decrease).
- The park recorded 4,207,541 visitors in 2023 (4% down YoY).
- Visitation remained strong during the pandemic and peaked in 2022 with 4,380,225 visitors.
- In 2019, 3,374,865 visitors came to the area.
How much do visitors spend at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area each year?
Tourism at Delaware Water Gap NRA generates an average of $145 million in revenue.
- In 2023, visitors spent $166.32 million.
- In 2019, total visitor spending was $118.08 million. Visitation and spending increased as outdoor recreation surged during the pandemic, reaching $167.21 million in 2022.
How many people visited the Delaware Water Gap NRA in 2024 and 2025?
- In 2024, 4,079,763 people visited Delaware Water Gap NRA, a 3% decline from 4,207,541 visitors in 2023.
- Delaware Water Gap NRA welcomed a total of 603,540 visitors from January to March of 2025.
| Month | Recreational Visit |
| Jan | 183.86 K |
| Feb | 202.44 K |
| Mar | 217.23 K |
How many people visit the Delaware Water Gap NRA per day?
- On average, Delaware Water Gap NRA welcomed about 11,170 visitors per day based on 2024 annual statistics.
How much does it cost to visit the Delaware Water Gap NRA?
- Delaware Water Gap NRA does not charge an entrance fee, making it an accessible and affordable outdoor destination.
When is the peak season in the Delaware Water Gap NRA?
The peak season at Delaware Water Gap NRA is during the summer and early fall.
- Visitation numbers start rising in April and continue in May/June.
- July, August and September are the busiest months. Monthly visitors total over 500,000 in this period.
How popular is Delaware Water Gap NRA as a tourist destination?
- Delaware Water Gap NRA is one of the most visited national recreation areas in the U.S. and it consistently attracts over 4 million visitors annually.
Delaware Water Gap Travel Resources
Why do people visit the Delaware Water Gap NRA?
Key attractions:
- Hiking trails such as Mount Tammany and the Appalachian Trail.
- Water activities like kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
- Drives through the Delaware Water Gap.
- Camping and wildlife viewing.
What were the most popular types of camping in Delaware Water Gap NRA in 2024?
- Concessionaire Camping was the most popular activity in Delaware Water Gap NRA, recording 25,934 campers in 2024.
- Backcountry Camping followed with 12,041 people camping in their preferred spots.
What are the most common causes of death in the Delaware Water Gap NRA?
Between 2007 and August 2024, 75 deaths were recorded at Delaware Water Gap NRA. Causes of death include:
- Drowning – 33 deaths
- Motor Vehicle Crashes – 14 deaths
- Suicide – 10 deaths
- Falls – 5 deaths
- Undetermined – 4 deaths
- Medical Emergencies – 6 deaths
- Poisoning – 3 deaths
Facts About Delaware Water Gap NRA
- Established in 1965, the park spans 70,000 acres across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
- Features 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
- Home to over 100 miles of hiking trails and many waterfalls.
- Attracts over 4 million visitors annually. One of the most visited national recreation areas in the USA.
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References
NPS: National Park Visitation Statistics