Our free public boating programs are suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. We provide all equipment and instruction for kayaking or rowboating.

No registration or experience is required. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. See our Boating FAQ for complete details.

Check our calendar for all upcoming boating opportunities. Program may be canceled in the event of inclement weather or unsafe river conditions.

More than 40 species of fish live in the Tidal Schuylkill River, including channel catfish, white perch, common carp, bluegill, and American eel. Join us for weekly free catch-and-release fishing in spring and summer or borrow a rod and tackle from the Welcome Center.

Visitors may fish at any time from our public dock or from additional riverfront locations along the North and South Mile. Live bait is available for purchase from our vending machine located in the Barnyard by the Welcome Center. Rods and tackle are available to borrow, free of charge, from the Welcome Center at Bartram’s Garden (hours vary seasonally). Equipment may be borrowed for up to a week at a time.

Join us on a youth-led guided paddling trip down the tidal Cooper River through Camden to learn about the fascinating ecological and industrial history of this piece of the Delaware Watershed.

The route finishes with stunning views of the Philadelphia skyline from the back channel of the Delaware River.

Throughout the summer, each trip is led by our trained RiverGuides, all of whom are Camden youth. The trip is fully outfitted with boats and equipment. Contact Rachel Abbott to learn about additional environmental education paddling field trip opportunities and private tours for your students, after school program, or conservation group.

All paddlers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

UrbanPromise offers its Ecology History Paddle program to the public, including those living in and outside Camden City. All participants must register at least 24 hours prior to the launch.

Boating at Glen Foerd 

Uniquely situated at the confluence of the Delaware River and Poquessing Creek, Glen Foerd is passionate about providing access to Philadelphia waterways. Glen Foerd offers boating to the public in two formats: Open Boating Days and Kayak Excursions.  

Open Boating features canoes, rowboats, and kayaks for guests to explore parts of the Poquessing Creek and Delaware River at their own pace. This activity is open to all ages, though minors must be accompanied by an adult. Open Boating is a walk-up first come, first serve event. Boat space is limited.  

Kayak Excursions are led by professionally certified guides and are appropriate for all levels of experience. Excursions will include an introduction to the basics of paddling and an overview of safety protocols. Our exploration will be in tandem kayaks, so if you arrive solo, you may be partnered with a new friend! This activity is open to all ages 10+, though minors must be accompanied by an adult. Space is reserved with a fee of $5 per participant.