Natural swimming hole
Brandywine Creek State Park
River · Delaware
About this swimming hole
Brandywine Creek State Park in northern Delaware is one of the state's few legal freshwater swimming options, with people cooling off in the creek in summer. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, with hiking trails and a nature center alongside the water. Swimming here is at your own risk, with no lifeguards.
Good to know
| Water type | River |
|---|---|
| Best season | summer |
| Fees | $5 per vehicle for Delaware residents, $10 for out-of-state vehicles |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Park open daily 8:00 a.m. to sunset |
| Parking | Park lots; vehicle entrance fee applies |
| Amenities | Trails, nature center, picnic areas |
| County | New Castle County |
| Nearest town | Wilmington |
| Safety notes | Water-quality testing exceeded safe E. coli levels on one of five tested days in 2024-2025; the National Park Service treats swimming in the creek as at-your-own-risk. Avoid swimming after heavy rain. |
Map
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Brandywine Creek State Park?
Yes — Brandywine Creek State Park is listed as a natural swimming spot in Delaware. Heads-up: Water-quality testing exceeded safe E. coli levels on one of five tested days in 2024-2025; the National Park Service treats swimming in the creek as at-your-own-risk. Avoid swimming after heavy rain.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Brandywine Creek State Park require reservations?
No reservations are required at Brandywine Creek State Park based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Brandywine Creek State Park?
Reported fee info: $5 per vehicle for Delaware residents, $10 for out-of-state vehicles. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Brandywine Creek State Park?
The best season is typically summer.