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
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.
⚠️ Verify before you go. Conditions, fees, reservations, and access can change — confirm details with the official link before visiting. Last verified: September 2026