Kayaking on the Cooper River in New Jersey

The Cooper River is a broad, slow-moving tributary of the Delaware River that provides ideal conditions for kayaks. Ample access is available in the city of Camden, and despite flowing through a densely populated area for its entire 17-mile length, the Cooper River is surrounded by parks and tree-lined shores, making it a wild oasis amid the urban sprawl.

  1. Getting to Know the River

    • The Cooper River is mostly shallow and wide, with no significant rapids or other other hazards, making it very easy to navigate by kayak. The water is also quite shallow, especially in the lower section, where the river may be no more than a few inches deep. The water is at its highest in spring. The section of the river near Cooper River Park between the East Cuthbert Boulevard and South Crescent Boulevard bridges in Camden is usually the busiest section of the river, while areas farther downstream are more secluded.

    Cooper River Access

    • Cooper River Park encompasses 346 acres around the middle portion of the Cooper River and is a common launch point for kayakers. A concrete ramp and wooden fishing platform in the park are both suitable for launching kayaks, but you can also hand-launch your craft at numerous open spots along the shoreline. Cooper River Park also provides ample parking, restrooms, picnic facilities and nature trails. It is also possible to launch a kayak farther upstream at Pennypacker Park, but the water is much shallower here, and you must pass under a narrow bridge opening to reach the lower part of the river.

    Features of Interest

    • You can spot a variety of birds and other wildlife along banks of the Cooper River and in its shallow waters as you paddle along. Mud turtles and slider turtles can be seen sunning themselves on rocks and logs near the shore, often slipping quietly under the water as kayaks or other boats move past. Ducks -- particularly mallards -- are common, and you may spot egrets, great blue herons and cormorants hunting for small fish in the shallows.

    Know Before You Go

    • The Cooper River is closed to motor boats, but you may still see a lot of traffic on the river. The same conditions that make the Cooper River perfect for kayaking also make it well-suited to sailing, and kayakers often share the river with sailboats. Several high school and college rowing teams also use the river, and the Cooper River Yacht Club often holds rowing or sailing regattas on the river. The Yacht Club is located in Cooper River Park and provides kayak classes for novice and beginning kayakers. The club also has kayaks that are available for use by club members. If you need to rent a kayak, the nearest rentals are available at Cedar River Supply Co. in Haddon Heights, New Jersey.