Dock and Community Boathouse
Join us on the river!
Bartram’s Garden is a place where visitors can safely enjoy boating, fishing, and learning on the Tidal Schuylkill River. Our large public dock includes space for fishing and boating, including accessible launches.
Free Boating
Saturdays, 10 am-2 pm
June 18 to October 15, 2022
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.
Group Boating
If you are the leader of a community-based group based in Southwest Philadelphia or Grays Ferry and would like to schedule a boating program for your group, please contact riverprogram@bartramsgarden.org in advance. Boat rentals and other group reservations are not available.
Launching Your Own Boat
Non-motorized boats only. The Schuylkill River is a public waterway and our dock is a public dock, so no launch permit is needed. Our newly expanded dock features three accessible launches.
There is no vehicle access to the dock; you must carry in your boat. See this detailed map for access points and parking info.
If you have a disability that requires vehicle access, please contact riverprogram@bartramsgarden.org.
Free Fishing
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 cash-only vending machine located in the Barnyard by the Welcome Center.
Weekly Free Catch-and-Release Fishing
Wednesdays, 5-8 pm
May 4 to August 31, 2022
We provide free rods, tackle, bait, and basic instruction for catch-and-release fishing every Wednesday from 5-8 pm in spring and summer. First-come, first-served as supplies are limited. No experience is necessary; great for beginner anglers. No fishing license required.
Program may be canceled in the event of inclement weather or unsafe river conditions.
Rods, Tackle, and Bait
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.
Community Boathouse Volunteers
The Garden’s free boating and fishing programs are sustained by more than 60 dedicated volunteers. Want to get involved? Email riverprogram@bartramsgarden.org.
Learning From the River
Water Quality Monitoring
Our Denkyem River Guardians monitor the river’s water quality and use the data to advocate for better protection of the watershed.
Denkyem River Guardians
We offer paid internship opportunities for local youth and young adults.
Tidal Schuylkill River
Learn more about this vibrant tidal ecosystem at the heart of Southwest Philadelphia.
Upcoming Events
River Blog
June 5, 2020
A Letter from Bartram's Garden to the PA Department of Environmental Protection
This post was written by Carly Schmidt and originally published by our partners at River Network. In the days of the Clean Water Act, the Lower Schuylkill River was a...
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