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🏞️ River Swim  ·  Southern Delaware

Phillips Landing (Nanticoke River)

📍 Laurel
Nearest Town
✅ Free
Entry Fee
💧 Warm river water
Water Temp
🟢 Easy
Difficulty
📅 Summer
Best Season
⚠️ Safety Notice — Read Before Visiting
This is explicitly described as a boat launch and picnic area first, with informal swimming as a secondary, undesigned use — no lifeguards, no designated swim zone, and no water-quality monitoring specific to swimmers.
🏞️ River Swim 🟢 Easy Free Entry ⚠️ Safety Note
🌊 About Phillips Landing (Nanticoke River)

A scenic Nanticoke River access point near Laurel — primarily used for picnics and as a boat launch, though people do swim here informally.

📋 Visit Details
Entry Fee
✅ Free
Water Temperature
💧 Warm river water
Best Season
📅 Summer
Reservation
Not Required
Water Type
River access point — primarily a boat launch/picnic spot; swimming happens informally
Managed By
Delaware DNREC
County
Sussex County, Delaware
Access Difficulty
🟢 Easy
🗺️ Getting There

Address / Access Point:
Portsville Rd, Laurel, DE 19956

Access Notes:
Easy access; primarily built and used as a boat launch and picnic area, though informal swimming does occur

GPS Coordinates
38.5583, -75.6322
Open in Google Maps →
✅ Before You Go — Checklist
  • ✓
    Check current water conditions — especially after recent rain
  • ✓
    Save GPS coordinates offline before leaving — cell service may be limited
  • ✓
    Pack reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, water shoes and plenty of drinking water
  • ✓
    Tell someone where you are going before heading to a remote location
  • ✓
    Pack out everything you bring in — leave no trace
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