Big Bear Gear - River Tubing on the Delaware River

River Tube and Kayak Rentals on the Delaware River

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. WE WILL OPEN NEXT SEASON MAY 24, 2025

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE NOW

Open 7 days/week Memorial Day through Labor Day. Weekends September 6-7, 2025.

Weekdays: First tubes out at 10AM, Last tubes out at 12PM. All tubes off the river by 3PM

Weekends: First tubes out at 10AM, Last tubes out at 2PM. All tubes off the river by 6PM

Reservations are strongly suggested for all trips.

Walk-ins will be issued STANDARD tubes ONLY.
There are NO walk-in kayak reservations.
Walk-ins may sometimes be turned away if we are at or near capacity.
Walk-ins may have a long wait.

We DO NOT accept cash at the tubing center. Credit card or debit card only.

Pets and service animals are not permitted as we can not assure their safety on the river.

You MAY NOT bring your own tubes or kayaks. You may bring your own cooler. Alcohol is NOT allowed.

Please fill out a waiver IN ADVANCE.

Please note, the Big Bear Gear Tubing Center is located in Kingwood, NJ. It is not located at our store (which is located in Lambertville, about 15 miles south.) DO NOT USE Apple Maps for navigation. It will take you to our store instead of to the tubing center.

Please be sure to review our Minimum Age Policy before booking:

The minimum age for tubing with an open bottom tube is 8 years old.
The minimum age for tubing with a closed bottom tube is 6 years old.
The minimum age for kayaking is 10 years old in a tandem and 12 years old solo. Kayaking experience is required
Under high river conditions, the minimum age may be increased and children may at times not be permitted.
All children under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by an adult that is a minimum of 18 years of age. A parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver.
All children under 12 must be tethered to an adult's tube.

The trip by tube usually can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3+ hours depending on river conditions (the default reservation is for 4 hours, but your reservation is for one trip regardless of duration).

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE NOW

Big Bear Gear Delaware River Tubing Location

The Big Bear Gear Delaware River tubing operation is located at the Cooley Tract of the D&R Canal State Park on Route 29. This is approximately 0.9 miles south of the Kingwood boat launch. You can search for the Big Bear Gear Tubing Center. Please note, the Big Bear Gear Tubing Center is not located at our store, which is located in Lambertville, about 15 miles south. Do not use Apple Maps.

Delaware River Tubing In Kingwood, NJ, Near Lambertville, NJ, Frenchtown, NJ and New Hope, PA

About Big Bear Gear River Tubing

Big Bear Gear offers Delaware River tubing rentals and kayak with river access in Kingwood, NJ. This is convenient to all of New Jersey as well as Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania. Enjoy a cool, relaxing and adventure-filled day floating down the beautiful Delaware River. We are the EXCLUSIVE Delaware River tubing operator on this portion of the river licensed by the state of New Jersey.

Your Big Bear Gear Delaware River tube rental includes a river tube and personal flotation device (PFD). Enjoy a 5 mile float down the Delaware River. The trip by tube usually can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3+ hours depending on river conditions (the default reservation is for 4 hours, but your reservation is for one trip regardless of duration).Trips may be shorter when the river is fast. We cannot guarantee the duration of the trip.

The Big Bear Gear River Tubing Experience

After checking-in at the Big Bear Gear River Tube Center, you will receive a safety talk and receive a personal floatation device (PFD). You will then board our shuttle and be taken to the drop-off point, approximately 0.5 miles down the road. There you will be greeted by a member of our waterfront team and given your river tube and any other gear you rented. You will easily be able to enter the Delaware River at the path and stairs.

Your float route will be approximately 5 miles, starting on the New Jersey side of Marshall Island and Treasure Island. Once past Treasure Island, you will see the Devil's Tea Table cliffs on the New Jersey side, and the river will open up. Your float will continue on the New Jersey side of Wall's Island and Prahl's Island. This stretch of river has some Class I rapids...so enjoy the ride! After these islands, the river opens up again. You will float a little under a mile further and then see our exit point on your left on the New Jersey side just before the old bridge piers in the Delaware River across from Point Pleasant, PA. Be sure to exit on the New Jersey side (to your left). Allow yourself plenty of time to get over to the shore. Our exit stairs are not visible from up river and by the time you see them it will be too late. At the exit you will be assisted by our waterfront team to exit the river. Our shuttle will then return you to our river tubing center, where you can use our cabanas to change into dry clothing.

What To Bring On Your River Tubing Trip

An enjoyable day on the river starts with some advanced planning.

Bring sunscreen. Reapply frequently.
Wear a hat.
Apply insect repellent.
Bring a whistle to signal if you need assistance.
Bring a dry bag (that can be fully immersed in water) to carry anything with you that can't get wet. Leave anything essential at home or lock it in your car or in one of our lockers. If taking valuables on the river, make sure they are in a dry bag and securely clipped to your PFD.
Bring water, beverages and snacks. Lots of water!
You must wear closed-toed water shoes or sandals. Flip-flops and bare feet are not acceptable.
Wear sunglasses.
Bring a waterproof camera (unless your cellphone or camera is in a waterproof case and secured to you).
Bring a change of clothing and towels (leave this in your car or in a locker)

Big Bear Gear River Tubing Dates and Hours of Operation

We operate from Memorial Day until Labor Day. Kayak rental may continue into October and may start as early as the third weekend in May.

Weekends: Last tubing trip must leave by 2PM and return by 6PM.
Weekdays: Last Tubing Trip must leave by 12PM and return by 3PM

Our Rental Tubes and Accessories

We have commercial quality river tubes.

	Single Tube - Standard (open-bottom, backrest) 44 " (110 cm) inflated outer diameter 48 " (120 cm) deflated outer diameter 16 " (40 cm) inner diameter with open hole 30 gauge BLUE PVC vinyl 2 air chambers; Safety chamber and main chamber with Boston valve 1 back rest with separate air chamber to adjust firmness 1 beverage cup holder 2 large support handles 275 lbs capacity
	Single Tube - Standard (closed bottom, backrest) 44 " (110 cm) inflated outer diameter 48 " (120 cm) deflated outer diameter 16 " (40 cm) inner diameter with center PVC floor 30 gauge RED PVC vinyl 2 air chambers; Safety chamber and main chamber with Boston valve 1 back rest with separate air chamber to adjust firmness 2 large support handles 275 lbs capacity
	Double Tube 72" x 44" (182 cm x 111 cm) inflated outer dimensions 76" x 48" (193 cm x 122 cm) deflated outer dimensions 16" (40 cm) inner diameter open holes Two back rest support with separate air chamber 2 beverage cup holders ROYAL BLUE 30 gauge PVC vinyl 2 air chambers – Safety chamber and main chamber with Boston valve 4 large support handles 400 lbs capacity
	Single Tube - Premium (closed bottom, backrest, 48" diameter) 48" (120 cm) inflated outer diameter 52" (130 cm) deflated outer diameter 16" (40 cm) inner diameter hole with center PVC floor Back rest support with separate air chamber 1 beverage cup holder PURPLE 30 gauge PVC vinyl 2 air chambers – Safety chamber and main chamber with Boston valve 350 lbs capacity
	Single Tube - Premium (mesh bottom, backrest) 44 " (110 cm) inflated outer diameter 48 " (120 cm) deflated outer diameter 18 " (45 cm) inner diameter with drop mesh floor 30 gauge TEAL PVC vinyl 2 air chambers; Safety chamber and main chamber with Boston valve 1 back rest with separate air chamber to adjust firmness 1 beverage cup holder 2 large support handles 275 lbs capacity
	Bring your cooler along! 38" x 30" x 8.5" (97 cm x 76 cm x 22 cm) inflated outer dimensions 21.5" x 13" x 6.5" (55 cm x 33 cm x 17 cm) inflated interior dimensions Fits a 12 to 36 quart cooler size Can float up to 150 lbs ROYAL BLUE 30 gauge PVC vinyl 2 air chambers – Full inflated floor air chamber with small push-in valve and main chamber with Boston valve 4 large support handles
	Paddle Single blade river tube paddle measures 37” (92.5 cm) in length, complete with the black plastic shaft and single 11” (27.5 cm) red plastic blade
	Tube Link Ropes Tube link ropes are perfect for connecting to tubes, cooler carriers and canoes. Our black webbing strap 60” (152 cm) sewn with quick release buckles to quickly link/unlink tubes through tube handles.No more knotted ropes!