(Last Updated On: October 17, 2022)

Sunset from Benjamin Rush State Park

Although it is known as ‘the city of brotherly love’ Philadelphia has a metropolitan population of well over 6.5 million people. Which means that it can be quite a frenetic and fast paced city most of the time.

So when they want to slow things down and take a break from this frenzy, where do the locals go? Well the answer for many people is Benjamin Rush State Park.

Located on the outskirts of Philadelphia, about a 25 minute drive from Center City, this picturesque 275-acre Pennsylvania state park is largely undeveloped. But it is believed to accommodate one of the largest community gardens in the world.

It is also home to the Northeast Radio Controlled Airplane Club as well – which is undoubtedly one of the park’s main drawcards.

Situated at the intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and Southampton Road, the northern boundary of the park takes you up to Poquessing Creek – a popular fishing spot for common carp, striped bass and channel catfish.

Hiking, biking and birding are also well practiced here. While the winter brings exciting cross country skiing opportunities.

If you are travelling to the area in an RV or trailer, there is unfortunately no camping available at the park for you. However, there are lots of different accommodation options in Philadelphia itself. As well as several nearby campgrounds you can also choose to base yourself at.

Activities

Visitors to the park can enjoy some nice outdoor recreational pursuits during their time at Benjamin Rush.

Below are just a few of the activities you can see and do when you are there.

Hiking at Benjamin Rush State Park

Hiking is a popular activity at the Benjamin Rush State Park, providing you with excellent opportunities to forget about the pressures of the city and immerse yourself in nature.

Overall there are just over 3.5 miles of out and back trails to explore, which will take you through open fields and forests, before connecting you to the adjacent Fairmont Park. As well as the local neighborhood and the community garden.

Along the way, you’ll find plenty of benches to sit on as well.

Biking at Benjamin Rush State Park

As well as the hiking opportunities, the park offers the chance for you to enjoy bicycling along its trails too.

As the trail is multi-purpose, just be careful of other hikers and joggers you might encounter whilst riding.

Fishing at Benjamin Rush State Park

Fishing at the park takes place at Poquessing Creek, which is on its northern boundary.

If you want to cast a line here, there is a good chance you will catch some common carp, striped bass and channel catfish.

However, to fish at the creek, you will need a valid Pennsylvania state licence. You will also need to abide by the laws and regulations of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission too.

Radio-Controlled Flying at Benjamin Rush State Park

One of the main attractions of the park is its radio controlled flying airplane field. Which attracts people from all over Pennsylvania and beyond.

This field possesses a 400-foot runway and a surrounding fly zone and is usually very busy.

For more information about it, please contact the Northeast Philadelphia Radio Control Club.

Birding at Benjamin Rush State Park

The park is a haven for those who enjoy bird watching, with over 200 species residing in it throughout the year.

Some of these live in the park all year round, whilst others are migratory.

Depending on the time of the year when you visit Benjamin Rush State Park, you might get to spot the likes of wood thrush, great crested flycatcher, brown thrasher, blue-winged warbler, yellow-breasted chat and indigo bunting. To name but a few species.

Nature & Wildlife

As a dedicated green space, Benjamin Rush State Park features a beautiful local environment that supports a delightful landscape of gardens, meadows and dense woodlands. All of which creates a home for a wide range of wildlife and vegetative species.

The likes of fox, deer and snakes are just some of the fauna you can expect to see at the park.

Cross-Country Skiing at Benjamin Rush State Park

During the winter months, when the snow hits, skiers can enjoy some 3.5 miles of mostly level trails.

This provides them with a unique way of experiencing the park, which they can’t get at any other time of the year.

Pets at Benjamin Rush State Park

Pets are allowed in certain areas of Benjamin Rush State Park.

However, they must be controlled, leashed and supervised at all times, and it is your responsibility to clean up after them as well.

There are some parts of the park where dogs are prohibited, including within the radio-controlled airplane field and the community gardens.

For further details please contact the park’s main office.

Camping at Benjamin Rush State Park

Unfortunately there are no camping facilities available at Benjamin Rush State Park. However, within 30 miles of it you will find several different state parks which you can stay at.

This includes the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in New Jersey, the Nockamixon State Park in Bucks County, the Fort Washington State Park in Montgomery County and the Ridley Creek State Park in Delaware County.

Between them, they offer a wide selection of camping options for RVs, trailers and tent sites. As well as a good selection of amenities like flush toilets, warm showers and dump stations.

Other accommodation options at these parks include cabins, lodges, yurts and organized group tents and cabins.

If you would prefer to stay in the city of Philadelphia itself, there are also plenty of hotels, motels, Vrbo accommodation and other places to stay, which you can book.

Park Location

Benjamin Rush State Park
15001 Roosevelt Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phone: 215.639.4538

Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Benjamin Rush State Park: