Bulls Island
🌤 Weather at Bulls Island by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–74 °F | 58–88 °F | 32–80 °F | 19–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Lambertville, 6 mi away, elevation 68 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🌉 A Forested Island Between a Canal and the Delaware River — With a Footbridge to Pennsylvania — Bulls Island Recreation Area, an 80-acre forested island in the Delaware River, part of D&R Canal State Park, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Delaware & Raritan Canal towpath, pedestrian bridge to Lumberville PA, kayaking, fishing (American shad run), picnicking, scenic corridor — Hunterdon County, NJ
There’s a forested island in the Delaware River where New Jersey meets Pennsylvania. On one side flows the Delaware — wide, wild, and full of shad every spring. On the other side runs the Delaware & Raritan Canal — a 19th-century engineering marvel turned linear park. Bulls Island sits between them, shaded by sycamores and connected to Pennsylvania by a historic pedestrian bridge.
The bridge walks you from New Jersey to Lumberville, Pennsylvania in three minutes. Two states, two canal systems, one river, and a footbridge. The D&R Canal towpath stretches 70+ miles in one direction. The Delaware Canal towpath continues on the Pennsylvania side. You can walk or bike between states all day.
What to Do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Towpath Trail | The Delaware & Raritan Canal towpath — 70+ miles of flat, scenic, multi-use trail along the historic canal. Walk, jog, or bike through one of the longest linear parks in the eastern US. The path runs from Milford to New Brunswick |
| Pedestrian Bridge | The Lumberville–Raven Rock Pedestrian Bridge connects Bulls Island to Lumberville, Pennsylvania across the Delaware River. Walk or bike between states. The bridge links New Jersey’s D&R Canal towpath with Pennsylvania’s Delaware Canal towpath |
| Kayaking & Canoeing | Boat launches for both the Delaware River and the D&R Canal. The canal is calm and perfect for beginners. The river offers current and scenery. Commercial tubing and kayak outfitters operate nearby |
| Fishing | The Delaware River at Bulls Island is famous for the spring American shad migration (April–May) — one of the great fish runs on the East Coast. Also: smallmouth bass, walleye, catfish, and panfish year-round |
| Picnicking | Large picnic area with tables, grills, and a playground under the sycamore canopy. A beautiful spot for a Delaware River picnic — the river visible through the trees |
The Delaware & Raritan Canal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| The Canal | Built 1830–1834 to connect the Delaware River to the Raritan River — a 44-mile water highway across New Jersey. Once carried more tonnage than the Erie Canal. Closed to commercial traffic in 1933, now a state park |
| The Towpath | Mules once pulled barges along this path. Now it’s a 70+ mile multi-use trail — one of the finest linear parks in the Mid-Atlantic. Flat, shaded, and following the canal’s gentle curves through farmland and forest |
| Two Canals | The Delaware Canal on the Pennsylvania side mirrors the D&R Canal on the New Jersey side. Both followed the river. Both are now parks. Bulls Island sits where they face each other across the Delaware |
| Historic Towns | The towpath connects a string of historic river towns: Frenchtown, Stockton, Lambertville — each with restaurants, antique shops, and galleries. Lambertville-New Hope is the most famous crossing |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 🐟 American shad migration — the river alive with fish. Wildflowers on the towpath. The sycamores leafing out. Perfect cycling weather |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | 🍂 River valley foliage. The towpath through golden tunnel of trees. Crisp cycling and walking weather. The river reflecting autumn color |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Tubing and kayaking season. Long days on the towpath. Swimming holes. River town restaurants and ice cream. Hot but the canopy provides shade |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Quiet towpath walks. Eagle watching along the Delaware (wintering bald eagles). The bare sycamores reveal their white bark architecture |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still camp here?
Public camping is no longer available at Bulls Island. The area now operates as a day-use recreation area. Nearby camping options include state parks and private campgrounds in the Delaware River valley.
Can I walk to Pennsylvania?
Yes — the pedestrian bridge takes about 3 minutes. Walk or bike from New Jersey to Lumberville, Pennsylvania. You can continue on Pennsylvania’s Delaware Canal towpath for a cross-state loop. No toll, no vehicle traffic.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Prallsville Mills (a short drive away) or Keens Mill (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for New Jersey state parks online at njportal.com.
🌉 Two States. Two Canals. One River. And a Footbridge Between Them.
A forested island where New Jersey meets Pennsylvania. The Delaware River on one side, a 19th-century canal on the other. Walk to Pennsylvania in 3 minutes. Bike 70 miles on a towpath. And watch the shad run every spring.
Wildlife & Nature
Bulls Island — a 79-acre natural area on the Delaware River — accessible via a pedestrian bridge. The island’s old-growth sycamores, river, and canal support bald eagles, great blue herons, and wood ducks. Shad run the Delaware in spring. River otters play along the banks.
Nearby Attractions
Stockton — adjacent. D&R Canal SP — adjacent. Lambertville — 10 miles south. New Hope, PA — across the river.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bulls Island
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in NJ state parks and forests on leash but are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches and non-designated campsites.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash 6 feet or less, with the pet under physical control at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from swimming beaches and swimming waters statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited from cabins/lodging; the Pet Friendly Camping Program designates campsites at 13 areas (e.g. Round Valley all sites, Allaire 1-8, Bass River 1-85, Stokes 101-137) for up to two dogs or cats per permit.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $5.00 per night additional charge for a pet-friendly campsite; no day-use pet fee.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pet Friendly Camping requires current rabies vaccination with written proof at check-in; caged birds/reptiles only allowed inside RVs.
Are dogs allowed at Bulls Island?
Pets are allowed in NJ state parks and forests on leash but are prohibited from buildings, swimming beaches and non-designated campsites. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dep.nj.gov. More: New Jersey state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Bulls Island
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
