Rancocus Creek - Trenton Area, NJ

Rancocus Creek is a tributary of the Deleware River, but does lead to a NJ State Park. It's fairly private and the conditions they say are 2nd to none.

Rancocus is freshwater feed from the Deleware river. Because this area of the Deleware still has tidal influence, you can expect that Rancocus creek does as well. Water temps don't allow much boarding Nov-April, but May - Oct prove very good for air and water temps.

Location:
The best area to ride separates Moorestown and Willingboro, although there are several places that are rideable. To get to this area, use the boat ramp located at Lightning Jacks Marina, located in Riverside, NJ (856) 461-7760. COMING FROM PHILADELPHIA-take the betsy Ross bridge to Route 130 North. Go approximately 6-7 miles to the exit for Bridgeboro Rd. Take the exit for Bridgeboro Rd west (towards Riverside). Go approximately .5 miles on Bridgeboro Rd, then make a right on Laycock st. Lightning Jacks Marina will be at the end of Laycock St.

Once you drop your boat, go right out of the marina, heading east on the Rancocas Creek. Go underneath the bridge (approx .5 miles from the marina) and continue to follow the shoreline of your port(left side). Once past the bridge, be careful! This is a tidal area and it can be shallow at low tide. Use idle speed until you get to the straightaway. The creek will wind for a short distance, and then will open up into a straightaway about 2/3 of a mile long and 300 feet wide. THIS IS THE SPOT! You will see power lines overhead at the far end of the straightaway. This is where you turn around and it is a PERFECT spot for double ups.

About the Creek:

As you read above, it takes a little effort to get to this spot, which helps keep the crowds to a minimum. You will rarely see more than 3 boats out there at any given time and will usually have it all to yourself. Just like everywhere else, this changes on the weekend as more recreational boaters are out on the water. On occasion you will encounter drag racing boats that are also there to take advantage of the typically smooth water. it has been my experience that they do not like other boats that create larger wakes. Tough luck!

The Around Town:

The marina itself is sparsely equipped and you want to make sure you have your day's provisions before you get to the launch ramp. There is a returant at the marina that goes through frequent owership changes, so the quality of the food can be suspect. The resturant does have a riverside dock so you can tie up if you chose to dine there. They DO NOT have a gas dock, so again, have enough fuel with you for your session.

The town of Riverside is a blue collar community that has a few resturants, typically of the sandwich shop variety. There is a gas station just a few blocks away, so you can fuel up there before you ride or you can bring a few gas cans for a midday recharge.

Information compliments of Jeff Barton.