Pennsville is a quiet place. It sits right on the edge of the Delaware River, looking across the water at Delaware with a sort of peaceful, industrial dignity. But if you talk to anyone who grew up in Salem County, or anyone who spent their summers in South Jersey during the middle of the 20th century, their eyes light up the second you mention Riverview Beach Park. It isn’t just a patch of grass with some picnic tables and a playground. Honestly, it’s a survivor.
The park used to be the "Coney Island of South Jersey." That's not marketing fluff; it's just the truth. People would take the ferry from Wilmington, thousands of them, just to spend a day riding the roller coaster or dancing in the pavilion. Now? It’s different. It’s a community hub that feels like a well-kept secret, even though it covers a massive stretch of the riverbank.
The Ghost of the Excursion Era
You can't really understand Riverview Beach Park today without knowing what it used to be. Back in the day—we’re talking from the late 1800s through the 1960s—this was a massive destination. There was a giant wooden roller coaster called the Wildcat. There were carousels. There was a massive swimming pool.
It was the era of the excursion.
Imagine thousands of people pouring off the Wilson Line steamboats. They’d walk down the long pier, smelling the river and the popcorn. It was loud. It was crowded. It was the heart of Pennsville’s economy. But as the Delaware Memorial Bridge opened and people started driving to the Jersey Shore instead of taking the ferry to the river, the amusement park era started to fade. By 1967, the rides were gone.
But here is the thing: the land stayed. Pennsville Township was smart enough to keep it. Instead of letting developers turn it into a wall of condos or a shipping terminal, they turned it back into a park.
Today, when you walk the paved trails, you are literally walking on history. That wide-open space where the kids are playing soccer? That used to be where the thrill-seekers screamed their heads off. There’s a quietness there now that feels earned.
What’s Actually at Riverview Beach Park Now?
If you're heading there this weekend, don't expect a theme park. You’ll be disappointed if you’re looking for Six Flags. Instead, Riverview Beach Park is where you go when you want to breathe.
The park is huge. It spans about 60 acres.
The biggest draw for most people is the walking path. It’s a paved loop that runs right along the river. You get these incredible, unobstructed views of the Delaware River. You can see the big cargo ships moving toward Philly or heading out to sea. It’s mesmerizing.
There are also:
- Multiple pavilions that you can rent for graduation parties or family reunions (these get booked way in advance, so be warned).
- A really solid playground area that stays pretty busy on Saturday mornings.
- Dedicated spaces for "passive recreation," which is just a fancy way of saying you can sit on a bench and look at the water without someone bothering you.
One of the coolest features is the 9/11 Memorial. It’s a somber, well-maintained spot that includes a piece of steel from the World Trade Center. It’s positioned in a way that feels very respectful, tucked slightly away from the louder play areas.
The Septemberfest Tradition
If you want to see the park at its absolute peak, you have to go during Septemberfest. This is Pennsville’s big annual blowout. It usually happens on the second Saturday of September.
It’s basically a massive town fair. There are craft vendors, food trucks that smell like funnel cake and sausages, and live music. It ends with a huge fireworks display over the river. If you’re a photographer, that’s your moment. The reflection of the fireworks in the Delaware River is something you won't forget.
The Wildlife and the River
The park is a sleeper hit for birdwatchers. Because it’s right on the Atlantic Flyway, you see all sorts of migratory birds. Bald eagles are a common sight now, which is a huge change from twenty years ago. You’ll see them hunting over the river or perched in the high trees near the park’s edge.
Fishing is also a big deal here. You’ll see guys with their rods set up along the bulkhead all day long. They’re usually pulling in catfish, perch, or striped bass depending on the season. Is the water pristine? Well, it’s the Delaware River. It’s an industrial waterway. But for catch-and-release or just the hobby of it, it’s a prime location.
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Why Locals Are Protective of This Place
There’s a certain grit to Pennsville. It’s a town that has seen industries come and go. But Riverview Beach Park is the constant.
People here remember the "old" park through their parents' stories. They remember the big pool. There’s a small museum—the Riverview Beach Park Museum—located right in the park in the old "propeller" building. It’s run by the Pennsville Historical Society. If you go when they’re open, you can see the old photos and artifacts from the amusement park days.
It’s honestly kind of emotional for some folks. It represents a time when this little corner of Salem County was the center of the world for a summer afternoon.
Keeping It Clean and Safe
The Pennsville Parks and Recreation department does a lot of work here. You’ll notice the grass is almost always mowed, and the trash cans are emptied. It’s a safe park. You see families walking dogs at dusk. You see joggers getting their miles in before work.
One thing to keep in mind: the wind. Because it’s right on the river, it can be ten degrees colder at the park than it is just two blocks inland. If you’re visiting in the fall or spring, bring a jacket. The river breeze doesn't play around.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re coming from out of town, maybe from Delaware or up near Cherry Hill, here’s how to do it right.
First, check the wind. Seriously. A 15-mph wind off the water makes a picnic pretty difficult.
Second, bring your bike. The paths are wide and flat. It’s a great place for kids to learn how to ride because there isn't any traffic to worry about once you're inside the park gates.
Third, hit the museum. It’s small, but the volunteers there are walking encyclopedias. They can tell you exactly where the Wildcat coaster stood or where the old pier used to reach out into the channel.
Realities of the Location
It’s important to be honest about the surroundings. Pennsville is an industrial town. You’re going to see the refineries in the distance. You’re going to see the bridge. Some people find that ugly; others find it kind of beautiful in a "working man’s" sort of way.
The park doesn't have a beach you can swim at. The name "Riverview Beach" is a holdover from the past. Don't show up in a swimsuit expecting to wade into the Delaware. The currents are dangerous, and the ground is more rocky/muddy than sandy at the water's edge.
The Future of Riverview Beach Park
There is always talk about what’s next. Sometimes there are grants for new playground equipment or trail extensions. But mostly, the goal is preservation.
The park serves as a buffer. It protects the town from the river while giving everyone a place to congregate. In a world where every square inch of waterfront property is usually sold off to the highest bidder for luxury apartments, the fact that this remains a public park is a miracle.
It’s a place for the community. Whether it’s a high school cross-country meet, a local "National Night Out" event, or just a Tuesday evening walk, the park is the soul of the town.
Actionable Steps for Visitors
If you're planning a trip to Riverview Beach Park, follow these specific steps to make it worth the drive:
- Timing is Everything: Aim for about 90 minutes before sunset. The way the sun hits the water and the Delaware skyline is spectacular.
- Check the Local Calendar: Visit the Pennsville Township website or the Pennsville Historical Society’s Facebook page. They host small events, car shows, and "Movies in the Park" that aren't always widely advertised.
- Pack a Meal: There aren't many food options inside the park itself, though there are local spots like Pat’s Pizzeria or various delis nearby where you can grab a sub to eat at one of the many picnic tables.
- Visit the Museum: Located at the north end of the park. It’s generally open on Sundays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, but call ahead or check their signage to be sure. It’s the only way to truly "see" the amusement park that used to be there.
- Bring Binoculars: Especially in the winter and early spring. The ice floes on the river can be massive, and the eagle sightings are genuinely frequent.
- Park at the Main Lot: Enter through the main gates off North Broadway. There is plenty of parking, and it puts you right at the start of the paved loop.
Riverview Beach Park doesn't need to be a high-octane destination anymore. It’s transitioned into its second life as a place of memory and quiet recreation. It’s a rare spot where the past and the present sit side-by-side, watching the river go by.