The Cooper River in New Jersey is a tidal river and part of a recently developed 15.5-mile water trail connecting Haddonfield to the Delaware River back channels in Camden. The trail offers a varied paddling experience, transitioning from narrower, shaded sections upstream to the open expanse of Cooper River Lake before reaching the urban waterfront of Camden and the tidal Delaware River. The water trail officially includes seven launch sites, with five currently open and another scheduled to open at Gateway Park on Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Pennsauken. Key public access points include Cramer Hill Waterfront Park, Pyne Poynt Park, the Cooper River Yacht Club in Collingswood, a boat launch on South Park Drive in Cherry Hill, and Evans Pond in Cherry Hill. The trail passes through multiple parks, including Cooper River Park, which offers 346 acres of parkland with trails and picnic areas.

As a tidal river connected to the Delaware, paddlers must account for tidal currents, especially in the lower reaches near Camden and the Delaware River. Planning around tide timing is recommended to manage current strength. The area sees a mix of recreational boat traffic on the lake and commercial traffic on the Delaware River, requiring vigilance, particularly when crossing navigation channels. The open water of Cooper River Lake can develop chop in windy conditions due to significant fetch. Several organizations, including the Camden County Parks Department, Upstream Alliance, and the Center for Aquatic Sciences, offer guided paddles and instruction, primarily in the summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day. These programs launch from various points and provide equipment. Independent paddlers can use the public launches free of charge. Wildlife sightings may include turtles, blue herons, osprey, and eagles. Some sections of the trail in Camden, such as near Kaighns Avenue, require portaging boats across roads. The water trail aims to provide recreational access to over 1,100 acres of water and offers views of the Philadelphia skyline from western points like Pyne Point Park.