The objective of this study is to predict optimal intermediate pressure of a 2-stage compression heat pump system using river water. To determine the maximum performance of the 2-stage compression heat pump system, the experimental evaluations on the 2-stage compression cycle were carried out under various operating conditions. Electronic expansion valves were applied to control intermediate pressure and superheat. Based on the experimental data, an empirical correlation for predicting optimal intermediate pressure which considering cycle operating parameters was developed. The present correlation was verified by comparing the predicted data with the measured data. The predictions showed a good agreement with the measured data within a relative deviation of ${pm}4%$ at various operating conditions.