11 Best Lakes in Pennsylvania for Swimming, Fishing, and Lazy Summer Days
- Rey Eleuterio
- 4 minutes ago
- 16 min read
Pennsylvania doesn't get enough credit for its water. People picture rolling farmland, steel towns, and the Liberty Bell. They forget the state is stitched together with big open reservoirs, quiet glacial lakes, and even a stretch of Great Lakes shoreline with real waves.
You can swim, fish, sail, or just sit on a dock and watch the sun drop behind the hills. Some of these spots are full-on vacation hubs with boat rentals and lakeside restaurants. Others are sleepy little lakes where the loudest sound is a paddle dipping into the water.
The best lakes in Pennsylvania aren't all packed into one corner of the map, either. They run from the Pocono Mountains in the east clear across to Lake Erie in the far northwest, with plenty in between.
A few of these you've probably driven right past on your way to somewhere else. That's the fun part. The best one for you might be 30 minutes from your front door.
Key Takeaways
The best lakes in Pennsylvania for most travelers are Lake Wallenpaupack for a full vacation, Presque Isle on Lake Erie for sandy beaches, and Raystown Lake for big-water boating. The state has a lake for nearly every mood, from busy resort lakes to calm fishing holes. Most come with a public beach, a boat launch, or both. And since they're spread across every region, you rarely have to drive far to reach a good one.
Lake | Region (Nearest Town) | Best For | Don't-Miss |
Lake Wallenpaupack | Pocono Mountains (Hawley) | A full lake vacation | 52 miles of shoreline, scenic boat tours |
Promised Land Lake | Poconos (Greentown) | Quiet, family camping | Two sand beaches, electric-only boating |
Harveys Lake | Luzerne County (near Wilkes-Barre) | Fishing and clear water | Spring-fed natural lake |
Beltzville Lake | Carbon County (Lehighton) | An easy beach day from the city | Sand beach, nearby covered bridge |
Lake Nockamixon | Bucks County (Quakertown) | Sailing and bass fishing | Marina and trophy bass (no lake swimming) |
Lake Marburg | York County (Hanover) | Sailing and birding | 26 miles of shoreline, migrating waterfowl |
Raystown Lake | Huntingdon County | Big-water boating and striped bass | Largest lake fully inside PA |
Lake Arthur | Butler County (Portersville) | Sailing near Pittsburgh | Two beaches, lakeside bike trail |
Conneaut Lake | Crawford County | Old-school lake-town charm | Historic lakeside amusement park |
Pymatuning Reservoir | Crawford County (Linesville) | Fishing and oddball fun | "Where the ducks walk on the fish" |
Lake Erie / Presque Isle | Erie | Sandy beaches and surf swimming | Pennsylvania's only "seashore" |
Quick Picker
Best for a full vacation: Lake Wallenpaupack, Raystown Lake
Best for swimming and beaches: Presque Isle (Lake Erie), Beltzville Lake, Lake Arthur
Best for fishing: Harveys Lake, Lake Nockamixon, Pymatuning Reservoir
Best for quiet and family camping: Promised Land Lake, Lake Marburg
Best for something a little different: Pymatuning Reservoir, Conneaut Lake
Wayback Tours lives for the good stops most people drive right past, and Pennsylvania's lakes are full of them.
What Makes Pennsylvania Lake Country So Easy to Love
The thing that surprises most people is how many lakes in Pennsylvania there really are. Big ones, tiny ones, busy ones, and lakes so quiet you'll wonder why nobody told you about them.
Part of it is geography. Glaciers carved natural lakes in the north long ago, and over the last century the state built dozens of reservoirs for flood control, drinking water, and power. The result is a map dotted with water from edge to edge. When you search for bodies of water near me in this state, you usually get more options than you expected.
Most of the best Pennsylvania lakes sit inside state parks, which keeps the shorelines green and the prices low. You'll also see why a Poconos lake gets so much attention. The lakes in the Poconos are close to New York and Philadelphia, so they fill up fast with weekend crowds.
Searches range from broad ones to oddly specific spots like Reflections Lake, PA, but the truth is you don't need a secret. The good lakes are hiding in plain sight. If you've been eyeing other East Coast vacation spots, Pennsylvania quietly holds its own.
Fun Fact:
Lake Wallenpaupack is said to take its name from a Lenape word often translated as "deep, slow-moving water."
Takeaway: No matter where you live in the state, there's almost certainly a quality lake within an hour's drive.
Natural Lakes, Reservoirs, and Which One You Want
Here's a small thing that makes a big difference: most of Pennsylvania's lakes are man-made reservoirs, while only a handful are true natural lakes. Knowing which is which helps you pick the right day.
Natural lakes like Harveys Lake and Conneaut Lake tend to be older, clearer, and spring-fed. They feel calm and classic. Reservoirs like Raystown and Wallenpaupack are usually bigger, with miles of winding coves and more room to spread out.
This also shapes what each lake is good for. The best fishing lakes in Pennsylvania are often the warm, weedy reservoirs full of bass, walleye, and muskie. The best swimming lakes in Pennsylvania usually have a guarded sand beach inside a state park, with clean, gentle water for kids.
If you want to compare the feel of a glacial lake to a reservoir somewhere else, the Finger Lakes region of New York makes a fun side-by-side.
Takeaway: Pick a natural lake for clear, quiet water, or a reservoir for big-water boating and room to roam.
Picking a Lake for Swimming, Fishing, or a Full Vacation
Before you load the car, get clear on what kind of day you want. That one choice points you straight to the right lake.
Want a base camp with rentals, food, and a dock? The best lakes in Pennsylvania for vacation are the resort-style spots like Wallenpaupack and Raystown. They give you enough to fill several days. Many of the best vacation lakes in Pennsylvania also have cabins and campgrounds right on the water.
Chasing a swim? The best lakes in Pennsylvania for swimming are inside state parks with sand beaches, where lifeguards usually work the busy summer hours. If you just want the best lakes to swim in Pennsylvania on a hot afternoon, look for a park with a guarded beach and an easy parking lot.
A few quick planning notes:
Season: Most beaches open around Memorial Day and close around Labor Day.
Cost: There's usually no charge to enter the state parks themselves, though you may pay for parking, rentals, or food at some spots.
Crowds: Weekday mornings are calm. Holiday weekends are loud.
Drive time: Plan around traffic, since a road trip to a lake can eat a chunk of your day. It helps to know what a road trip usually costs before you go.
When it comes to beaches in Pennsylvania, remember that lake beaches and the true sandy shore on Lake Erie are two different experiences. Both count as Pennsylvania beaches, but only one gives you waves. If you're used to the ocean, the calm freshwater beaches in PA can be a nice, gentle change of pace.
Takeaway: Match the lake to your day. Swim, fish, or vacation, and the right spot almost picks itself.
The Best Lakes in Pennsylvania, From the Poconos to Lake Erie
These run roughly east to west, starting in the Pocono Mountains and ending on the shore of Lake Erie. Pick a region, or string a few together into a longer trip.
Lake Wallenpaupack
The big one. If you've heard of any lake in the Poconos, it's probably this.
Lake Wallenpaupack sits in the Pocono Mountains across Pike and Wayne counties, stretching about 13 miles long with roughly 52 miles of shoreline. It was built in the 1920s as a hydroelectric project, and today it's the busy heart of the region. Locals just call it Wallenpaupack, and on a summer weekend the Wallenpaupack Lake fills up with boats, jet skis, and paddleboards.
Why it's worth stopping
This is the one lake on the list that feels like a real vacation town. You get marinas, scenic boat tours, a public beach at Palmyra Township, lakeside restaurants, and a brewery in town. Lake Wallenpaupack PA shows up first in most searches for a reason. You could spend a whole week here and not run out of things to do.
What you need to know before you go
Where: Pocono Mountains near Hawley, easy to reach off U.S. Route 6
Swimming: Palmyra Township Public Beach (seasonal)
On the water: boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals at several marinas
Stay: cabins and cottages right on the shore, since Lake Wallenpaupack rentals book up fast for summer
Time needed: a full day at minimum, a weekend or more if you can swing it
Worth it or skip it? Worth it, especially for families and anyone who wants a full lake vacation with plenty to do on and off the water.
Lock this one in before summer weekends fill up
⭐ What is a Bucket List? Save places you want to visit and come back to later. Your Wayback Tours bucket list keeps track of stops you don't want to forget, which is perfect for planning future trips.
Just up the road, the tiny community of Beach Lake, PA has its own small, clear lake if you want something quieter than the main event. And if all this big-lake energy reminds you of a New York classic, the things to do at Lake George follow a similar vacation-town playbook.
Promised Land Lake
Right next door to all that Wallenpaupack bustle sits its calm, leafy cousin.
Promised Land Lake anchors Promised Land State Park, tucked into the Pocono Plateau and ringed by thousands of acres of state forest. The park actually holds two lakes, and only electric motors are allowed, so the water stays quiet and glassy.
The quick pitch
This is where you go when you want the Poconos without the crowds. Two sand beaches, easy paddling, cabins built back in the 1930s, and miles of trails. Bald eagles nest in the area, and the whole place feels a little hidden even though Wallenpaupack is 15 minutes away.
What you need to know before you go
Where: near Greentown, off PA Route 390
Swimming: two seasonal sand beaches, including one at Pickerel Point
On the water: kayaks, canoes, and small electric boats; no gas motors
Time needed: a relaxed half day, or a full weekend if you camp
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for campers, paddlers, and anyone who finds big resort lakes a bit much.
Pin this peaceful one for a slower kind of weekend
Harveys Lake
If clear water and good fishing are your thing, this northeast gem deserves a long look.
Harveys Lake, near Wilkes-Barre, is one of the largest natural lakes in the state and is often called Pennsylvania's largest natural lake by volume. It's spring-fed, deep, and notably clear, which is exactly why anglers love it.
Don't skip this if you like fishing
The lake is stocked with trout and walleye and regularly hosts bass tournaments. That depth and clean water make it a standout for serious anglers, while Sunset Beach on the southern shore gives swimmers a place to cool off in summer. A public boat launch means you can bring your own watercraft.
What you need to know before you go
Where: Luzerne County, a short drive west of Wilkes-Barre
Swimming: Sunset Beach, open seasonally
On the water: public boat launch (bring your own boat; rentals are limited)
Time needed: a half day, longer if you're fishing
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anglers and anyone who likes clear, classic lake water over a busy reservoir.
Reel this one in for your next fishing trip
If you ever take that fishing itch on the road, the bass water at Norris Lake in Tennessee is cut from the same cloth.
Beltzville Lake
The easiest "real lake day" you can pull off from Philadelphia or the Lehigh Valley.
Beltzville Lake sits in the southern foothills of the Poconos in Carbon County, formed by a dam on Pohopoco Creek. The sand beach has been the big draw for more than 50 years.
Why this one stands out
It's close. From Allentown you're looking at well under an hour, and from Philadelphia it's a comfortable day trip. You get a sand beach, miles of trails, waterfalls, and good fishing for bass, trout, and even striped bass and muskie. There's also a covered bridge a short walk from the beach parking.
What you need to know before you go
Where: near Lehighton, just off Route 209
Swimming: sand beach with a bathhouse, open roughly late May to mid-September
On the water: boat rentals near the beach; most recreational boats allowed
Time needed: an easy half to full day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for a quick, low-effort beach-and-trail day close to the cities.
Stash this one for the next hot Saturday
Found a spot you love already? Save it now so it's waiting in your bucket list when you sit down to plan the trip.
Lake Nockamixon
The boating-and-fishing favorite that's basically Philadelphia's backyard lake.
Lake Nockamixon is the centerpiece of Nockamixon State Park in Bucks County, close enough to the city for a day trip but far enough to feel like a getaway. It's the largest lake in the county, with a marina, boat rentals, and a strong reputation among anglers.
What makes this stop different
This one is all about being on the water rather than in it. Swimming happens in the park pool, not the lake, but the boating and fishing are excellent. Sailors, windsurfers, and kayakers love the open water, and the lake is known as a trophy bass spot that hosts tournaments. Bald eagles and great blue herons round out the scenery.
What you need to know before you go
Where: northern Bucks County, near Quakertown
Swimming: pool only, not the lake itself
On the water: marina, boat rentals, and four launch areas; small motors and sailboats welcome
Time needed: a half to full day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for boaters and anglers, but skip it if you came mainly to swim in a lake.
Drop this one in for a day on the water
Lake Marburg
A south-central sleeper that birders and sailors quietly adore.
Lake Marburg is the heart of Codorus State Park in the rolling hills of York County, with around 26 miles of shoreline. The lake's many coves make it a rest stop for migrating waterfowl, so binoculars are as useful here as a fishing rod.
Why it's worth stopping
Sailboats love this lake, and so do anglers chasing bass, crappie, muskie, and northern pike. As with Nockamixon, lake swimming isn't allowed because of changing water levels, but the park has a seasonal pool and splash area. The birding along the quiet shoreline trails is some of the better watching in the region.
What you need to know before you go
Where: southern York County, near Hanover
Swimming: park pool and splash pad, not the lake
On the water: seven launch ramps; sailboats, kayaks, and small motorboats; rentals available
Time needed: a half day, more if you fish or bird-watch
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for sailors, anglers, and birders who like a calm, scenic lake without the resort crowds.
Save this quiet one for a slow, scenic morning
Fun Fact:
The Linesville spillway at Pymatuning has long been known as the place "where the ducks walk on the fish."
Raystown Lake
The biggest lake fully inside Pennsylvania, and one of the best for a true water vacation.
Raystown Lake is the largest lake located entirely within the state's borders, winding more than 25 miles through Huntingdon County with a deep main channel and countless coves. The Army Corps of Engineers manages it, which is why much of the shoreline stays wild and tree-covered instead of lined with houses.
The quick pitch
This is big-water country. Houseboats, pontoon cruises, and miles of room to roam. It's well known for striped bass fishing, with a small waterpark, two public beaches, marinas, a lakeside resort, and great mountain biking on the Allegrippis Trails. You can easily fill a long weekend.
What you need to know before you go
Where: Huntingdon County, about an hour from State College or Altoona
Swimming: two beaches, including a large area near Seven Points Marina
On the water: marinas, boat rentals, tour boats, and houseboats
Cost: a small day-use or parking fee applies at some recreation areas
Time needed: a full day, ideally a weekend
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for a real lake vacation, especially if you love boating, biking, and bass fishing.
Add this big-water favorite before peak season
Lake Arthur
Western Pennsylvania's go-to lake, and a sailor's playground close to Pittsburgh.
Lake Arthur is the centerpiece of Moraine State Park in Butler County, covering roughly 3,225 acres with about 42 miles of shoreline. What's wild is that the whole area was restored from old coal mining and oil drilling, and today it draws around a million visitors a year.
Don't skip this if you like sailing
Conditions here are made for sailing, and clubs run races and regattas all summer. There are two swimming beaches, a paved bike trail along the north shore, and boat rentals that include sailboats and pontoons. Osprey and bald eagles nest along the water. It's the easiest quality lake day if you're anywhere near Pittsburgh.
What you need to know before you go
Where: near Portersville, off PA Route 422
Swimming: two beaches (Pleasant Valley on the south shore, Lakeview on the north)
On the water: 10 launches, rentals, and an active sailing scene; small motors only
Time needed: a half to full day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for sailors, families, and Pittsburgh-area travelers who want a lake without a long drive.
Catch this one for a breezy day under sail
Conneaut Lake
A natural lake with old-fashioned, lakeside-amusement-park charm.
Conneaut Lake, in the northwest corner of the state, is one of the largest natural lakes in Pennsylvania by surface area, running about three miles long and a mile wide. The lakeside town has that nostalgic, slightly faded resort feel that some travelers chase on purpose.
Why this one stands out
The big hook is the historic Conneaut Lake Park, a classic lakeside amusement park with a wooden roller coaster and old-school rides. Pair that with calm boating and swimming, and you've got a lake day that feels pulled from a different era. It's a fun change of pace from the state-park lakes.
What you need to know before you go
Where: Crawford County, in far northwestern PA
Swimming and boating: available around the lake and town
Nearby: historic Conneaut Lake Park rides and attractions
Time needed: a half to full day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you love nostalgia, amusement parks, and a natural lake with character.
Save this throwback for a fun family day
If a castle perched above the water is more your speed, a lakeside castle you can actually visit over in New York scratches that same scenic itch.
Pymatuning Reservoir
The state's quirkiest lake stop, where the wildlife show is half the fun.
Pymatuning Reservoir is the largest lake at least partly inside Pennsylvania, sprawling across the northwest with a sliver reaching into Ohio. It's a top fishing lake, but it's most famous for one very strange spectacle.
What makes this stop different
At the Linesville spillway, carp gather so thickly that ducks and geese sometimes appear to walk across their backs while everyone tosses bread. The slogan "where the ducks walk on the fish" sums it up. Beyond the spillway, you've got strong fishing for walleye and muskie, a nearby fish hatchery, and the family-favorite Pymatuning Deer Park.
What you need to know before you go
Where: Crawford County, near Linesville
The spillway: a free, year-round roadside stop with a concession stand in summer
On the water: boating and fishing across a large reservoir
Time needed: a couple of hours for the spillway, longer to fish or camp
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anglers, families, and anyone who collects "you have to see this" roadside oddities.
Add this one for the strangest photo of the trip
Ready to build the whole trip? Start your bucket list now and keep every lake, beach, and detour in one easy place.
Lake Erie / Presque Isle
Save the surf for last. This is the closest Pennsylvania gets to the ocean.
Presque Isle State Park is a sandy peninsula that curves out into Lake Erie just west of the city of Erie, with roughly seven miles of beaches. As the state's only true "seashore," it offers something no other spot on this list can.
Why it earns a spot
Presque Isle is widely known as the only place in Pennsylvania where you can swim in real Great Lakes surf. You get wide sandy beaches, lifeguarded swimming areas in summer, a lighthouse, miles of trails, and famous sunsets over the water. It's a day-use park, but there's plenty of lodging just off the peninsula in Erie.
What you need to know before you go
Where: Erie, about four miles west of downtown
Swimming: guarded beaches open Memorial Day to Labor Day, midday into early evening
Beyond the beach: biking, hiking, birding, a lighthouse, and boat tours
Time needed: a full day, easily more
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for true beach lovers, families, and anyone who wants sand and waves without leaving the state.
Save the surf spot before summer slips away
If you're a sucker for sand in general, our roundup of East Coast beach towns makes a natural follow-up to a Lake Erie day.
Planning Your Pennsylvania Lake Weekend
A little planning goes a long way here, since the lakes in PA sit far apart. Group them by region so you're not zigzagging across the state.
A simple approach works best:
Pick a region first (Poconos in the east, Erie and Crawford County in the northwest, or central PA around Raystown).
Choose one "big" lake as your base, then add a quieter one nearby.
Check beach and pool hours, since most run only Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Book cabins and campgrounds early for summer weekends.
If you want to stretch a lake trip into something bigger, Pennsylvania pairs nicely with neighboring states. The same kind of route planning behind a classic East Coast road trip works just as well for a lake-hopping loop, and you can chain it with lakes in nearby states if you've got the time.
Speaking of which, lake lovers rarely stop at one state line. There are great picks among the lakes across New York, the lakes in New Hampshire, and the wider lakes across New England.
Head south and you'll find standout lakes in North Carolina and lakes in South Carolina, while up north the lakes up in Maine round out a serious summer wish list. For the full water tour, our guide to lake vacations along the East Coast ties it all together.
Fun Fact:
Lake Erie has been recognized in national readers' polls as a top lake for swimming and water sports, which is rare praise for a Great Lake known mostly for shipping.
Takeaway: Plan by region, lead with one big lake, and let the smaller ones round out the trip.
Final Thoughts
The best lakes in Pennsylvania prove you don't need to leave the state to find great water. You've got resort lakes, quiet fishing holes, sailing playgrounds, an amusement-park lake, and a true sandy seashore on Lake Erie, all within a day's drive of each other.
Start with one that matches the day you're after, then let the rest pile up on your list for later. Half the fun is knowing the next one is already waiting.
Save these stops, build your own road trip bucket list, and keep track of every lake you want to visit, all in one place with Wayback Tours.
FAQs
Do you need a license to fish Pennsylvania's lakes?
Yes, most anglers 16 and older need a fishing license from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and you can buy one online or at many local shops.
Can you rent a cabin or house on Lake Wallenpaupack?
Yes, Lake Wallenpaupack rentals range from rustic lakeside cabins to full resort cottages, and they tend to book up early for summer weekends.
Are Pennsylvania lake beaches free to use?
Most state park beaches are free to enter, though you may pay for parking, boat rentals, or food at some locations, and a few Army Corps areas charge a small day-use fee.
When is the best time to visit Pennsylvania lakes?
Late spring through early fall is ideal, with most swimming beaches open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, while fall brings quieter shores and great color.
Is Lake Wallenpaupack a natural lake or man-made?
Lake Wallenpaupack Pennsylvania is a man-made reservoir, built in the 1920s as part of a hydroelectric project, which is why it has such a long, winding shoreline.
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