From the Dutch countryside to the Pocono and Allegheny mountains, Pennsylvania boasts stunning natural settings, and the lakes play a significant role in creating an unforgettable experience. Best Lakes in Pennsylvania has more than 2,500 lakes, making it an ideal place for boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and lounging along the beach to enjoy the natural splendor. Allegheny Reservoir is sometimes referred to as Kinzua Lake in Pennsylvania. Although it is a component of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie is the largest lake in Pennsylvania in terms of area. Fifty of the state’s lakes pennsylvania were formed by glaciers, even though most are artificial.
Most lakes are simple to spot because they are part of the Pennsylvania State Park system, but for those seeking a more rustic experience, there are a few excellent lakes hidden away.
Popular lakes in pennsylvania
1. Lake Erie
One of Pennsylvania’s most incredible lakes for vacationing is Lake Erie, whose shoreline resembles an ocean beach more than a freshwater basin. From Erie, Pennsylvania, which is located in the northwest of the state, access to Lake Erie is the simplest.
Sandy beaches where visitors can unwind and swim in some of the five Great Lakes’ warmest waters. The state park is a well-liked getaway destination for residents of the state, so it makes sense that visiting it is among the top activities in Pennsylvania for visitors searching for the most incredible experiences.
There are some places to stay on lake erie pa. One of the main draws to this canal is its excellent swimming conditions, but many other water sports are also available, such as kayaking, fishing, boating, and canoeing. It’s simple to locate rental locations for water sports in Erie or to hire a guide for an aquatic adventure.
2. Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack, the state’s second-largest artificial lake, is located in northeastern Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, close to Hawley. With 52 miles of shoreline, the massive 5,700-acre lake offers plenty of area for boating and other shore-based activities.
Being one of the top lake communities in the state, lake wallenpaupack airbnb regularly hosts fun events, such as fireworks and festivals. Four boat launches are on the lake, and boats can be rented.
Swimming is an everyday activity at the lake, and the Palmyra Township public beach in Hawley offers the best beach access. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, it is accessible to the general public and is a fantastic beach location for families. The beach area has picnic tables, restrooms, food, and lifeguards on duty during the summer.
Water sports and fishing are the most popular pastimes. Several rental firms are nearby on the lake. Visit the places to stay in lake wallenpaupack pa Visitors Center to learn more about their fishing tackle loaner program, which allows you to check out fishing rods, reels, and tackle boxes for a day. Just remember to purchase a current fishing license for Pennsylvania.
3. Raystown Lake
With more than 8,300 acres of water, Pennsylvania’s largest inland lake is Raystown Lake. It is one of the greatest since you can spend your whole vacation in a houseboat. South Central Pennsylvania’s Hesston is home to raystown resort pa.
Twelve public access points to the lake are available for swimmers, boaters, and people who are just there to enjoy the landscape and a picnic. At the artificial Raystown Lake, there are several public beaches and a well-liked campground (Susquehannock Campground).
Renting a vacation property in adjacent towns like Huntingdon and Martinsburg or a houseboat for a week is simple. Since outdoor activities are the main draw in the Raystown Lake area, you can spend several days engaging in activities like bicycling, hiking, and fishing at the lake.
4. Lake Harmony
Among the state’s most immaculate and pure natural glacial lakes is the stunning Lake Harmony, located in the Pocono Mountains. One of its biggest draws is the crystal-clear water from the mountains.
The lake harmony pa is next to Lake Harmony, a vacation area with many waterfront properties and cabins. Jet skiing and boating are top-rated on this lake. The fishing is excellent because of the natural waters, and many anglers can be seen bringing in bass, trout, and perch.
Though privately owned and 2.5 kilometers long, Lake Harmony is accessible if you stay at Split Rock Resort or one of the vacation cottages. The lake has a swimming beach, a boat launch point, and a marina. Other nearby attractions include golf courses, the Pocono Raceway, an indoor water park, and the well-liked hiking trail of Hickory Run State Park.
5. Conneaut Lake
Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania’s largest natural lake, is located in the northwest region of the state. It is situated in the cottage-friendly community of Conneaut Lake, which is well-known for its holiday properties.
Those who wish to go boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing frequently visit the 929-acre lake. This is also a lovely lakeside spot for those who would rather unwind near the lake rather than be on it.
Conneaut Lake’s amusement park is one of the main attractions. It’s a nostalgic flashback to easy summertime getaways filled with great memories of family time. The 1910 carousel is one of the well-preserved vintage amusement rides on display midway. The park has grown in size, so return to restricted hours of operation, so you should confirm before planning to visit.
Its unique charm and nostalgic atmosphere enhance a trip to the park’s seaside setting on Conneaut Lake. There’s a lovely promenade with lake views, and public beach access has just been enlarged.
6. Canadohta Lake
The 168-acre Canadohta Lake, situated in the town of the same name in the northwest of the state, is the second-largest natural lake in Pennsylvania after Conneaut Lake.
Canadohta Lake is a well-liked destination for summer holidays and is regarded as a family-friendly lake. It’s a pleasant lake for fishing and boating; you can even rent a boat there. In the winter, there’s a well-attended ice fishing competition.
There is a lot to do in the vicinity, but the spring-fed waters and water sports are the main draws of Canadohta Lake. The area surrounding the lake is pleasant and offers activities like hiking, biking, roller skating, and golf and miniature golf. You can rent cottages, cabins, and campsites.
7. Edinboro Lake
Though smaller than other lakes in the state, Edinboro Lake in northwest Pennsylvania’s Erie County is a terrific place to visit, especially for swimming and fishing in a more private body of water.
Anglers prefer the lake because it is small (245 acres), yet it boasts two beaches and a variety of fish species, including panfish, musky, bass, and crappie. On Edinboro Lake, kayaking and boating are also popular pastimes.
If you’re seeking additional things to do while visiting Edinboro Lake, Presque Isle State Park, the Hurry Hill Farm Maple Museum, and the Erie Zoo, where you may go swimming or hiking for the entire day, are just a short drive away. Numerous holiday houses, cottages, and Cabin rentals are available for vacation close to Edinboro Lake.
8. Lake Nockamixon
Lake Nockamixon, located in the picturesque eastern part of the state, close to Quakertown, in the hills of Buck County, is one of Pennsylvania’s most delightful lakes. The 1,450-acre lake is the crown feature of Nockamixon State Park.
Five public boat ramps surround Lake Nockamixon, from which you can launch daily or camp out in approved boat anchor sites. Springtime water discharges from the dam, and in the fall, a portion of the lake is transformed into one of the state’s most exhilarating whitewater experiences. If you’re itching for action on the rapids, arrange your vacation to coincide with those scheduled releases.
The state park around the lake has miles and miles of excellent hiking and bike routes. Once you’ve spent the day at the lake, remember to drive by Knecht’s Covered Bridge, a great spot to watch the sunset and a local landmark since 1873.
9. Kinzua Lake
One of the most picturesque places in the state and an excellent place for water sports is Kinzua Lake, sometimes referred to as the Allegheny Reservoir. Five hundred thirteen thousand acres of the Allegheny National Forest encircle the artificial reservoir, which is located in northern Pennsylvania close to the New York state line at Warren.
There are six boat launches around the lake, in addition to a marina where you may hire boats and get supplies. Boating, fishing, and swimming are popular water sports on Kinzua Lake.
The park contains two public beaches and several picnic places with breathtaking views of the lake and woodland. Recreational activities offered off the water include hiking on the 600 miles of designated trails, biking, ATVing, horseback riding, bird watching, and bush camping.
10. Gouldsboro Lake
The artificial Gouldsboro Lake in Northeastern Pennsylvania is a pleasant place for boating and swimming. The 250-acre lake is accessible for ice fishing in the winter, so fishermen are drawn to it all year long.
Since the lake is situated inside Gouldsboro State Park, the surrounding parkland offers many hiking and mountain bike paths, as well as picnic spots. During the summer, Gouldsboro’s public beach is open and features restrooms.
The local flora and fauna are distinct because the state park and lake are a portion of the Pocono Plateau. Visit the park office to learn more about the local flora and wildlife.
11. Pymatuning Lake
The massive Pymatuning Lake, which covers around 17,000 acres, shares a portion of its waterway with Ohio. It is situated in Jamestown inside Pymatuning State Park. As one of Pennsylvania’s most visited state parks, swimmers, boaters, and fishermen frequently find the lake famous.
If you’d like to extend your stay to an outdoor weekend, there’s a fantastic campground. In the summer, Pymatuning Lake has three public beaches. The lake offers convenient boating, with three marinas and multiple concession areas.
A fantastic water trail is available for kayakers and canoeists. The Shenango River Water Trail begins right below the dam and travels nine miles to Greenville.
12. Fairview Lake
Because of its shallow waters, one of the greatest lakes for fishing in the state is Fairview Lake, located in Palmyra Township, eastern Pennsylvania. Numerous different fish species find it to be the perfect habitat because of its multiple unique natural features.
This natural lake is just 169 acres. Although it has a ridge that runs through it, a unique geological feature that reduces the depth to only approximately three feet, its most excellent depth is 48 feet. Bass fishermen come to Fairview Lake hoping to strike it lucky because it also has a small amount of fishing notoriety.
Locals assert that Mike Iaconelli, the winner of the Bassmaster Classic, caught his first bass in Fairview Lake as a little boy. Fairview Lake is a family-friendly lake with many vacation cottages and boating options, in addition to fishing legends and fish.
13. Antietam Lake Reservoir
Antietam Lake Reservoir is one of Reading, Pennsylvania’s most picturesque lakes. Situated on over 650 acres of designated green space, the lake and park provide a picturesque natural setting ideal for hiking and picnics.
There are 12 kilometers of interconnecting walking routes throughout the park. The Angora Fruit Farm, which occupies 22 acres in the middle of the park, offers environmental programs all year round as part of the park’s efforts to preserve the state’s natural resources.
14. Beltzville Lake
Located in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, the picturesque 949-acre Beltzville Lake is close to Beltzville State Park. The public can utilize the lake’s 525-foot beach from May until mid-September. The bathhouse has concessions and a changing area. There are hiking paths spanning 15 km around the lake, one of which is the Sawmill Loop path. This path passes wetlands, an old quarry from the 1700s, and the site of a gristmill racetrack, providing a historical look into the area’s past.
Beltzville Lake is a beautiful place to go boating, fishing, and seeing nature, particularly birds. Located on the migration route is the lake.
15. Blue Marsh Lake
Blue Marsh Lake, in Leesport, is a nice choice if you’re looking for a lake for general recreational use with lots of nearby services and activity alternatives. The lake features a modest beach and a boat launch.
Since the lake is surrounded by more than 5,000 acres of land, you can hike, bike, or horseback ride on some of the 36 miles of trails that pass through the region. There are tables and picnic shelters available, some with grills for barbecues.
If you are looking for things to do and are unfamiliar with the area, Blue Marsh Lake has a tourist center that could be an excellent place to start. Additionally, toilets and concessions are provided so you can extend your stay at the for a whole day.
