Megan Bryant is a passionate writer and traveler who has combined her two loves to help others fulfill their traveling dreams. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually curled up with her 3 Dachshunds and a good book or planning her next adventure—wherever that may be.
Nestled within Pennsylvania’s diverse and picturesque landscapes are a collection of stunning lakes that offer serene tranquility, mirror-like waters, lush forests, and a bustling array of recreational activities.
Pennsylvania’s lakes cater to a myriad of interests. So whether you’re an avid angler, a water sports enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat, the Keystone State boasts some truly remarkable lakes that capture the essence of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
If you’re a Pennsylvania local or just visiting the area on vacation, be sure to check out these 17 incredible waterways, all of which have their own unique charm and allure.
Beltzville Lake
Near the Beltzville State Park in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, lies the 949-acre Beltzville Lake, which has become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists alike.
Sitting at the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, Beltzville Lake and its 525-foot beach offer visitors the opportunity to boat, fish, and relax, all while taking in the lake’s surrounding beauty. As the lake sits on a migration path for waterfowl and warblers, you can expect to see countless bird species, especially during the spring months. And for those who prefer to stay dry, Beltzville Lake even boasts 15 miles of hiking trails for you to enjoy.
Blue Marsh Lake
Blue Marsh Lake is an excellent all-round recreational lake with plenty of nearby amenities that will make your time by the water even more enjoyable. Sadly, water conditions at Blue Marsh Lake aren’t always safe for swimming—you can blame the algae blooms for that—but it’s best to check at the visitor’s center upon arriving.
If you find the lake isn’t safe for swimming, then you can instead set off biking, horseback riding, or hiking on the 36 miles of trails that surround Blue Marsh Lake. You can also launch a boat, have a picnic, or cook on one of the lake’s grills, so really, there is plenty to do to keep you entertained!
Canadohta Lake
Canadohta Lake is the second largest natural lake in Pennsylvania and is located in the northwestern part of the state. For families looking for a place to cool down and unwind, Canadohta Lake is an excellent choice, as the waters provide ideal conditions for boating, fishing, and swimming.
But although the main draw to the lake is the spring-fed waters, you can also hike, bike, roller skate, and play miniature golf in the surrounding area. There are even cottages, cabins, and campsites to rent to turn your day at the lake into a weekend-long trip!
Conneaut Lake
Another northwest Pennsylvania lake is Conneaut Lake, which just so happens to be the largest natural lake in the entire state. Spanning over 929 acres, Conneaut Lake is a popular destination for vacationers with interests in boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing.
But what will really get the kids excited is the Conneaut Lake amusement park, which has a collection of preserved old-school amusement rides, including a 113-year-old working carousel.
Edinboro Lake
Edinboro Lake in Erie County is by no means the biggest lake in the area, but it is a more intimate waterway, making it perfect for those who prefer a quiet time on the water. Covering 245 acres, Edinboro Lake has two beaches, opportunities to boat, swim, and kayak, and it is home to various bird and fish species, including bass, crappie, and panfish.
Fairview Lake
Fairview Lake’s shallow waters have made it a top fishing destination in Pennsylvania, with Bassmaster Classic Champion Mike Laconelli even catching his very first bass in the lake. But although the waters do mainly draw in anglers who are in search of the lake’s variety of fish species, Fairview Lake is also a family-orientated lake with recreational water-based activities for everyone to enjoy.
Glendale Lake
Glendale Lake, located in Prince Gallitzin State Park, is an ideal spot for boating and fishing, with species like crappie, muskie, walleye, and bass residing in the waters. Glendale Lake spans over 1,635 acres and has 26 miles of shoreline that are great for soaking up the sun. Hiking and camping are two other popular activities at Glendale Lake, so be sure to pack your tent and enjoy a weekend down by the water.
Gouldsboro Lake
The 250-acre man-made Gouldsboro Lake is an ideal lake for swimming and boating, with picnic areas, hiking trails, and biking trails available in the surrounding areas. The public beach at Gouldboro is only open during the summer months, but there are restroom facilities by the water for your convenience.
Anglers will be particularly interested to know that Gouldsboro Lake is open for ice fishing during the winter months, so no matter what the season, you can always cast a line.
Kinzua Lake
Kinzua Lake—also known as the Allegheny Reservoir—is a haven for recreational activities. Being one of the most scenic lake destinations in all of Pennsylvania, Kinzua Lake is a popular choice amongst locals who want to explore both the water and the 513,000 acres of the Allegheny National Forest.
Boasting six boat launches, boat rentals, public beaches, picnic areas, hiking trails, biking trails, ATVing, and birdwatching, Kinzua Lake is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with something for everyone to enjoy.
Lake Erie
Pennsylvania is home to one of America’s five Great Lakes, Lake Erie. However, as Lake Erie is so big, it isn’t all located entirely within the state. What’s unique about America’s Great Lakes is that they more resemble a beach than a lake, and Lake Erie is no exception. With miles upon miles of sandy beaches and surfable waves, you’ll almost forget you’re in a landlocked state.
Of all the five Great Lakes, Lake Erie has some of the warmest waters, making it a popular vacation spot for those who like to swim, dive, boat, and fish. You’ll also find numerous public parks around the water, with hiking and biking trails in abundance.
Lake Harmony
Lake Harmony in the Pocono Mountains is one of the cleanest lakes in all of Pennsylvania. Fed by the waters coming off the mountains, Lake Harmony has quickly become a hotspot for boating, jet skiing, swimming, and fishing, with anglers reeling in bass, trout, and perch.
Unfortunately, Lake Harmony is privately owned, so the only way to access the water is by staying in Split Rock Resort or one of the lake’s vacation rentals. But as there are hiking trails, golf courses, and beaches to make use of, booking a vacation rental is definitely worth it.
Lake Naomi
Lake Naomi is a 277-acre lake with private beaches and marinas located in Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania. To make full use of Lake Naomi, we recommend booking one of the lake’s rentals, as the Lake Naomi Club—a recreational community—offers non-motorized boating, fishing, swimming, and sailing, as well as an outdoor Olympic-sized pool, a second outdoor pool with an aquatic climbing wall, a nine-hole executive golf course, a tennis center and a clubhouse with restaurant and pub.
Lake Nockamixon
Lake Nockamixon is up there as one of the most enjoyable lakes in Pennsylvania as locals and tourists flock to the 1,4500 acres of water to boat, windsurf, canoe, fish, and enjoy some time out in nature. Unfortunately, swimming isn’t allowed at Lake Nockamixon, but you will find a public pool in the state park if swimming is an absolute must.
With five public boat ramps, whitewater conditions in spring and fall, and various hiking trails in the surrounding state park, Lake Nockamixon should be one of your top Pennsylvanian lake choices.
Lake Wallenpaupack
Pennsylvania’s second largest inland man-made lake is Lake Wallenpaupack, and the expansive 5,700-acre waters with 52 shorelines sure offer up a whole heap of recreational activities. Lake Wallenpaupack has four boat launches, available boat rentals, and excellent swimming conditions. Plus, with restrooms, picnic tables, and on-duty lifeguards—depending on the season—you can thoroughly relax and unwind right by the water.
Marsh Creek Lake
The Marsh Creek State Park is home to the 535-acre (217 ha) man-made Marsh Creek Lake, and as it is stocked with fish and is a popular stop for migrating waterfowl, it is an excellent hang-out spot for anglers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Pymatuning Lake
Spanning nearly 17,000 acres, the massive Pymatuning Lake is one of the most frequented waterways in all of Pennsylvania. Encompassing the lake is the Pymatuning State Park, meaning swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and hiking are all popular pastimes for both locals and tourists alike.
Raystown Lake
Raystown Lake is the largest inland lake in Pennsylvania, as the waters cover 8,300 acres. Open to the public with access spots for boaters, public beaches for swimmers, and campgrounds for those who wish to stay at the lake for an extended period of time, Raystown Lake and its outdoor activities is up there as one of the best waterwaters in the entire state. For a unique experience, you can even rent a houseboat and stay directly on the water.
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