If you’re looking for a place to take a vacation, lakes in Pennsylvania are a great choice. The lakes have beautiful views and offer many recreational activities including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, camping and more. You can pick lakes with scenic views of the Pocono Mountains or find something near a bustling tourist area. There are no shortage of options when you plan a Pennsylvania lake vacation.
We’ve assembled a huge database of lakes in Pennsylvania to help you plan your next trip. We’ll help you find:
- The best lakes for boating in Pennsylvania. You can easily find a boat or jet ski to rent if you don’t own one on many of Pennsylvania’s lakes. For water sports or fishing, we can help you find a great lake to spend a day on boats of all sizes.
- Excellent Pennsylvania lakes for swimming. Many lakes have sandy beaches and well kept swimming areas. You can find lakes that are as busy or as secluded as you’d like!
- A perfect winter getaway. Sometimes you just need a spot to unplug in the colder months, so why not find a place with a view? Pennsylvania has huge, crystal clear lakes bordered by breathtaking vacation rentals and other lodging options that make for an ideal winter getaway.
Find Pennsylvania Lakes Near You
Check out some of our favorite picks for lakes to check out on your next getaway in the Keystone State.
The best lakes to visit in Pennsylvania
Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the most popular lakes in Pennsylvania and a great place to go during all four seasons. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or just lounging on a private beach or in a boat on the lake. Boat rentals are also available for those who don’t have their own watercraft. During winter months, ice fishers can even drive onto the ice and build snowmen! Several resort hotels sit right on the lakeshore making Lake Wallenpaupack perfect for vacationers looking to stay at luxury accommodations.
Lake Jean
Lake Jean is another of the most popular lakes in Pennsylvania and a great place to visit year-round. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy boating and water sports, while winter brings ice fishing and skating. Located within an hour of multiple major airports, Lake Jean makes a convenient vacation spot for those traveling from out of state.
Lake Erie
Pennsylvania also borders this amazing Great Lake. Lake Erie is the largest lake “in” Pennsylvania and offers multiple beaches, resorts, and restaurants. This fantastic lakeside destination has something for everyone to enjoy including boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking trails through nature preserves, or relaxing on a sun-soaked beach.
Cherry Springs State Park
If you’re looking for a more natural setting without the bustling tourist atmosphere, Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best lakes in Pennsylvania to visit. Visitors can walk through miles of trails admiring the beautiful scenery as they hike by cascading creeks and bubbling springs. In addition, this park also features the darkest skies east of the Mississippi River, making it a great place to go stargazing. Several campgrounds are available on the lakeshore for visitors looking to stay longer.
Blue Marsh Lake
One of the best lakes in Pennsylvania to visit during the winter months, Blue Marsh Lake is a great destination for ice fishing. Visitors can even drive onto the lake and build snowmen on top of a frozen tidal marsh. This crystal-clear lake is one of the most popular lakes in Pennsylvania for catching trophy-sized fish. During summer, visitors can enjoy boating, scuba diving, water skiing, hiking trails through surrounding nature preserves, and more.
Lake Wilhelm
Lake Wilhelm is one of the best lakes in Pennsylvania for fishing. Anglers can fish year-round with some luck picking up walleye, bass and northern pike. The lakeshore has several picnic areas under shaded trees so you can sit back and enjoy your catch while taking in views of the lake’s calm waters. The lakeshore also offers campsites along with two boat launches for easy access to the water. Visitors can also stay at cabins located right on Lake Wilhelm which come with their own fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens.
Lake Arthur
Lake Arthur is a great destination for boaters looking to enjoy some of the best lakes in Pennsylvania with an afternoon on the water. This lake offers over 19 miles of shoreline, making it a great place to spend a day on your boat or just sitting along the lakeshore. During winter months, visitors can ice fish while enjoying views of the frozen lakescape. Lake Arthur also has camping facilities located within a mile of the lakeshore so you don’t have to venture too far from recreational activities for accommodations during your vacation.
In addition to these lakes, many other lakes in Pennsylvania offer beautiful views and all kinds of recreational opportunities. No matter what type of outdoor activity you enjoy, lakes in Pennsylvania offer a beautiful view and fine recreation. If you’re looking for an outdoor vacation this summer, lakes in Pennsylvania are the best lakes to visit.