Philadelphia Lakes

Lakes Around Philadelphia

It’s summertime so it’s time to plan your next summer adventure. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Philadelphia. Lucky for you, when you make a trip to Philadelphia you have some great spots for spending time on the lake.

There are countless great arguments for making a trip to a lake in Philadelphia this summer – the water is refreshing on hot days, relaxing summer entertainment such as boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day. Take a look at the table below and see your options from swimming lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to visit.

Lakes Close to Philadelphia

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a longer getaway gives you a nearly limitless list of things to do for people of all stripes.

Here are some of our top picks for activities when you visit a lake near Philadelphia:

Catch some fish. For anglers, finding a good fishing hole shouldn’t be too hard to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or fishing from shore.

Have a picnic. Philadelphia’s lakes gives you the chance to visit all sorts of great picnic areas partake in the enjoyment of your favorite foods, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. Should you be with someone you want to impress, this plan is hard to beat.

Water sports. If you’ve got access to a ski boat, why not get out on the water and start flying around the water showing off your water sports expertise? Take the family out for some wakeboarding, skiing, or tubing as the lakes near Philadelphia give you all kinds of options.

Lake Getaway Prep

A lake day itinerary can vary quite a bit depending on which lake you’re going to, the weather forecast, and your plan of attack. However, we’ve built out a short list of popular lake items that you can use as a checklist before you hit the road.

General items

For a day spent on the water you’ll probably want to take some of these things to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and relaxed.

  • A receptacle for trash
  • Bluetooth speaker
  • Bathing suits
  • Insect repellant
  • Backup clothes
  • Sunglasses
  • Snacks
  • A fully stocked cooler
  • Towels
  • USB charger

Additional lake items

The list of items below could be helpful for getaways to the lake depending on what your plans are. It’s also worth checking prior to hitting the road.

  • Masks and snorkels
  • Paper towels and sanitizer
  • Corkscrew
  • Diapers and baby gear
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Something to read
  • Inflatable pool toys
  • Games for the beach
  • Fishing poles

Lake Safety Checklist

While a day at a lake in Philadelphia can provide tons of fun, safety should remain top of mind at all times. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some general safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Don’t mix alcohol with swimming
  • Use sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy outside
  • Avoid swimming near rocks or shallow water areas that may not be deep enough to dive underneath and escape from waves
  • Have an escape plan for what to do if you get stuck on a boat that capsizes or tips over
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices

More Tips for a Lake Getaway in Philadelphia

Few people get the opportunity to make their way to the amazing lakes around Philadelphia and might have a few questions about how to make the most of their time there. Of course, any body of water will have their own character and surroundings, but you should keep in mind a couple key points to review while planning that might help put together a trip your whole family will remember.

  1. No boat, no problem. Many lakes have local marinas that offer boat rentals of all sizes. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or a wild day of wakeboarding. Using a search engine can usually help you find several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Do homework on the beaches. Early, mid, or late season, sometimes beaches can get very crowded. To find some space to yourself, research multiple lakes and beaches to learn about how busy they are to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most happening beach!
  3. Maximize unique local resources. If there’s time for a longer getaway, look for local state campgrounds and parks that offer the option to camp directly on the water at an affordable price.