Lakes and Beaches in the Poconos

By: Emily Whalen

There are 150 lakes in the Poconos, offering a wide variety of scenic backdrops for a summer vacation or day out with family and friends! Kick back at sandy beaches in the Poconos, splash in the swimming holes in the Poconos, go fishing, canoeing and kayaking, or boating. Your perfect lake day in the Poconos is waiting.

Keep reading to discover lake destinations like Lake Wallenpaupack and Lake Harmony as well as Poconos beaches in our national, state, and local parks. Be sure to check the rules and regulations of each beach or lake before you visit: some lakes in Poconos either charge an admission fee or are private or exclusive to overnight guests on the property.

Beaches at Pennsylvania state parks in the Poconos are typically free to access and do not charge admission or day use fees, with swimming areas usually open May through September, sunrise to sunset. Holidays and weekends can be crowded, particularly during the summer; consider visiting midweek to take advantage of lower crowd levels. Some beaches are not staffed with lifeguards; be sure to stay alert when swimming at your own risk, supervise young ones, and don’t forget a life-jacket!

Lake Wallenpaupack PA

Lake Harmony PA

Milford Beach and Smithfield Beach in DWGNRA

Beltzville State Park Beach

Hickory Run State Park Beach

Gouldsboro Lake

Tobyhanna State Park Beach

Promised Land State Park Beach

Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach

Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark

Private Lakes in the Poconos

1. Lake Wallenpaupack PA

One of the most popular attractions in the Pocono Mountains, sprawling Lake Wallenpaupack is the third-largest man-made lake in Pennsylvania. The opportunities for outdoor adventure on the water and along the shore are almost endless: take a guided cruise with Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tours , find boat rentals, or borrow fishing gear from the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center . There are plenty of great places to stay and places to eat at Lake Wallenpaupack. Palmyra Township Public Beach on Lake Wallenpaupack is open to the public from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend for a small admission fee. Launch your own boat from the free launch point at Mangan Cove or pay a small fee at the access areas at Caffrey, Ironwood Point, Ledgedale and Wilsonville. Read our blog to find even more activities to enjoy at Lake Wallenpaupack.

2. Lake Harmony PA

The town of Lake Harmony is open to the public and has many restaurants, resorts and shops that everyone can visit and enjoy. The lake itself is privately-owned and accessible only to guests staying at Split Rock Resort or certain vacation rentals on the water, like Barry and Kari’s Lake Harmony Houses and properties available through Pocono Mountain Rentals . Interested in fishing on Lake Harmony? Sign up for a guided excursion with Captain Joe’s Fishing and Waterman Services .

3. Milford Beach and Smithfield Beach in DWGNRA

Spend a day enjoying one of the two Pocono beaches in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (DWGNRA)–just don’t forget your life jacket! The Delaware River runs deep, and its currents are strong: even competent swimmers are advised to stay alert and wear a life jacket.

Milford Beach on the northern end of DWGRNA is just a short walk or drive away from the small town of Milford, an ideal spot to grab lunch or stay overnight after a fun day enjoying the sand and sun. Smithfield Beach, located towards the southern end of the park, is not far from Delaware Water Gap and Stroudsburg. Note that swimming is not permitted at the Delaware Water Gap beach located just across the Pennsylvania border at Kittatiny Point in New Jersey; this area is meant for use as a boat launch point.

4. Beltzville State Park Beach

Bring your beach towel or lawn chair and spread out along the 525-foot Beltzville State Park beach , which features a bathhouse with showers nearby as well as a food and refreshment concession. Take a short walk from the beach to see Beltzville’s beautiful Harrity Covered Bridge, originally built in 1842 and today open for pedestrian use only. Located in Lehighton, the 949-acre Beltzville Lake also offers plenty of space for boaters, with a boat rental open during the summer season and two launches at Pine Run East on the northern shore and Preacher’s Camp on the southern shore. Check out our Beltzville guide to learn even more about the park.

5. Hickory Run State Park Beach

While the ancient landscape of Boulder Field is perhaps the park’s most famous feature, the Hickory Run State Park beach is also a favorite spot for visitors, with a designated swimming area and sandy stretch of beach at Sand Spring Lake. Open daylight hours throughout the warmer months, the beach is the perfect place to relax and splash with the family, whether you’re visiting for the day or staying overnight at the Hickory Run campground and cottages. Enjoy the snack bar, picnic area, playground, and nearby disc golf course for a fun-packed summer day in the Poconos. Find more things to do at Hickory Run in our complete guide to the park.

6. Gouldsboro Lake

Journey to Gouldsboro Lake on the Pocono Plateau for a day of swimming, fishing, and boating. A short drive off of 380, this 250-acre lake is located midway between Stroudsburg and Scranton. Bring your rod and tackle and drop a line from the fishing pier, pack a picnic lunch, or take a hike along 7.25 miles of trails before cooling off in the water at the day use area at Gouldsboro State Park beach . Launch your own vessel from the public boat launch or take advantage of boat rentals from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

7. Tobyhanna State Park Beach

Not far from Gouldsboro State Park, Tobyhanna Lake is surrounded by lush trees and greenery. Loop around the lake on foot or bike along the gentle, 5-mile Lakeside Trail and catch beautiful glimpses of the water through the branches. The curving Tobyhanna State Park beach is open during the summer season and features a bathhouse with flush toilets, changing areas, and showers available for a fee.

8. Promised Land State Park Beach

The 422-acre main lake offers two options for a Promised Land State Park beach day. Enjoy the picnic facilities and refreshment stand at the Day Use Picnic Area or wind through the fern-carpeted forest roads to reach the second beach at the end of Pickerel Point. Fishing and canoeing and kayaking are also popular water activities in the park, and a boat rental is open during the warmer months. Find more things to do at Promised Land in our complete guide to the park.

9. Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach

Set in the Carbon County hills between Lansford and Jim Thorpe, the 345-acre Mauch Chunk Lake is home to a swimming area and beach pavilion, campground , boat rental , boat launches, fishing spots, and hiking trails. Be sure to check the website to confirm current offerings and hours; due to crowd control, the swimming area and other areas of the park may be open only to Carbon County residents during certain times of year such as the Fourth of July.

10. Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark

If beach vibes and splash time are what you’re craving, a day at Camelbeach ight be just the ticket! Every summer, the slopes of Camelback Mountain Ski Area transform into the largest outdoor waterpark in PA. Soak in the sun, sand, and palm trees at the Kahuna Lagoon and Blue Nile River then branch out into incredible waterslides like the brand new Rival Racer. Camelbeach is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to waterparks in the Poconos: for even more thrills all year long, be sure to dive into the incredible indoor waterpark resorts throughout the area.

11. Private Lakes in the Poconos

No matter where you stay overnight in the Poconos, you won’t be far from beautiful lakes and beaches; but to treat yourself to a private aquatic oasis, book your lodgings at Poconos properties that boast private watering holes just a few steps from your accommodations. Check out lakeside campgrounds and classic resorts like Mountain Springs Lake Resort , Otter Lake Camp Resort , Keen Lake Camping and Cottage Resort , and Woodloch Resort .

A day at the lake is calling your name! Start planning your summer getaway to a great Poconos beach. Browse even more water recreation and boating options and don’t forget to check the Poconos events calendar to catch a fun festival during your trip like Wally Lake Fest , an annual celebration of all the best things about the Big Lake.

          (poconomountains.com)