What are the most popular beaches in Pennsylvania?
You might not think of beaches when you picture Pennsylvania, but there are some fantastic lake beaches throughout the state, especially in the state parks. Surrounded by beautiful forests, the lakes in Pennsylvania are full of water sports, fishing, and of course, popular beaches.
Top beaches in Pennsylvania
1. Black Moshannon State Park
2. Conneaut Lake
3. Presque Isle State Park
4. Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach
5. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
6. Gouldsboro State Park
7. Beltzville State Park
8. Laurel Hill State Park
9. Bald Eagle State Park
10. Poe Valley State Park
Pennsylvania Beaches
Here are 10 great beaches to visit when you take an RV trip to Pennsylvania.
1. Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon State Park is located near the largest bog in Pennsylvania and is home to Black Moshannon Lake. Named for the tea colored water, Black Moshannon Lake offers visitors plenty of outdoor water activities. You can swim in the 250-acre lake or relax on the quiet beach. Kayaks and pontoon boats are also available to rent if you want to explore the lake from the water. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby as well, if you’re looking for things to do after spending the day on the lake.
Things to do near Black Moshannon State Park: The park is nine miles west of Philipsburg. If you’re heading to larger cities, Pittsburg is 128 miles southwest and Scranton is 170 miles northeast. Need an RV to get you there? We’ve got some great RV rentals for you to check out.
2. Conneaut Lake
Conneaut Lake is the perfect beach destination for the whole family. Spend some time relaxing on the beach, fishing, waterskiing, or swimming in the lake, then take a stroll down the boardwalk. There’s plenty of fun activities for the kids like the waterpark and amusement park next door. There’s also a Kiddie Cove for younger children to play in the water. And best of all, there’s a campground within walking distance so you can stay for a few days.
Things to do near Conneaut Lake: Meadville is the closest town, but Grove City is 40 miles away and Pittsburg is 90 miles south. We’ve got local guides to both cities to help you find the best things to do and see.
3. Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is right on Lake Erie and has 11 gorgeous beaches for visitors to enjoy. The sandy “seashore” is a popular place for locals and visitors alike. The beaches are open year round for sunbathing, relaxing, and walking. Several of the beaches are also designated for swimming, surfing, and scuba diving. There’s also fishing, hiking, and biking opportunities around the park.
Things to do near Presque Isle State Park: The Presque Isle Lighthouse is nearby and worth a visit. You can also explore the town of Erie when you’re finished enjoying the beach. Buffalo, New York and Cleveland, Ohio are both just about 100 miles away, and Pittsburg 130 miles south.
4. Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach
Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach is a family run swim and recreation facility that is open to the public in south central Pennsylvania. The entry fee gives you access to the 8 acre beach, lawn, and picnic grove. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy beach, swimming in the lake, or renting kayaks or innertubes to float around on the water. There are lifeguards on duty and a kids dock, making it a great place to take the family. Once you’re done playing in the water, the picnic area or snack bar are the perfect place to eat a meal.
Things to do near Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach: This beach getaway is located 12 miles from Hershey and 25 miles north of the Lancaster Pennsylvania Dutch tourist and outlet centers. Philadelphia is less than a two hour drive away.
5. Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Mauch Chunk Lake Park is another popular lake in Pennsylvania. The park provides guests with many outdoor recreation activities such as picnicking, hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. The beach and swim area is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day and swimming is allowed when lifeguards are on duty. The beach area also has amenities such as a beach pavilion, a concession stand, and a playground for kids. There are also canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboats available for rent.
Things to do near Mauch Chunk Lake Park Beach: This fun park and beach is located between Scranton and Philadelphia. We’ve put together local’s guides for Philadelphia to help you find the best things to eat, see, and do.
6. Gouldsboro State Park
Located in northeastern Pennsylvanias, Gouldsboro State Park spreads over 2800 acres of land and includes Gouldsboro Lake. The lake is popular for boating and fishing, and there’s also a sand beach with rustic restroom facilities that is open from Memorial Day weekend to mid September. If you want to take to the water, rowboat, kayak, paddleboat, and canoe rentals are available.
Things to do near Gouldsboro State Park Beach: Scranton is only 22 miles away from this state park, and New York City is just over 100 miles southeast from Gouldsboro State Park.
7. Beltzville State Park
Situated in the southern foothills of the Poconos, Beltzville State Park is home to Beltzville Lake, a popular spot for anglers, boaters, and vacationers. The 525-foot sandy beach is open from late-May to mid-September and has a bathhouse, showers, and concession stand. Enjoy the sandy beach or take a dip in the waters, then have lunch or dinner at the picnic area. Want to head out on the water? Kayaks, paddleboats, and pontoon boats are available for rent near the swimming beach. It’s also a great park for fishing, and the lake is stocked with trout, largemouth bass, walleye and more.
Things to do near Beltzville State Park: The park is located just north of Allentown. Scranton is just over 50 miles to the north, and Philadelphia is 78 miles to the south.
8. Laurel Hill State Park
Surrounded by state park and forest lands, Laurel Hill State Park is not to be missed. Laurel Hill Lake is a highlight of the park with its 1200-foot sandy beach. Go for a swim, relax on the sand with a book, or check out the many boat rental options. Take your pick from rowboats, canoes, kayaks, hydrobikes, and stand up paddleboards, all which are available to rent at the beach. If you love fishing, you’ll want to take advantage of the fantastic trout streams. And there’s even overnight camping here so you can take your RV and enjoy the park for a few days.
Things to do near Laurel Hill State Park: With Somerset sitting just 10 miles east and Pittsburgh an easy 63-mile drive to the west, getting to the park is easy. And if you need an RV to get you there, we have you covered with great RV rentals.
9. Bald Eagle State Park
Bald Eagle State Park has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water and is home to the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir and Bald Eagle Creek. At the reservoir you’ll find a 1,200-foot long sand and turf beach, along with a children’s playground, a snack bar, changing rooms, public restrooms, and parking. The beach can be accessed from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. There are also boats available for rent at the marina, including rowboats with and without motors, canoes, runabouts, and pontoon boats. Once you’re finished with the beach, check out the 11 miles of trails throughout the park that are available for hiking and cross-country skiing.
Things to do near Bald Eagle State Park: The park is located along PA Route 150 between Milesburg and Lock Haven. Just over a half-hour drive from the state park is Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park. We’ve got you covered with some great local RV rentals.
10. Poe Valley State Park
Surrounded by gorgeous forest landscape in a mountain valley, Poe Valley State Park offers visitors a beautiful woodland lake experience. The swimming beach at Poe Lake is open from late May to early September from 8 a.m. to sunset. There’s a concession stand and boat rental facility that offers snacks, rentals, and camping supplies. From here you can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboat and make your way around the lake. You can also fish, and the lake is stocked with trout. There’s even camping in the park so you can stay in your RV to enjoy the amenities.
Things to do near Poe Valley State Park: Located between the towns of Coburn and Milroy, this Pennsylvania state park is nestled in the beautiful mountain valley of Centre County. The state park is also located near Bald Eagle State Forest and Poe Paddy State Park. Need an RV? Check out these great local RV rentals!
Planning an RV Trip to Pennsylvania
An RV trip is an excellent way to tour the great variety of beaches in Pennsylvania, and we’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in Pennsylvania, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best campgrounds and RV rentals. Now it’s time to start exploring!
