Lakes in Pennsylvania

Canonsburg Lake, which sits within the county limits of Washington County, Pennsylvania is dedicated to water recreation in the form of fishing and boating. It was formed artificially by a concrete dam that was built to create a reserve of freshwater for the Canonsburg Forging Plant. At Canonsburg, the state goes above and beyond to make fishing possible and enjoyable. The Fish and Boat Commission stocks the lake with trout and other species of fish each year, and guests are welcome to fish from the shore or a handicapped-accessible pier. In terms of boating, the lake is outfitted with a launch from which to get out on the water.

Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir is part of the larger Bald Eagle State Park, which was established in 1971 when the artificial lake was dammed and created. The reservoir is a collection of water from Bald Eagle Creek and several other smaller streams. The park covers an astounding 5,900 acres in the north-central part of Pennsylvania and presents a lovely combination of forests, wetlands, and fields. These territories are open to visitors and recreation seekers, who can camp, boat, fish, swim, and observe nature in its many nooks and crannies. The park also hosts educational programs, which include guided walks and nature lectures.

149 Main Park Road, Howard, PA 16841, Phone: 814-625-2775

Romantic Lakes

Beltzville Lake, a 949-acre expanse of calm, clear waters, sits in the center of the even larger Beltzville State Park. The park totals a staggering 3,002 acres and makes its home in the foothills of the mighty Pocono Mountains. Beltzville Lake is a popular stop in eastern Pennsylvania for fishermen and boaters as well as for waterfowl, who take shelter here along their migratory paths. Beltzville is surrounded by the gorgeous greenery Pennsylvania is known for, but its shores are covered in sand, creating a beach-like environment that draws in swimmers and bathers. A covered wooden pedestrian bridge and several small waterfalls add to the lake’s charm.

2950 Pohopoco Dr, Lehighton, PA 18235, Phone: 610-377-0045

Blue Marsh Lake is another gem of Berks County, Pennsylvania, a multipurpose lake dammed off to prevent flooding in the Schuylkill River Valley. The surrounding area incorporates 5,000 acres of land, with 36 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. On and along the water, visitors can enjoy beaches and a picnic area, plus access to boat launches in order to get out to the fish and wildlife. Blue Marsh Lake also has a well-developed visitor center, concession stands, and more similar amenities to make a day on the lake convenient and comfortable. The local authorities regularly sponsor special events here.

1268 Palisades Drive, Leesport, PA 19533-9750, Phone: 610-376-6337

Lakes for Families

The Allegheny Reservoir and the Kinzua Dam that helped to form it are beautiful examples of the marriage of the natural world and feats of human engineering. The dam and reservoir have the practical use of helping to prevent flooding from the Allegheny River, but they also provide a treasured recreation area in the region near Pittsburgh. The Allegheny Reservoir is surrounded entirely by forests through which several hiking, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing trails run. On the water, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and water skiing, while nearby campsites make overnight stays possible in all seasons. Because of its location in the northeast, the reservoir magically moves from winter to summer, changing its façade with each new month.

1205 Kinzua Road, Warren, PA 16365, Phone: 814-726-0661

Codorus State Park is a 3,500-acre state park in York County, located close to the major city of Lancaster. Almost half of the park’s territory is covered by Lake Marburg, a massive body of water with an attractive shoreline. Birds often stop on this expansive lake while migrating, and visitors can enjoy days of motor boating, sailing, and swimming in the calm waters. One especially interesting feature of Lake Marburg is that scuba diving is available on its eastern side in Sinsheim Cove. The park also includes a family-friendly pool, plus areas for camping and picnicking. Educational programs are run here during the summer months.

2600 Smith Station Road, Hanover, PA 17331-8000, Phone: 717-637-2816

Lancaster is 1 hr 45 min (81.3 miles via US-1 S) from Philadelphia.

Lakes For Photographers

Conneaut Lake sets itself apart from other Pennsylvania lakes as the largest natural glacier lake in the entire state. It is surrounded by the lovely Conneaut Lake Park, a bastion of natural and manmade recreational attractions. On the water itself, lakegoers love to swim, fish, boat, and water ski, while sunbathers line the lake’s shores to catch the sun’s summer rays. Near the lake is a welcoming historical boardwalk that has amusement and water park rides. These attractions only add to the fun, allowing guests to make a multi-day trip from the experience. Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays.

12382 Center Street, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, Phone: 814-382-5115

Cowanesque Lake covers a wide swath of 1,085 acres that come close to the state of Pennsylvania’s northerly New York border. The lake is surrounded by rolling forests and is accompanied by both the Tompkins Campground and the Lawrence Picnic Area, which together offer the ideal set of amenities for day trips or longer stays. The area includes three boating access points and welcomes fishing, swimming, hunting, water skiing, and other outdoor sports and activities. Those who wish to stay on land can enjoy walks out in nature and activities at the territory’s amphitheater. Both sailboats and motorboats are welcome on the lake’s waters.

Lakes for Hikers

Crooked Creek Lake was another project to control the potential for floods in the area around the city of Pittsburgh. The lake itself is a gorgeous body of water that sits cozily in the western Pennsylvania hills, blanketed with trees that change with the shifting seasons. Because the natural beauty around the lake changes with the weather, it presents a wonderful recreation spot throughout the entire year. The lake has a boat launch and permits swimmers in its waters, while the shoreline provides miles of space for sunbathers and those looking to have a picnic. Crooked Creek Lake is also known for the variety of fish it hosts; anglers can expect crappie, sunfish, muskie, and bass here, to name just a few.

114 Park Main Road, Ford City, PA 16226, Phone: 724-763-3161

East Branch Clarion River Lake provides important protection to the district around Pittsburgh, as it guards against flooding from the upper Ohio and lower Allegheny rivers as well as the Clarion River Valley. Located in Elk County, the lake is an angler’s paradise, as the fish found here include trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, and tiger muskellunge. There are opportunities for winter ice fishing are available here, too, so the sport can be enjoyed throughout the year. Boaters also make great use of East Branch Clarion River Lake, as it has a launch for access and a number of secluded areas where guests can anchor for some privacy.

631 East Branch Dam Road, Wilcox, PA 15870, Phone: 814-965-2065