Pennsylvania may be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t home to some awesome beaches. Our many lakes and reservoirs grant us access to the water in a special way, especially the 11 beaches along Lake Erie in Presque Isle State Park. If you’re looking for ways to stay cool all summer long, head to one or more of the best beaches in Pennsylvania.

  1. Black Moshannon State Park, Rush Township

“Black Moshannon SP Beach House 3” by User:Ruhrfisch - took it myself. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons The quaint beach at Black Moshannon State Park is located within proximity of the largest bog in Pennsylvania. Spend a day at the sandy beach, where you can drop your beach towel on the grass or the soft sand. The beach is open annually from mid-May to mid-September. Click here for the official website of Black Moshannon State Park.

  1. Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County

“Bald Eagle State Park beach” by User:Ruhrfisch - Photographed it myself. Licensed under GFDL via Wikimedia Commons The Joseph Foster Sayers Reservoir is a man-made lake located in Bald Eagle State Park. In fact, the massive lake spans 1,730 acres and boasts a beautiful sand beach, where you can kick back and relax. The 1,200-foot sandy beach also features such amenities as a snack bar, restrooms, changing rooms, and a playground. Click here for the official website of Bald Eagle State Park.

  1. Presque Isle State Park, Erie

“Presque Isle Beach and Dunes” by I, Ruhrfisch. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons Presque Isle State Park, along Lake Erie, has not one, but 11 beautiful beaches for you to enjoy. Each beach features different amenities, such as ample parking, lifeguards, volleyball courts, and restrooms. Presque Isle State Park’s sandy beaches are generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Click here for the official website of Presque Isle State Park.

  1. Poe Valley State Park, Penn

Jon Dawson Poe Lake is a manmade lake that was created during the Great Depression. While the beach is swim at your own risk (there are no lifeguards), the deepest water measures five feet. You’ll also have access to a snack bar that serves both hot and cold foods. The beach is typically open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day annually. Click here for the official website of Poe Valley State Park.

  1. Harvey’s Lake, Wilkes-Barre

Boston Public Library Harvey’s Lake is the largest naturally occurring lake that is contained entirely in the state of Pennsylvania. However, the beach leading to the lake is private.

  1. Beltzville State Park, Carbon County

“Phot beltzville2” by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, probably Burt Ellsworth, the staff photographer - Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/phototour/phototour_northeast.aspx. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons Not pictured: the beach. I promise it exists, though, all glistening 525 feet of sandy beach, complete with showers and a snack bar. If you prefer spending time on the water instead of in the water, consider going kayaking, paddle boating, or even water skiing. Click here for the official website of Beltzville State Park.

  1. Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach, Lebanon

LancasterOnline Mt. Gretna is a gorgeous beach that often hosts events such as birthday parties and day camps. There is an admission fee, but it’s well worth it. In addition to swimming, you can meander on the water on an inner tube, dive into the lake from several diving boards, and have a picnic under shady trees. Click here for the official website of Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach.

What do you think are the best beaches in Pennsylvania? Do you prefer going to large beaches like those at Presque Isle State Park or smaller ones tucked in other state parks? Let us know in the comments!

“Black Moshannon SP Beach House 3” by User:Ruhrfisch - took it myself. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The quaint beach at Black Moshannon State Park is located within proximity of the largest bog in Pennsylvania. Spend a day at the sandy beach, where you can drop your beach towel on the grass or the soft sand. The beach is open annually from mid-May to mid-September. Click here for the official website of Black Moshannon State Park.

“Bald Eagle State Park beach” by User:Ruhrfisch - Photographed it myself. Licensed under GFDL via Wikimedia Commons

The Joseph Foster Sayers Reservoir is a man-made lake located in Bald Eagle State Park. In fact, the massive lake spans 1,730 acres and boasts a beautiful sand beach, where you can kick back and relax. The 1,200-foot sandy beach also features such amenities as a snack bar, restrooms, changing rooms, and a playground. Click here for the official website of Bald Eagle State Park.

“Presque Isle Beach and Dunes” by I, Ruhrfisch. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Presque Isle State Park, along Lake Erie, has not one, but 11 beautiful beaches for you to enjoy. Each beach features different amenities, such as ample parking, lifeguards, volleyball courts, and restrooms. Presque Isle State Park’s sandy beaches are generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Click here for the official website of Presque Isle State Park.

Jon Dawson

Poe Lake is a manmade lake that was created during the Great Depression. While the beach is swim at your own risk (there are no lifeguards), the deepest water measures five feet. You’ll also have access to a snack bar that serves both hot and cold foods. The beach is typically open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day annually. Click here for the official website of Poe Valley State Park.

Boston Public Library

Harvey’s Lake is the largest naturally occurring lake that is contained entirely in the state of Pennsylvania. However, the beach leading to the lake is private.

“Phot beltzville2” by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, probably Burt Ellsworth, the staff photographer - Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/phototour/phototour_northeast.aspx. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Not pictured: the beach. I promise it exists, though, all glistening 525 feet of sandy beach, complete with showers and a snack bar. If you prefer spending time on the water instead of in the water, consider going kayaking, paddle boating, or even water skiing. Click here for the official website of Beltzville State Park.

LancasterOnline

Mt. Gretna is a gorgeous beach that often hosts events such as birthday parties and day camps. There is an admission fee, but it’s well worth it. In addition to swimming, you can meander on the water on an inner tube, dive into the lake from several diving boards, and have a picnic under shady trees. Click here for the official website of Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach.

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Address: Black Moshannon State Park, 4216 Beaver Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866, USAAddress: Bald Eagle State Park, 149 Main Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USAAddress: Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USAAddress: Poe Valley State Park, 136 Poe Valley Rd, Penn Township, PA 176832, USAAddress: Harveys Lake, PA, USAAddress: Beltzville State Park, 2950 Pohopoco Dr, Lehighton, PA 18235, USAAddress: Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach, 130 Lakeview Drive, Mt Gretna, PA 17064, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

best beaches in Pennsylvania June 04, 2020 Beth Price-Williams What are the most beautiful beaches in Pennsylvania? Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but we can probably all agree that we have some of the most beautiful beaches in Pennsylvania. Presque Isle State Park, for example, boasts 11 sandy beaches, some of which feature lifeguards and plenty of parking. If you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned summer experience, head to Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach, a beautiful spot (you’ll have to pay an admission price) that offers a sandy beach, diving boards, tubing, and picnic tables. Raccoon Creek State Park has a cozy sand beach that leads straight into the cool water of Raccoon Lake. Where can I find the bluest water in Pennsylvania? If you’re looking for the bluest water and one of the best swimming spots in Pennsylvania, plan a visit to Lake Arthur. Nestled in Moraine State Park, the massive lake boasts two sandy beaches. At 1,200 feet, Pleasant Valley Beach is the larger of the two. Lakeview Beach tallies 550 feet. Both, however offer the opportunity to relax in the soft sand and to cool down in Lake Arthur. If you prefer to spend time on the water instead of in the water, do a little sailboating, kayaking, or canoeing. You can even set off on a lakeside hiking trail. What is there for kids to do in summer in Pennsylvania? Summer in Pennsylvania is so much fun, especially for the little ones. If you’re looking for fun and family-friendly spots to cool down, head to one of the state’s popular water parks. Camelback Mountain Water Park, in fact, is the largest outdoor water park in Pennsylvania, so you definitely can’t go wrong there. The park boasts 37 water attractions, including a lazy river. The 1,000-foot lazy river is an ideal spot to relax, soak up the sun, and cool down. If you prefer a bit more excitement, head to the wave pool or one of the thrill slides.

The OIYS Visitor Center

best beaches in Pennsylvania

June 04, 2020

Beth Price-Williams

What are the most beautiful beaches in Pennsylvania? Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but we can probably all agree that we have some of the most beautiful beaches in Pennsylvania. Presque Isle State Park, for example, boasts 11 sandy beaches, some of which feature lifeguards and plenty of parking. If you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned summer experience, head to Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach, a beautiful spot (you’ll have to pay an admission price) that offers a sandy beach, diving boards, tubing, and picnic tables. Raccoon Creek State Park has a cozy sand beach that leads straight into the cool water of Raccoon Lake. Where can I find the bluest water in Pennsylvania? If you’re looking for the bluest water and one of the best swimming spots in Pennsylvania, plan a visit to Lake Arthur. Nestled in Moraine State Park, the massive lake boasts two sandy beaches. At 1,200 feet, Pleasant Valley Beach is the larger of the two. Lakeview Beach tallies 550 feet. Both, however offer the opportunity to relax in the soft sand and to cool down in Lake Arthur. If you prefer to spend time on the water instead of in the water, do a little sailboating, kayaking, or canoeing. You can even set off on a lakeside hiking trail. What is there for kids to do in summer in Pennsylvania? Summer in Pennsylvania is so much fun, especially for the little ones. If you’re looking for fun and family-friendly spots to cool down, head to one of the state’s popular water parks. Camelback Mountain Water Park, in fact, is the largest outdoor water park in Pennsylvania, so you definitely can’t go wrong there. The park boasts 37 water attractions, including a lazy river. The 1,000-foot lazy river is an ideal spot to relax, soak up the sun, and cool down. If you prefer a bit more excitement, head to the wave pool or one of the thrill slides.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but we can probably all agree that we have some of the most beautiful beaches in Pennsylvania. Presque Isle State Park, for example, boasts 11 sandy beaches, some of which feature lifeguards and plenty of parking. If you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned summer experience, head to Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach, a beautiful spot (you’ll have to pay an admission price) that offers a sandy beach, diving boards, tubing, and picnic tables. Raccoon Creek State Park has a cozy sand beach that leads straight into the cool water of Raccoon Lake.

Where can I find the bluest water in Pennsylvania?

If you’re looking for the bluest water and one of the best swimming spots in Pennsylvania, plan a visit to Lake Arthur. Nestled in Moraine State Park, the massive lake boasts two sandy beaches. At 1,200 feet, Pleasant Valley Beach is the larger of the two. Lakeview Beach tallies 550 feet. Both, however offer the opportunity to relax in the soft sand and to cool down in Lake Arthur. If you prefer to spend time on the water instead of in the water, do a little sailboating, kayaking, or canoeing. You can even set off on a lakeside hiking trail.

What is there for kids to do in summer in Pennsylvania?

Summer in Pennsylvania is so much fun, especially for the little ones. If you’re looking for fun and family-friendly spots to cool down, head to one of the state’s popular water parks. Camelback Mountain Water Park, in fact, is the largest outdoor water park in Pennsylvania, so you definitely can’t go wrong there. The park boasts 37 water attractions, including a lazy river. The 1,000-foot lazy river is an ideal spot to relax, soak up the sun, and cool down. If you prefer a bit more excitement, head to the wave pool or one of the thrill slides.