Pennsylvania knows how to make a splash. Jump into a lake, cruise down a creek in a tube, or just simply float the day away. Before you suit up, check each destination’s website for designated swimming areas, operating dates, hours, and current conditions.
Pennsylvania beaches and lakes
Raccoon Creek State Park
Hookstown
Situated within one of Pennsylvania's largest state parks, Raccoon Creek State Park's 500-foot beach gives families plenty of room to wade, splash, and cool down when open for the season. With more than 100 acres of lake to admire, the shoreline offers a scenic backdrop for an easy summer escape an hour outside of Pittsburgh. Check current swimming conditions before visiting, as beach access can occasionally close for routine water quality testing.
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Beltzville State Park
Lehighton
Pohopoco Creek feeds into Beltzville Lake, a 949-acre centerpiece of recreation tucked into the southern foothills of the Pocono Mountains. The park's expansive sand beach, one of the largest and most popular in the state park system, gives swimmers room to spread out, wade in, or simply relax along the shoreline from late May until Labor Day. A paved ramp offers an easy, accessible passage from the beach down to the water.
Blue Marsh Lake
Bernville
Originally built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding in the Schuylkill River Valley, Blue Marsh Lake has grown into a Berks County favorite for recreation. The lake spans more than 1,100 acres, anchored by a designated swimming beach at the Dry Brooks Day Use Area. After a swim, unwind with a lakeside picnic or set off on more than 50 miles of trails winding through the surrounding woods and wetlands.
Hickory Run State Park
White Haven
Hickory Run State Park spreads across nearly 16,000 acres in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. Sand Spring Lake is the park’s designated swimming area, with a sandy beach for splashing and relaxing from late May until mid-September. More than 40 miles of nearby trails invite visitors to explore the park's forests and famous Boulder Field after leaving the water.
Presque Isle State Park
Erie
Presque Isle State Park curves into Lake Erie along a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that's earned its nickname as "Pennsylvania's only seashore." Its long, vast beaches that are open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day create the Commonwealth's only true surf-swimming experience, with waves rolling in off the lake. Swim within designated guarded zones, then explore the shoreline of this National Natural Landmark, home to rare plants, migratory birds, and sweeping lake views.
Hills Creek State Park
Wellsboro
First opened in 1953 and named for the waterway running through it, Hills Creek State Park sits within the quiet landscape of Tioga County, where its lake draws loons, ospreys, and other waterfowl throughout the season. Swimmers can enjoy a natural sandy lake bottom and a grassy beach, with plenty of open space for relaxing lakeside from late May until mid-September.
Laurel Hill State Park
Somerset
Shaped in the 1930s by Civilian Conservation Corps workers, Laurel Hill State Park sits amid the mountainous terrain of Somerset County. Its 63-acre lake is open from late May until Labor Day and features a 1,200-foot sand beach with designated swimming areas ranging from three to five feet deep. An accessible ramp and rentable beach wheelchairs help visitors of all abilities enjoy time together along the water.
Rivers and creeks in Pennsylvania
Sickman's Mill Creek Tubing
Pequea
Float from Sickman’s Mill along the Pequea Creek as the forests of Lancaster County roll by. The same water that once powered the four-and-a-half story mill's turbine-driven machinery still sets the pace for tubers gliding along the creek every June through August. Reward yourself after and try their world-renowned canned cocktail Jimmy Juice with a meal at their on-site restaurant Jimmy’s Place.
Little Buffalo State Park
Newport
Little Buffalo Creek drew Indigenous hunting parties, millers, merchants, and travelers long before the surrounding land became a state park. Today, swimming takes place in an accessible pool overlooking Holman Lake, with two zero-entry areas for easy access. Two waterslides and a sprayground bring extra energy to this family-friendly swimming spot.
Meadow Run Natural Waterslide
Ohiopyle
Centuries of flowing water have carved Meadow Run's sandstone into smooth channels and winding natural chutes. The creek drops 20 feet over the waterslide, creating a fast-moving ride through Ohiopyle State Park's rugged, rocky terrain. Visitors should stick to the marked chutes for sliding, follow posted guidance, and watch for slippery rocks and shifting currents.
Clarion River in Cook Forest and Clear Creek State Park
Cooksburg
The Clarion River winds past Cook Forest State Park’s towering trees and through the forested landscape of Clear Creek State Park. Visitors can gently swim or float across this stretch, or head down the route for more active sections. Public access points at both parks help visitors reach the river and enjoy its clear water and rocky views.
Keep making waves with more outdoor activities all across Pennsylvania. Plan your getaway today.
