Pennsylvania is blessed with many mesmerizing, enchanting, and crystal-clear lakes. These lakes, for generations, have been a hotspot for millions of travelers visiting Pennsylvania.
Today, we will take you to some of these famous lakefront vacation spots that offer spellbinding views and a perfect outing option for families.
So, let’s get started!
This post is part of our series discover the USA
Raystown Lake
This 8300-acre lake is the largest lake that is completely within the Pennslyvania region. The lake is a trendy spot for fishing, boating, watersports, and several campgrounds. Explore Raystown’s unspoiled shorelines, breathe the freshest of air, and spend quality time with family on the water.
Allegheny Reservoir
The Allegheny Reservoir is a 7,647-acre reservoir surrounded by lush green Allegheny National Forests. The reservoir is usually crowded during summer. However, there are still many places where you can experience a wonderful time with your family.
Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack is 13 miles long reservoir with 52 miles of shoreline. It is one of the most famous and most visited lakefront vacation destinations. Lake Wallenpaupack is a year-round destination for families and offers tons of aquatic recreational activities to engage in.
Shenango River Lake
Located in Shenango River Valley, Shenango River Lake is a reservoir that provides an attractive atmosphere to enjoy camping, picnicking, boating, and sightseeing with family members; plus it is also a great place for unwinding and quality fishing experience.
Lake Harmony
Lake Harmony is a 2.5 miles long glacial lake known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural views. This beautiful lake has the perfect conditions for boating, kayaking, water adventure sports, and plenty of other recreational activities like hiking, skiing, biking, fishing, etc. Plus, offer a great opportunity to experience a unique and creative way of vacation stay by providing a wide range of lakefront vacation rentals & luxury homes.
Pymatuning Lake
This 17,088-acre reservoir is a man-made lake carved out of swampland in Crawford county. The lake is surrounded by the State Park that contains the most number of campsites in Pennsylvania. Pymatuning Lake region is one of the most visited places and thus offers plenty of opportunities for boating, camping, fishing, swimming, and the ground near the lake also contains a fish hatchery.
Beltzville Lake
Beltzville lake is a 949-acre lake, nestled in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains offering beautiful forests and mountainous background. The sand beach of this great lake has several picnic areas. The Pohopoco Creed is popular among anglers as the spot is filled with trout. Other than water activities, Beltzville features hiking, and biking trails.
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is the largest lake in Pennsylvania and the fourth largest in North America – one of the “Great Lakes“.
Lake Erie is widely known as the “Walleye Capital of the World” as the lake is one of the best places for fishing walleye. This massive body of water offers a myriad of leisurely water activities, such as fishing, swimming, boating, birdwatching, etc.
Lake Arthur
Lake Arthur covers close to 3225- acres and has a shoreline of 29 miles. The lake is a popular fishing destination with two beaches for swimming. In addition, sailing is a popular activity and a section near Barber Point is well-liked for windsurfing due to higher wind than normal and relatively low boat traffic.
Conneaut Lake
Located in Northwest Pennsylvania in the town of the same name, “Conneaut Lake”, is a 929-acre lake very popular for boating, swimming, water skiing, and fishing. The lake offers a beautiful lakefront location to witness the stunning neon sky of sunrise and sunset.
Lake Nockamixon
Lake Nockamixon is located in the beautiful hills of Buck county near Quakertown. This 1450-acre lake is one of the most enjoyable lakes and offers plenty of water activities, such as boating, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, etc. Swimming is not allowed in this lake. Bird-watching is also a very common activity here, as the lake sits along the path of migratory birds.
Gouldsboro Lake
Gouldsboro Lake is a 250-acre man-made lake and a great spot for a family vacation. The lake offers boating, swimming, and fishing, especially ice fishing. During winter, the water here freezes faster and attracts ice anglers from across the country. Electric and non-powered boats are allowed, while gas-powered boats are prohibited at Gouldsboro Lake.
Fairview Lake
Fairview Lake is a natural lake in Palmyra Township. This 192-acre glacier lake is a prime spot for fishing, jet skiing, and boating. At its deepest point, the lake measures 48 feet and is surrounded by a lush green landscape, plus features ridges that run through the middle with a depth of 3-5 feet.
Antietam Lake
Antietam Lake is a 14-acre reservoir located in Berk County and sits entirely within 665-acre Antietam Lake Park. It is one of the most sought-after lakefront locations for families looking for beautiful and serene surroundings. The lake is stocked with fish species such as rainbow trout, largemouth bass, brown trout, brook trout, bluegill, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed.
Blue Marsh Lake
Blue Marsh Lake is an artificial lake with stunning panoramic views and several amazing recreational activities for families. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and boating on this 8-mile-long lake.
These are our top 15 lakefront vacation destinations in Pennsylvania. If you are planning a family trip to Pennsylvania, then consider these beautiful places for a unique and beautiful lake experience.
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