Summer in Pennsylvania can get scorching hot, which means we have to find fun and relaxing ways to cool off. Fortunately, we have an abundance of crystal clear lakes in Pennsylvania that are perfect for taking a dip on a hot summer day. Each of these beautiful lakes features a sandy beach that will make you feel a million miles away from it all without going too far from home. Which ones do you think are the clearest lakes in Pennsylvania? Let’s have a look:

1. Seven Points Beach at Raystown Lake – Hesston
Seven Points Beach at Raystown Lake, Hesston, Seven Points Loop, Hesston, PA 16647, USA
Google Maps/Seth Fenby
The sandy Seven Points Beach leads right into the clear water of Raystown Lake, making it an idyllic spot to spend a summer day. Throw down your beach towel for a day of fun under the sun at the popular beach, then wade into the water when you need to cool off. Boat rentals are available if you’re in the mood to spend time on the water of one of the clearest lakes in Pennsylvania, too.
2. Beltzville Lake – Lehighton
Beltzville Lake, Pennsylvania, USA
Google Maps/Ben Fishbein
Wade in the clear cool water of Beltzville Lake, then warm up on the soft sandy beach at Beltzville State Park. The popular swimming beach stretches 525 feet, offering plenty of space to spread out and relax under the sun. When you're hungry, stop by the concession stand, which sells a variety of food and drink. The beach also features showers and a bathhouse.
3. Lake Erie – Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park, Erie, PA 16507, USA
Flickr/Todd Van Hoosear
It's all about choice at Presque Isle State Park, home to 13 sandy beaches that take you straight into Lake Erie, one of the best lakes in Pennsylvania. Waterworks Beach and Pettinato Beach are ADA-accessible with ramps that lead to the edge of the water. If you're on the lookout for a large stretch of beach, make your way to Lyons Beach. It offers concession stands, a bathhouse, and beach volleyball.

Take a look at this video by @VentureOnMedia:

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4. Black Moshannon Lake – Philipsburg
Black Moshannon Lake, Rush Township, PA 16866, USA
Wikipedia/Ruhrfisch
Make sandcastles in the soft sand at Black Moshannon State Park, or enjoy a day of sunbathing. Black Moshannon Lake provides a refreshing way to stay cool all summer long. The lake, which does not have a lifeguard, is also ADA-accessible. If a day at the beach just isn't enough, you can camp out at the cozy state park.
5. Mauch Chunk Lake – Jim Thorpe
Mauch Chunk Lake, Pennsylvania, USA
Google Maps/G. Becerra
Sink your feet into the soft sand at Mauch Chunk Lake Park in Jim Thorpe. The 345-acre lake draws visitors all year round for its fishing and boating opportunities. It also boasts a gorgeous sand beach, where you can kick back and relax, then cool off in the shimmering water.

Take a look at this video by @DiscoverNEPA:
6. FJ Sayers Lake – Howard
Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, Pennsylvania 16841, USA
Google Maps/William Rusk
The 1,730-acre FJ Sayers Lake is arguably the gem of Bald Eagle State Park. The sand and turf beach that leads into the lake stretches 1,200 feet, giving you an abundance of space to kick back and relax. The beach at one of the most beautiful clear lakes in the state offers changing rooms, restrooms, and a playground.

Take a look at this video by @padronefootage:
7. Poe Valley Lake – Penn Township
Poe Valley State Park, 136 Poe Valley Rd, Penn Township, PA 176832, USA
Google Maps/Mireya Villalobos
Poe Valley State Park provides an ideal setting for a summer day - whether you want to lounge on the sandy beach that leads into Poe Lake or you're up for paddle boating or kayaking on the water. The beach features everything you need for a relaxing day out, including concession stands. Head over to the official Poe Valley State Park website for more information.

Which of these clearest lakes in Pennsylvania is your favorite for cooling off on a hot summer day? Let us know in the comments! If you prefer the fast-paced excitement of the attractions at a waterpark, here are 10 waterparks in Pennsylvania that can’t be beaten.

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More to Explore

Clear Water Lakes in Pennsylvania

Tori Jane | June 28, 2022

What are some amazing lakes with clear water in Pennsylvania?  

Pennsylvania is home to thousands (literally more than 2,500) of lakes (only 50 of which are natural), and all of them are stunningly beautiful. One of the clearest lakes in Pennsylvania is Raystown Lake, an 8,000-acre crown jewel with views as beautiful as the water itself. It’s almost like a mirror for the sky, reflecting the crystalline blue color for days. While you’re there, be sure to check out Hawn’s Overlook, where you can see almost the entire lake as well as the scenic surroundings of the entire Raystown Lake region.  

Where can I find crystal clear water beaches in Pennsylvania?  

Here are some places to find crystal-clear water beaches in Pennsylvania:

 

What is the clearest lake in Pennsylvania? 

There are a couple of lakes in Pennsylvania with, what could be argued, the clearest water. Other favorite clear lakes in Pennsylvania include Lake Wallenpaupack, which features an impressive 52 miles of shoreline around a cool, clear, 5,700-acre body of water. In the Pocono Mountains, you’ll find Lake Harmony, which is thought to be one of the single cleanest glacial lakes in Pennsylvania.  

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