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 beautiful beaches along Lake Erie in Presque Isle State Park. But there are many more beaches at other lakes across the state. 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 State Park, 4216 Beaver Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866, USA
"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.
2. Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County
Bald Eagle State Park, 149 Main Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA
"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.

Get a birds-eye view of Bald Eagle State Park in this awesome 4k video:
3. Presque Isle State Park, Erie
Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
"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 in Pennsylvania 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.

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4. Poe Valley State Park, Penn
Poe Valley State Park, 136 Poe Valley Rd, Penn Township, PA 176832, USA
Jon Dawson/Flickr
Poe Lake at Poe Valley State Park 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. This is one of the best Pennsylvania lakes with beaches.

This breathtaking video illustrates the perfect natural beauty of Poe Lake:
5. Harvey's Lake, Wilkes-Barre
Harveys Lake, PA, USA
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. Sorry.
6. Beltzville State Park, Carbon County
Beltzville State Park, 2950 Pohopoco Dr, Lehighton, PA 18235, USA
"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 at Beltzville State Park. We 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.

If you liked the last two videos, you're going to love this one!
7. Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach, Lebanon
Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach, 130 Lakeview Drive, Mt Gretna, PA 17064, USA
The Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks/Wikimedia Commons
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.

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!

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More to Explore

Best Beaches in Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | June 04, 2020

What are the most beautiful beaches in Pennsylvania?

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Pennsylvania include the following:

  • Presque Isle State Park boasts 11 sandy beaches, some of which feature lifeguards and plenty of parking.
  • 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.

 

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.

Where can I find the bluest water in Pennsylvania?

Some of the bluest water in Pennsylvania can also be found at one of the state's best swimming spots, 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.

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