The Pocono Mountains, located in northeastern Pennsylvania, is a region renowned for its lush forests, rolling hills, and beautiful lakes. These natural wonders make it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy swimming and beach activities. Whether you’re looking to spend a relaxing day by the water or engage in thrilling water sports, the lakes of the Pocono Mountains offer something for everyone.
Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack is one of the largest and most popular lakes in the Pocono Mountains. Covering over 5,700 acres and stretching for 13 miles, this massive lake offers an abundance of activities for visitors. With its clear waters, scenic surroundings, and well-maintained beaches, Lake Wallenpaupack is a top destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Swimming Areas
Lake Wallenpaupack has several designated swimming areas that are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. The most popular spot is Palmyra Township Public Beach, located on the western shore of the lake. This sandy beach is ideal for families, offering shallow waters for children and plenty of space for sunbathing. Lifeguards are on duty during the peak summer season, ensuring a safe environment for swimmers.
Palmyra Township Public Beach
Location: 2512 US-6, Hawley, PA 18428
Website: palmyratownshipbeach.com
Beach Activities
In addition to swimming, Lake Wallenpaupack offers a variety of beach activities. Visitors can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes to explore the lake’s tranquil waters. The beach also has picnic areas, volleyball courts, and playgrounds, making it a great spot for a full day of family fun. For those interested in fishing, the lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, walleye, and trout.
Additional Attractions
Beyond the beach, Lake Wallenpaupack offers numerous attractions and activities. The surrounding area is home to several marinas, where visitors can rent boats or take guided tours of the lake. Hiking and biking trails are also plentiful, providing opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains. In the winter, the lake becomes a hub for ice fishing and snowmobiling, making it a year-round destination.
Lake Harmony
Nestled in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, Lake Harmony is a pristine, private lake known for its crystal-clear waters and serene atmosphere. The lake is surrounded by charming vacation homes and resorts, making it a popular getaway spot for families and couples alike. Lake Harmony is smaller than Lake Wallenpaupack but offers a more intimate and peaceful setting for beachgoers.
Swimming Areas
While Lake Harmony is a private lake, visitors staying at local resorts and vacation rentals often have access to designated swimming areas. One of the best places to enjoy a swim is the beach at Split Rock Resort, which offers a sandy shoreline and calm, shallow waters. The resort’s beach is well-maintained, with lounge chairs and umbrellas available for guests. It’s an ideal spot for families with young children, as the water is shallow and safe for wading.
Split Rock Resort Beach
Location: 100 Moseywood Rd, Lake Harmony, PA 18624
Website: splitrockhotel.com
Beach Activities
In addition to swimming, Lake Harmony offers a range of water-based activities. Visitors can rent paddleboats, kayaks, and canoes from the resort’s marina, allowing them to explore the lake at their own pace. For those looking for more adventure, jet skis and motorboats are also available for rent. The lake’s calm waters make it an excellent spot for fishing, with plenty of opportunities to catch bass, perch, and sunfish.
Additional Attractions
Lake Harmony is located near several popular attractions, including the Big Boulder Ski Area and Jack Frost Mountain Resort, both of which offer skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. In the summer, these resorts transform into outdoor adventure parks, with activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. The nearby town of Lake Harmony also features a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, ensuring that visitors have plenty to do both on and off the water.
Beltzville Lake
Located in Beltzville State Park, Beltzville Lake is a 949-acre reservoir known for its clean, clear waters and well-maintained facilities. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, offering a picturesque setting for swimming and beach activities. Beltzville Lake is particularly popular with families, thanks to its calm waters and family-friendly amenities.
Swimming Areas
The main swimming area at Beltzville Lake is Beltzville State Park Beach, a large sandy beach located on the lake’s northern shore. The beach is spacious, with plenty of room for sunbathing, picnicking, and playing in the sand. The swimming area is roped off and gradually deepens, making it safe for swimmers of all ages. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer season, and the beach is equipped with restrooms, changing facilities, and a snack bar.
Beltzville State Park Beach
Location: 2950 Pohopoco Dr, Lehighton, PA 18235
Website: dcnr.pa.gov
Beach Activities
In addition to swimming, Beltzville Lake offers a variety of activities for beachgoers. The park has several picnic areas with tables and grills, perfect for a lakeside barbecue. Volleyball courts and playgrounds are also available, providing entertainment for both adults and children. For those interested in water sports, Beltzville Lake offers boat rentals, including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats. The lake is also a popular fishing spot, with species such as bass, trout, and catfish regularly caught by anglers.
Additional Attractions
Beltzville State Park offers more than just water activities. The park features over 15 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks through the forest. One of the most popular trails is the Saw Mill Trail, which leads hikers through scenic woodlands and past the remains of an old gristmill. The park is also home to several wildlife observation areas, where visitors can spot deer, birds, and other native animals. In the winter, the park offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
Tobyhanna Lake
Tobyhanna Lake, located within Tobyhanna State Park, is a 170-acre lake known for its tranquil waters and natural beauty. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and wetlands, providing a peaceful and secluded environment for visitors. Tobyhanna Lake is a great destination for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a quiet day by the water.
Swimming Areas
Tobyhanna Lake has a designated swimming area located on the eastern shore of the lake. The beach is small but well-maintained, with clean sand and shallow waters that are ideal for swimming. The swimming area is roped off and monitored by lifeguards during the summer months, ensuring a safe experience for all visitors. The beach also has picnic tables and grills, making it a great spot for a relaxing day outdoors.
Tobyhanna State Park Beach
Location: 114 Campground Rd, Tobyhanna, PA 18466
Website: dcnr.pa.gov
Beach Activities
In addition to swimming, Tobyhanna Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities. The lake is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking, with calm waters that are perfect for paddling. The park’s boat launch makes it easy to get on the water, and boat rentals are available for those without their own equipment. Fishing is another popular activity at Tobyhanna Lake, with anglers often catching species such as bass, pickerel, and yellow perch.
Additional Attractions
Tobyhanna State Park is home to several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding forest. The Lakeside Trail is a favorite among visitors, as it follows the shoreline of Tobyhanna Lake and provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. The park also has a campground with both tent and RV sites, making it a great option for those looking to extend their stay. In the winter, the park offers snowmobiling, ice fishing, and ice skating, making it a year-round destination.
Lake Naomi
Lake Naomi is a private, 277-acre lake located within a prestigious resort community in the Pocono Mountains. Known for its upscale amenities and pristine environment, Lake Naomi is a favorite among those looking for a luxurious lakeside experience. While the lake itself is private, visitors staying at the Lake Naomi Club have access to a variety of swimming and beach activities.
Swimming Areas
Lake Naomi has several beaches located around the lake, each offering a unique experience for visitors. The main swimming area is the Lake Naomi Club Beach, a sandy beach with clear, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming. The beach is well-maintained and equipped with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and lifeguard supervision during peak times. The club also offers a separate children’s beach, which features a roped-off swimming area and a playground.
Lake Naomi Club Beach
Location: 122 Route 423, Pocono Pines, PA 18350
Website: lakenaomiclub.com
Beach Activities
In addition to swimming, Lake Naomi offers a wide range of beach activities. The lake is ideal for sailing, and the Lake Naomi Club provides sailing lessons and boat rentals for those looking to try their hand at this elegant sport. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing are also popular activities on the lake, with calm waters that are perfect for beginners. The club’s beaches also have volleyball courts, tennis courts, and picnic areas, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Additional Attractions
The Lake Naomi Club offers a variety of amenities beyond the lake, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and a golf course. The club’s social calendar is filled with events and activities for members, ranging from outdoor concerts to wine tastings. The surrounding community of Pocono Pines also offers plenty of dining and shopping options, making Lake Naomi a complete vacation destination.
Arrowhead Lake
Arrowhead Lake is a private, 325-acre lake located within a gated community in the Pocono Mountains. The lake is part of the larger Arrowhead Lake Community, which includes two lakes, multiple beaches, and a variety of recreational facilities. Arrowhead Lake is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and well-maintained amenities, making it a popular destination for vacationers and second homeowners.
Swimming Areas
Arrowhead Lake has four beaches located around the lake, each offering a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. The main swimming areas are Beach 1 and Beach 2, both of which have sandy shores and roped-off swimming areas. The beaches are equipped with lifeguard stations, restrooms, and picnic tables, making them ideal for a day of family fun. The community also has a separate beach at Island Pool, which features a heated pool and a sandy play area for children.
Arrowhead Lake Beaches
Location: 961 Arrowhead Dr, Pocono Lake, PA 18347
Website: arrowheadlakepa.net
Beach Activities
Arrowhead Lake offers a wide range of activities for beachgoers. The calm waters of the lake are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing, with rentals available through the community’s recreation office. Fishing is another popular pastime at Arrowhead Lake, with the lake stocked regularly with species such as bass, trout, and catfish. The beaches also have volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and playgrounds, providing plenty of options for outdoor fun.
Additional Attractions
The Arrowhead Lake Community offers a variety of amenities beyond the beaches, including two swimming pools, tennis courts, and a community lodge with a fitness center and game room. The community hosts events and activities throughout the year, such as outdoor movie nights, summer concerts, and holiday celebrations. The surrounding area of Pocono Lake also offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains.
Lake Watawga
Lake Watawga is a private, 150-acre lake located in the gated community of Watagua in the Pocono Mountains. Known for its serene atmosphere and unspoiled natural beauty, Lake Watawga is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and wetlands, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife.
Swimming Areas
The main swimming area at Lake Watawga is located at the Watagua Clubhouse Beach. This small, sandy beach offers a quiet and relaxing environment for swimming and sunbathing. The swimming area is roped off and gradually deepens, making it safe for swimmers of all ages. The beach is equipped with picnic tables, grills, and restrooms, making it a great spot for a leisurely day by the water.
Watagua Clubhouse Beach
Location: Watawga Way, Gouldsboro, PA 18424
Website: watawga.com
Beach Activities
In addition to swimming, Lake Watawga offers a variety of outdoor activities. The calm waters of the lake are perfect for kayaking and canoeing, with several launch points located around the shoreline. Fishing is also a popular activity at Lake Watawga, with the lake stocked with species such as bass, perch, and trout. The surrounding forests offer opportunities for hiking and birdwatching, with several trails leading through the scenic landscape.
Additional Attractions
The Watagua community offers a range of amenities for residents and guests, including a clubhouse with a fitness center, tennis courts, and a community garden. The surrounding area of Gouldsboro is home to several state parks, including Gouldsboro State Park and Tobyhanna State Park, both of which offer additional opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating. Lake Watawga is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains in a peaceful and secluded setting.
Plan Your Visit to Pocono Mountains Lakes
The Pocono Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful and inviting lakes in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re looking for a bustling beach scene with plenty of activities or a quiet, secluded spot to relax and unwind, you’ll find the perfect lake to suit your needs in the Poconos. With their clean waters, scenic surroundings, and abundance of outdoor activities, these lakes offer something for everyone, making them ideal destinations for both day trips and extended vacations.
When planning your visit, be sure to check the websites of the lakes and communities mentioned above for information on access, amenities, and events. Whether you’re staying in a cozy cabin, a luxurious resort, or a family-friendly vacation rental, you’ll find that the Pocono Mountains offer a truly memorable experience for all ages.
