When the warm weather hits, all we can think about is sandy beaches and the cool embrace of water. Luckily, Pennsylvania offers a variety of lakes that are perfectly suited to help you relax in the most heavenly surroundings imaginable. Here are some of the best lakes in Pennsylvania you just have to visit.

1. Lake Nockamixon
Lake Nockamixon, Pennsylvania, USA
dfbphotos
Located not too far from Philadelphia, Lake Nockamixon is the perfect warm-weather retreat from city life and is one of the best lakes in Pennsylvania. The lake is located in the 5,286-acre Nockamixo State Park. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources website for more information.
2. Marsh Creek Lake
675 Park Rd, Downingtown, PA 19335, USA
jamvitter
If you enjoy sailing, then this watery oasis in Chester County is the place for you. Located within the 1,705-acre Marsh Creek State Park, this is one of the best boating lakes in Pennsylvania.
3. Gouldsboro Lake
Gouldsboro Lake, Pennsylvania, USA
Nicholas A. Tonelli
Stretching across Monroe and Wayne Counties, Gouldsboro Lake is a popular destination for boating, swimming, and fishing, and in the winter, ice fishing. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources website for more information on one of the most popular Pennsylvania lakes.
4. Whipple Dam State Park
3746 Laurel Run Rd, Petersburg, PA 16669, USA
Rob Lee
Nestled in the woods near State College, Whipple Dam Lake is the perfect place to reflect. During the summer months, take a dip in the beautiful lake. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources website for more information on Whipple Dam State Park.

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5. Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania, USA
"Lake-Wallenpaupack" by Matt Saunders - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Created by PPL in the 1920s, Lake Wallenpaupack is the third largest lake and one of the biggest tourist destinations in Pennsylvania. It's also one of the best lakes in Pennsylvania.
6. Lake Erie
Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
Nicholas A. Tonelli
The 11th largest lake in the world, Lake Erie is undoubtedly the most impressive, mysterious, and beautiful lake on this list. The sandy Presque Isle Peninsula offers Pennsylvania's only surf beach. When you visit what many consider the best lake in Pennsylvania, make sure you spend some time at the beach at Presque Isle State Park.
7. Allegheny Reservoir AKA Kinzua Lake
Allegheny Reservoir, Logan Township, PA 16601, USA
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Bordering New York, the man-made Allegheny Reservoir is the second largest body of water in the state. It's also one of the most impressive Pennsylvania lakes. Visit the USDA Forest Service website for more information.
8. Raystown Lake
6993 Seven Points Rd suite 2, Hesston, PA 16647, USA
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Flickr
At the beautiful Raystown Lake, indulge in a number of unique activities. You can even rent a houseboat for your family for something entirely unique. This lake is truly one of the most stunning Pennsylvania lakes.
9. Arrowhead Lake
Arrowhead Lake, PA 18347, USA
John Donges
Isn't it amazing how glassy and still the water is in this beautiful photograph of Lake Arrowhead? Located in the Poconos, it is a popular stop-off spot for hikers and visitors to the area. It's one of the best lakes in Pennsylvania.

What do you think of this list of the best lakes in Pennsylvania? Are there any others you would add? It’s hard to decide which lake to visit first. What’s your favorite Pennsylvania lake? Let us know in the comments.

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Best Lakes In Pennsylvania

Melissa M | July 14, 2022

What are the best fishing lakes in Pennsylvania?

If you love to spend time fishing, there are many lakes around the Keystone State that are perfect for the sport. Located in the City of Eerie, visit Presque Isle Bay where you can rent head to one of the piers to cast your line. With a wide variety of fish in the lake, you never know what you might catch! The Susquehanna River is another popular fishing spot that offers catfish, walleye, and smallmouth bass. What’s your favorite fishing spot in the state?

What are the best swimming holes in Pennsylvania?

Need a place to cool off during the hot and humid dog days of summer? Well, there are several Pennsylvania swimming holes we think you may want to try. Take a dip in Perkiomen Creek in southeast Philly, slide down the Meadow Run Natural Waterslide for some fun, or how about taking a dip in Lake Eerie?

Where can I find waterfalls in Pennsylvania?

To make things easy for you, we curated a Pennsylvania waterfalls road trip. Along the way, you’ll make stops at some gorgeous waterfalls like Ohiopyle Falls, Rattlesnake Falls, and Fallingwater. You’ll absolutely love this road trip!

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