Top Beaches and Summer Attractions in Pennsylvania’s State Parks

As summer vacation reaches its peak, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has spotlighted the best beaches and unique attractions in the state’s parks. With 124 state parks, Pennsylvania offers a variety of special spots. Here’s a guide to six top beaches and five unique attractions that are well worth the drive.

Top 6 State Parks for Beaches

Bald Eagle State Park

Located in Howard, Centre County, Bald Eagle State Park in northcentral Pennsylvania features a 1,200-foot-long sand and turf beach. Open through Labor Day, the beach area includes a children’s playground, snack bar, changing rooms, public restrooms, and parking. Pets are not permitted in the beach area.

Beltzville State Park

Situated near the Poconos in eastcentral Pennsylvania, Beltzville State Park in Lehighton offers a 525-foot sand beach along the 949-acre Beltzville Lake. The beach is open from 8 a.m. to sunset through Labor Day, with a food and refreshment concession available daily during the summer.

Laurel Hill State Park

Near Somerset in southwestern Pennsylvania, Laurel Hill State Park boasts a 1,200-foot sand beach along the 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake. Open from 8 a.m. to sunset through mid-September, the beach offers an ADA-accessible ramp, beach wheelchair, restroom, and a food concession.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Located in Gardners, Adams County, Pine Grove Furnace State Park in southcentral Pennsylvania has beaches at Fuller and Laurel lakes. Open from 8 a.m. to sunset through September 30, Fuller Beach features lifeguards on duty daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Labor Day. Swimmers should be cautious at both lakes due to their extreme depths and cold waters.

Presque Isle State Park

Found in northwestern Pennsylvania along Lake Erie, Presque Isle State Park offers sandy beaches with surf swimming similar to the ocean but without the saltwater. The beaches are open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Labor Day. Barracks Beach, Mill Road Beaches, and Beach 11 are smoke-free zones.

Pymatuning State Park

Also in northwestern Pennsylvania, Pymatuning State Park in Jamestown, Mercer County, has three public beaches—Linesville, Main Beach, and Beach Two—and a beach for campers in Jamestown Campground. These beaches are open from the weekend before Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.

Five Unique Summer Attractions in State Parks

Bucktail State Park/Bucktail Natural Area

For a scenic drive, head to Bucktail State Park in northcentral Pennsylvania. The 75-mile route along PA 120 from Emporium through Renovo to Lock Haven offers breathtaking views of unspoiled forests, mountains, and valleys along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River and Sinnemahoning Creek.

Cherry Springs State Park

In Coudersport, Potter County, Cherry Springs State Park is a stargazer’s paradise. The park features a stargazing field atop a 2,300-foot high mountain, with clear night skies free from light pollution. The Night Sky Public Viewing Area and backlit summer sky map make the stargazing experience even better.

Jennings Environmental Education Center

Located in Slippery Rock, Butler County, Jennings Environmental Education Center features a unique 20-acre prairie ecosystem. Home to distinctive prairie plants and the endangered massasauga rattlesnake, the park’s highlight is the blazing star flower.

Little Buffalo State Park

In Perry County, central Pennsylvania, Little Buffalo State Park boasts a state-of-the-art swimming pool nearly half an acre in size. Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until mid-August, the pool includes 17- and 11-foot waterslides, varying depths from 1 to 5 feet, and a ramp for people with disabilities. The pool can accommodate 1,285 swimmers, and fees apply for use.

Washington Crossing Historic Park/Bowmans Wildflower Preserve

In Bucks County, southeastern Pennsylvania, Bowmans Hill Tower offers stunning views of the Delaware River Valley. The site also commemorates George Washington’s historic Delaware River crossing during the American Revolution. Nearby, the Bowmans Hill Wildflower Preserve features fields of summer wildflowers, attracting around 70,000 visitors annually.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania’s state parks offer a wide array of beaches and unique attractions for an unforgettable summer experience. Whether you want to relax on a sandy beach or explore a unique natural attraction, these parks provide perfect destinations for memorable summer road trips.

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