Best Camping Beaches in Pennsylvania

Promised Land State Park, located in Greentown, Pennsylvania, offers a serene escape into the heart of the Poconos. The park features two beautiful lakes, Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake, providing tranquil spots for fishing and boating. Visitors can enjoy swimming at two sand beaches, one at the Day Use Picnic Area and another at Pickerel Point, during the summer months. The park is surrounded by over 15,000 acres of wilderness, including the Delaware State Forest, offering more than 50 miles of hiking trails for all skill levels. The area is also home to a pair of bald eagles, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

The park's natural beauty changes with the seasons, from vibrant spring blooms to stunning fall foliage and a serene winter landscape. With its diverse activities and scenic landscapes, Promised Land State Park is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

Whether you're interested in hiking, boating, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, Promised Land State Park offers something for everyone. Its proximity to Greentown and other nearby towns provides easy access to additional amenities and attractions.

Hills Creek State Park, located in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, offers a serene and picturesque beach experience. The park's sand beach is open from late May to mid-September, providing a sandy lake bottom and grassy areas perfect for relaxation. The beach overlooks Hills Creek Lake, which is renowned for its warm-water fish species and wildlife sightings, including osprey, loon, and bald eagles. Visitors can enjoy swimming, though it is at their own risk, and explore the surrounding area for hiking and picnicking opportunities.
The park's scenic beauty is enhanced by its position within the Pennsylvania Wilds, offering stunning vistas and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the region from a unique perspective. With its family-friendly atmosphere, Hills Creek State Park is ideal for vacations and outdoor activities.
The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with day-use areas closing at dusk. This allows visitors to enjoy both sunrise and sunset amidst the park's beautiful hillsides.

Otter Lake Camp-Resort is nestled in the picturesque Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, offering a serene getaway amidst 300 acres of woodland and a 60-acre lake. The resort is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, providing activities like swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. It features a sandy beach, indoor and outdoor pools, and a variety of sports facilities. The campsite accommodates tents, RVs, and offers cabins for those seeking more comfort. With its proximity to attractions like Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark and the Delaware Water Gap, Otter Lake is a perfect blend of nature and adventure.

The resort's amenities include full hookups for RVs, Wi-Fi, a camp store, and laundry facilities, ensuring a convenient stay. Planned activities and themed weekends add to the excitement, making it a popular choice for both relaxation and entertainment.

Guests often praise the cleanliness and service, highlighting the friendly staff and well-maintained facilities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed vacation, Otter Lake Camp-Resort has something for everyone.

Moraine State Park is nestled in Butler County, Pennsylvania, offering a tranquil getaway amidst its 16,725 acres. The centerpiece of the park is Lake Arthur, a 3,225-acre lake with 42 miles of shoreline. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming at two beaches: Lakeview Beach on the North Shore and Pleasant Valley Beach on the South Shore. This park is a remarkable example of environmental restoration, transforming from an area once affected by mining and drilling into a thriving recreational space.

Each year, over a million people visit Moraine State Park, making it a popular destination. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, though day-use areas close at dusk. It provides numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore its lush forests and rolling hills.

For those interested in history, Moraine State Park bears the remnants of its industrial past, now revitalized with new attractions like Preston's Pearl, a tour boat that offers cruises on Lake Arthur.

Yellow Creek State Park Beach/Picnic Area is nestled in Penn Run, Pennsylvania, offering a serene escape amidst nature. The park features a 720-acre lake, perfect for boating and fishing, and an 800-foot beach open from late May to mid-September. Lifeguards are on duty during peak summer hours, ensuring a safe swimming experience. The surrounding area includes hiking trails, picnic pavilions, and a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

The park's history dates back to 1963 when it was established to provide recreational space for local residents. Over time, it has evolved into a popular destination for both day trips and longer stays, with options like camping cottages and yurts available.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from hiking and bird-watching to boating and fishing. The park's diverse landscape supports a variety of flora and fauna, adding to its natural beauty and appeal.

Bald Eagle State Park, located in Howard, Pennsylvania, offers a serene and natural getaway with its stunning 1,730-acre Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir. The park is nestled within the broader Bald Eagle Valley, providing breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming during the warmer months, while winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing and ice fishing. The park's diverse landscapes include forests, fields, and wetlands, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The park's unique position at the intersection of the Allegheny Plateau and the Ridge and Valley area of Pennsylvania creates a fascinating geological backdrop. With over 5,900 acres to explore, visitors can immerse themselves in nature through guided walks, environmental education programs, and hands-on activities.

The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle, situated within the park, provides a luxurious and eco-friendly lodging experience, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the park's many attractions and activities.

Pymatuning State Park, located in Linesville, Pennsylvania, is a vast recreational area spanning 16,892 acres. It features the largest lake in Pennsylvania, the Pymatuning Reservoir, which covers 17,088 acres. The park is renowned for its four managed beaches, including Linesville Beach, Tuttle Beach, Jamestown Beach, and a beach within the Jamestown Campground. These beaches are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and offer scenic views, picnic areas, and concession stands. The park's natural beauty, combined with its diverse wildlife and recreational activities like boating, fishing, and hiking, make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the lake during sunset, when the sky transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors. The park is also famous for its 'Spillway' area, where ducks are known to walk on the backs of fish to feed on bread provided by visitors.
With its expansive camping facilities, including 657 campsites and 25 modern rental cabins, Pymatuning State Park offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to families seeking adventure.

Clear Creek State Park, located in Heath Township, Pennsylvania, offers a serene and picturesque setting nestled within the Clear Creek Valley. The park spans approximately 1,211 to 1,901 acres, depending on the source, and features a mix of natural beauty and historical charm. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking along the Clarion River, which forms the park's northern border. The park also includes historic CCC-built cabins and a nature museum, providing insights into the area's logging history. The beach area, open from late May to mid-September, features a 180-foot sand beach along Clear Creek, perfect for family outings and relaxation.

The park's natural scenery transforms beautifully during autumn, making it a prime spot for leaf-peeping. With its blend of history, recreation, and natural beauty, Clear Creek State Park offers something for everyone, whether you're interested in outdoor adventures or simply immersing yourself in nature's tranquility.

For those looking to explore beyond the park, nearby attractions like Beartown Rocks and Cook Forest State Park offer additional opportunities for scenic views and outdoor activities.