2017-11-16 16:15:18
From sprawling reservoirs to charming lakes, Pennsylvania’s state parks are a beloved resource for having fun on the water, whether fishing, swimming, or picnicking lakeside. Rent a kayak or canoe before heading over to Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie, where you can explore the lagoons and get an up-close look at wildlife such as osprey, bald eagles, and migrating waterfowl. Looking to catch some fish? Prompton Lake at Prompton State Park is a warm-water fishery filled with yellow perch, large and smallmouth bass, and crappie. For cold-water fish, throw a line into Chapman Dam Reservoir at Chapman State Park in Clarendon to reel in brook and brown trout. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day at the beach at Promised Land State Park in Greentown, where two sandy beaches along the shores of Promised Land Lake are open daily for swimming from late May through mid-September. Explore the sprawling Pymatuning Reservoir at Pymatuning State Park in Jamestown. Here, the 17,088-acre lake offers numerous amenities, including three public beaches, a beach for campers, and three boat marinas that offer boat mooring and rentals. Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to paddle across Lake Marburg at Codorus State Park in Hanover, or bring your own SCUBA gear to dive in Sinsheim Cove, located on the east side of the park. During the winter months, you can still enjoy lakefront activities. Ice boat, ice fish, or go ice skating on Lake Wilhelm at Maurice K. Goddard State Park in Sandy Lake or on Pinchot Lake at Gifford Pinchot State Park in Lewisberry. LAKEFRONT VACATIONS From charming cabins to luxurious houseboat rentals, it’s easy to stay on the water with these lakefront accommodations. Enjoy the waterfront of Lake Wallenpaupack in a cozy cottage at Silver Birches Resort in Hawley, or book a one- or two-bedroom log cabin at Edinboro Lake Resort in Edinboro. For an extended stay that’s literally on the water, rent a houseboat from Seven Points Marina in Hesston, and spend your days swimming, fishing, and drifting along picturesque Raystown Lake. For the more adventurous, set up your home base at a lakefront campsite at Yough Lake Campground in Confluence, where you can enjoy amenities such as a swim beach and boat rentals on Youghiogheny River Lake. HAPPY CAMPER Enjoy all the hallmarks of summer camp (think: arts and crafts, campfires, and outdoor adventures) with adults-only experiences situated on gorgeous lakefronts. At Camp Bonfire on Lake Owego in Greeley, partake in activities including yoga, archery, hiking, high-ropes, and canoeing. Or, opt for more of a party experience at Camp Indian Summer on Sly Lake in Lakewood, featuring waterskiing, wakeboarding, and beach volleyball during the day and DJs and dance parties at night.
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