When you think of Pennsylvania, a beach getaway might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But the Keystone State offers surprisingly satisfying shores — sandy and lakeside beaches and riverside spots that are ideal for families seeking a fun, accessible escape. According to the official travel site of Pennsylvania, the state’s lakes and beaches are “perfect for fishing, canoeing or just going for a dip.
Below are ten of the best options in 2025—each with its own character, amenities, and family‑friendly vibe.
Location: 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
Size & Type: 3,200-acre peninsula on Lake Erie with 11 beaches; sandy shores and shallow areas for kids
Best Season: May through September
Facilities: Lifeguards on major beaches, picnic areas, restrooms, showers, snack bars, playgrounds, bicycle rentals
Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, paddleboarding, bird-watching, biking, fishing
Parking & Fees: $10 daily vehicle fee in peak season; free access for pedestrians and bicyclists
Nearby Attractions: Erie Zoo, Waldameer Park & Water World, Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Insider Tip: Numbered beaches 1–9 are the most popular. Go early for parking and sunset photos.
2. Beltzville State Park – Carbon County
Location: 124 State Park Rd, Lehighton, PA 18235
Size & Type: 1,100-acre park with a 525-ft sandy beach along Beltzville Lake
Best Season: June through August
Facilities: Lifeguards, picnic areas, grills, playground, restrooms, and concessions
Activities: Swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking trails, bird-watching
Parking & Fees: $8 daily vehicle fee; annual passes available
Nearby Attractions: Lehigh Gorge State Park, Jim Thorpe historic town, local biking trails
Official Website: Beltzville State Park
Insider Tip: Weekdays are less crowded. Bring water shoes for lake entry.
3. Moraine State Park – Lake Arthur (Butler County)
Location: 105 Marina Rd, Portersville, PA 16051
Size & Type: 16,725-acre park with Lake Arthur; Pleasant Valley Beach (1,200 ft) and Lakeview Beach (550 ft)
Best Season: June through Labor Day
Facilities: Lifeguards, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, boat rentals, showers, snack bars
Activities: Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, biking, wildlife observation
Parking & Fees: $8 daily vehicle fee; annual pass available
Nearby Attractions: Jennings Environmental Education Center, local trails for biking and hiking
Official Website: Moraine State Park
Insider Tip: Early morning visits are ideal for quieter water. Lakeview Beach is better for toddlers due to shallow entry.
4. Black Moshannon State Park – Rush Township
Location: 1306 Black Moshannon Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866
Size & Type: 3,400-acre park with a small forested lake beach
Best Season: June through August
Facilities: Picnic areas, restrooms, playground, parking (no lifeguard, more rustic)
Activities: Swimming, fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife viewing
Parking & Fees: $7 daily vehicle fee; less crowded than other parks
Nearby Attractions: Central PA’s mountain trails, Bald Eagle State Forest
Official Website: Black Moshannon State Park
Insider Tip: Great for families who want a quieter, more natural experience. Always supervise children in water.
5. Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach – Lebanon County
Location: 7 Park St, Mt Gretna, PA 17064
Size & Type: Small, family-friendly lake beach (semi-private feel)
Best Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Facilities: Snack stand, restrooms, changing areas, picnic tables
Activities: Swimming, paddle boating, fishing, sunbathing, small playground nearby
Parking & Fees: Daily fee $6–$8; seasonal passes may be available
Nearby Attractions: Mount Gretna Theatre, local shops and cafes, hiking trails
Official Website: Mt. Gretna Lake
Insider Tip: Perfect for families with small kids. Go mid-morning for best parking.
6. Bald Eagle State Park – Howard, Centre County
Location: 1305 Bald Eagle Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841
Size & Type: 5,900-acre park with the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir; 1,200-ft sandy/grass beach
Best Season: Late May through September
Facilities: Lifeguards on duty seasonally, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, restrooms, concession stand, boat rentals
Activities: Swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, bird-watching (especially eagles!)
Parking & Fees: $7 daily vehicle fee; annual park passes accepted
Nearby Attractions: Bald Eagle Mountain trails, local wildlife viewing, small-town cafes in Howard
Official Website: Bald Eagle State Park
Insider Tip: Swim in designated areas and arrive early on weekends — the beach can fill quickly. Take binoculars for eagle sightings along the lake.
7. Laurel Hill State Park – Somerset County
Location: 200 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501
Size & Type: 3,935-acre park with Laurel Hill Lake; 1,200-ft sandy beach
Best Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Facilities: Lifeguards, ADA-accessible ramps, beach wheelchairs, restrooms, snack bar, picnic tables
Activities: Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, paddleboarding, family picnics
Parking & Fees: $7 daily vehicle fee; annual pass available
Nearby Attractions: Laurel Summit State Park, nearby hiking trails, Somerset historical attractions
Official Website: Laurel Hill State Park
Insider Tip: Lake is shallow in swimming area — great for toddlers. Bring your own shade umbrella and plan to picnic nearby for a full day.
8. Poe Valley State Park – Centre County
Location: 105 Poe Lake Park Rd, Millheim, PA 16854
Size & Type: 1,600-acre park with 25-acre Poe Lake; small sandy beach
Best Season: June through Labor Day
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, changing facilities, boat rentals, small concession stand
Activities: Swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping
Parking & Fees: $7 daily vehicle fee; annual passes available
Nearby Attractions: Poe Paddy State Park, Penns Valley scenic trails, small-town cafes
Official Website: Poe Valley State Park
Insider Tip: Quiet, rustic setting — perfect for families seeking a less crowded beach day. Bring your own shade and snacks, as facilities are limited.
9. Parker Dam State Park – Clearfield County
Location: 146 Parker Dam Park Rd, Grampian, PA 16838
Size & Type: 1,302-acre park with Parker Lake; small sandy beach
Best Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Facilities: Picnic areas, grills, restrooms, playground, limited concessions, no lifeguard
Activities: Swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking
Parking & Fees: $7 daily vehicle fee; annual passes accepted
Nearby Attractions: Nearby mountain trails, rustic camping, scenic drives in Clearfield County
Official Website: Parker Dam State Park
Insider Tip: Great for a quiet day out. Kids should be closely supervised since there is no lifeguard. Bring extra supplies for a beach-picnic day.
10. Pymatuning State Park – Crawford County
Location: 1001 Park Ave, Jamestown, PA 16134
Size & Type: One of PA’s largest parks, 17,000 acres with multiple beaches along Pymatuning Lake
Best Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Facilities: Lifeguards on main beaches, picnic areas, restrooms, playgrounds, boat ramps, snack stands
Activities: Swimming, boating, fishing, water-skiing, family picnics, wildlife watching
Parking & Fees: $8 daily vehicle fee; annual passes accepted
Nearby Attractions: Linesville Spillway (famously “ducks on the spillway”), local shops and ice cream parlors
Official Website: Pymatuning State Park
Insider Tip: Choose from multiple beaches depending on your family’s preference for crowd size and amenities. Main Beach has lifeguards; smaller beaches are quieter.
Final Thoughts
Pennsylvania may not be the first place that comes to mind for a beach getaway, but its lakes, reservoirs, and riverside beaches offer plenty of family-friendly options. From Presque Isle’s iconic Lake Erie shoreline to the quiet charm of Parker Dam, there’s a beach for every family style — whether you prefer bustling activity, calm waters, or scenic nature walks.
When planning your visit: check beach hours, pack essentials, and choose the location that fits your family’s age and interest. By combining swimming, picnic areas, hiking trails, and nearby attractions, a beach day in Pennsylvania can be a full, memorable experience — all without leaving the state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Are these beaches suitable for toddlers and small children?
Yes! Many of the lakes have shallow swimming areas and sandy shores, especially Laurel Hill, Moraine State Park, and Mt. Gretna Lake, making them safe for younger children under parental supervision.
2. Do all Pennsylvania beaches have lifeguards?
No. Larger beaches like Presque Isle, Pymatuning, and Laurel Hill typically have lifeguards during peak summer season. Smaller or rustic beaches like Parker Dam or Black Moshannon may not, so always supervise children closely.
3. Is there an entry fee to visit these beaches?
Yes. Most state parks charge a daily vehicle fee ranging from $6 to $10, while some smaller lakes may have lower fees or seasonal passes. Check each park’s official website before visiting.
4. Can I bring food, drinks, and picnic supplies?
Absolutely. All of these beaches have picnic areas, and many offer grills, tables, and shaded spots. Some have concession stands, but bringing your own snacks and drinks ensures a stress-free family outing.
5. What’s the best time to visit Pennsylvania beaches?
The best season is generally late May through early September. Weekdays are less crowded, and mornings or late afternoons are ideal for avoiding peak sun and busy parking lots.
