If you’re dreaming of waking up to water views, roasting marshmallows by the lake, and falling asleep to the sound of frogs and crickets, this list is for you.
Pennsylvania is packed with awesome lakes where you can pitch a tent (or park an RV), paddle out in a kayak, and spend your days swimming, fishing, or just floating around.
Some spots have beaches and boat rentals, others are super quiet and tucked into the woods—but every single one is perfect for a lakeside camping adventure.
These 11 spots are the best of the best—get ready to find your new favorite camping lake!
1. Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack is a 5,700-acre lake in the Poconos with 52 miles of shoreline, and it’s one of the best spots in Pennsylvania for fishing, boating, and swimming.
You can camp right by the water at places like Wilsonville Recreation Area, where you’ll wake up to lake views and enjoy picnic spots and clean restrooms.
There’s a walking trail near the lake at Shuman Point Natural Area, boat tours that leave from Hawley, and if you’re into fishing, the lake’s packed with smallmouth bass and walleye.
At night, you can roast marshmallows by your tent, and if you’re camping in summer, don’t miss Wally Lake Fest—it’s got live music, food trucks, and plenty of fun activities.
2. Promised Land State Park (Lower Lake and Promised Land Lake)
Just 20 minutes south of Lake Wallenpaupack, Promised Land State Park gives you double the lake fun with both Promised Land Lake and the smaller, quieter Lower Lake.
This spot is all about peaceful forest vibes—think pine trees, birdsong in the distance, and campsites that feel like you’re deep in nature (but with modern bathrooms close by).
Some campsites let you launch a canoe right from your site, hike the scenic Little Falls Trail, or rent a cabin if you’re not into tent camping but still want that cozy campfire feel.
Keep an eye out for bald eagles while you’re fishing for trout or paddling around—this place is part of the Delaware State Forest, so wildlife sightings are part of the deal.
3. Nockamixon State Park (Lake Nockamixon)
If you’re heading southwest, Lake Nockamixon in Nockamixon State Park is where big lake energy meets cozy cabin stays.
This 1,450-acre lake is perfect for sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with boat rentals right near the marina and multiple launch areas, including Haycock Boat Launch.
The park’s cabins are super popular (and surprisingly comfy), but if you’re looking for tent camping, you’ll need to check out nearby campgrounds outside the park, such as Tohickon Family Campground.
Bonus: there’s a pool with waterslides nearby, plus trails like the Mink Trail if you feel like stretching your legs between picnics and sunset paddles.
4. Marsh Creek State Park (Marsh Creek Lake)
Keep cruising south and you’ll hit Marsh Creek State Park, home to Marsh Creek Lake—a chill, no-wake lake that’s perfect if you’re into relaxed vibes and smooth sailing.
It’s all about water fun here, with a massive boat rental spot offering everything from kayaks to stand-up paddleboards.
While there’s no camping inside the park, you’ve got campgrounds like Brandywine Creek Campground just a short drive away, so you can still sleep under the stars and be on the water by morning.
The lake’s stocked with warmwater fish like largemouth bass and channel catfish, and the grassy hills around the water are prime picnic territory.
5. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground (Pinchot Lake)
Next up is Gifford Pinchot State Park, where Pinchot Lake sits right in the middle of a huge 2,300-acre park that’s perfect for a full-on camping weekend.
The campground here is massive—over 300 sites!—with options for tents, RVs, and even yurts if you’re feeling adventurous but still want a mattress.
Pinchot Lake is great for kayaking and canoeing, and there’s even a little beach area for swimming when the weather’s hot, plus trails like the Lakeside Trail that loop right around the water.
There’s a snack bar near the swimming beach, clean showers, and flat spots for setting up campfires, so you’ve got everything you need.
6. Bald Eagle State Park (Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir)
If you’re looking for mountain views, Bald Eagle State Park is the spot—and yep, it’s got the epic-sounding Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir right at its heart.
This 1,730-acre lake is surrounded by rolling hills and perfect for pontoon cruising, swimming at the beach, or casting a line for crappie and largemouth bass.
Russell P. Letterman Campground is right near the water and has roomy sites, electric hookups, and easy access to nearby trails.
If you’re not into roughing it, they’ve also got modern cabins with porches that overlook the lake—basically a front-row seat for sunrise coffee and stargazing.
7. Raystown Lake
And then there’s Raystown Lake—Pennsylvania’s biggest lake, with a whopping 8,300 acres of water and some of the clearest, bluest lake views in the whole state.
This place is a dream if you’re into houseboats, jet skis, or just floating all day with a snack cooler and no plans.
Plus, there are private campgrounds nearby, like Lake Raystown Resort, that keep you close to the action.
You’ll find hiking trails like the super-scenic Terrace Mountain Trail, plus an overlook that’s made for sunset selfies (seriously, bring your camera!).
There’s even a marina with a lakefront restaurant, so you can go full vacation mode—think cheeseburgers, boats, and campfires all in one perfect day.
8. Prince Gallitzin State Park (Glendale Lake)
If you’re heading out to central PA, Prince Gallitzin State Park is where you’ll find Glendale Lake—a massive 1,635-acre lake tucked into the Allegheny Plateau with tons of little coves to explore.
The campground is one of the biggest in the state park system, with shaded sites, clean restrooms, and even a few spots right by the water if you’re lucky.
You can rent a pontoon at the marina, paddle into quiet corners with your kayak, or hit up trails like the Lakeshore Trail for peaceful walks with lake views.
It’s also one of the best lakes for wildlife spotting—think herons, turtles, deer, and even the occasional osprey cruising overhead while you’re roasting marshmallows.
9. Chapman State Park (Chapman Lake)
Chapman State Park in northwestern PA is all about that laid-back, quiet kind of camping, with Chapman Lake sitting right in the middle of the forest.
This 68-acre lake might be smaller than the others, but it’s perfect for paddling, fishing for trout, and just soaking up the peace and quiet without gas-powered boats in sight.
The campground is cozy and super family-friendly, with wooded sites, clean bathrooms, and easy access to trails like the Beehunter Trail, which winds through some seriously pretty forest.
It’s also right next to Allegheny National Forest, so if you’re up for a little extra exploring, you’ve got miles of hiking, biking, and backroads waiting just beyond the trees.
10. Pymatuning State Park Campground (Pymatuning Lake)
If you’re heading way out west, Pymatuning State Park is the spot—and Pymatuning Lake is absolutely massive, stretching over 17,000 acres and even crossing into Ohio.
This place is famous for the spillway where “the ducks walk on the fish” (yes, really), and the campground is huge, with lakefront sites, electric hookups, and plenty of space to spread out.
You can rent a pontoon for the day, fish for walleye and muskellunge, or bike around the park’s trails, where some paths offer scenic lake views.
There’s also a sandy beach for swimming, a snack stand nearby, and campfire-friendly sites that make it super easy to turn a weekend here into a summer tradition.
11. Keystone State Park (Keystone Lake)
Keystone State Park is a total gem in western PA, and Keystone Lake keeps things simple in the best way—no big crowds, just calm water and classic summer fun.
The lake is perfect for swimming, canoeing, or casting a line for catfish and other popular fish species, and there’s even a little beach area open during summer season.
The campground’s got a cozy, laid-back feel with both wooded and open sites, plus modern cabins if you want to camp without giving up a bed and electricity.
Trails like Lakeside Loop are great for stretching your legs after dinner, and the whole park is super easy to get around—great for families or anyone looking for a chill escape.
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