Did you know that you can spend the day at the beach while on vacation in the Poconos? While Pocono Mountain beaches may not offer your typical saltwater and ocean wave experience, they are still an excellent way to spend time outdoors. If you are planning a summer getaway to the Poconos, be sure to download our FREE Vacation Guide!
Visitors can enjoy easy access to a number of lakes and recreational areas for beach-like experiences and great water activities during the summer months. Here are a few places where you can enjoy the beach in the Pocono Mountains:
Lake Wallenpaupack
Hawley, PA
Lake Wallenpaupack is a popular water recreation destination in the northern Pocono Mountains. Several public access points and picnic areas along the lake’s 52 miles of shoreline allow visitors to spread a blanket, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy picnics by the water. Palmyra Township Public Beach is one of those access points.
Beltzville State Park
Lehighton, PA
Situated in the southern Pocono Mountains, Beltzville State Park features a 525-foot sandy beach area along the shores of Beltzville Lake. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim in the designated swimming area, and enjoy picnics in the park’s picnic areas. For exploring off the beach, rent paddleboats, kayaks, or pontoon boats.
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Jim Thorpe, PA
Near Jim Thorpe in the western Pocono Mountains, Mauch Chunk Lake Park offers a sandy beach where visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy recreational activities on the lake. The park also features picnic areas, a play area, a concession stand, hiking trails, and boat rentals. There is a daily admission fee of $10 for adults and $7 for children over three for non-county residents.
Promised Land State Park
Greentown, PA
Promised Land State Park features excellent aquatic activities in the northeastern Pocono Mountains on Promise Land Lake and Lower Lake. For a refreshing lake swim, visit the two sand beaches. The main beach is in the Day-Use Picnic area (which has a playground and volleyball court), and the other beach is at the end of Pickerel Point. Visitors can swim in the designated swimming area, relax on the beach, rent paddleboats or kayaks, and enjoy picnics in the park.
Gouldsboro State Park
Tobyhanna, PA
Gouldsboro State Park offers visitors a picturesque setting for swimming and water recreation. The swimming area is accessible via a sandy beach and typically marked off with buoys or ropes to ensure swimmers’ safety and separate them from boating activities. Enjoy sunbathing, picnicking, and relaxation.
Tobyhanna State Park
Tobyhanna, PA
This state park offers one of the many Pocono Mountains beaches and is adjacent to Gouldsboro State Park. Tobyhanna State Park has a designated swimming area with a beach where visitors can bask in the great outdoors.
Delaware Water Gap
The Delaware Water Gap is a popular recreation area along the border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. While the Delaware Water Gap itself is primarily known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and water activities such as kayaking and rafting, there are nearby locations where visitors can enjoy a beach area and swimming. Here are a few options:
- Smithfield Beach
- Tocks Island Dam Recreation Area
- Lake Lenape
While these locations may not offer the same experience as a coastal beach, they provide outdoor fun and relaxation opportunities by the water in Pennsylvania’s scenic surroundings. Pocono Mountain beaches provide the chance to bask in the magic of our ancient peaks and towering trees while soaking up the sun. Please note that most beach and swimming areas have seasonal operating hours and are open from late May through mid-September.
When you book a stay at the French Manor Inn and Spa, adventures of all kinds are at your fingertips. Make your summer reservations today!