Best Lakes in the Poconos for Swimming and Kayaking
There is a reason people keep coming back to the Pocono Mountains every summer, and a lot of that reason involves water. The Poconos are home to dozens of lakes, from massive reservoirs with full-service marinas to tucked-away mountain ponds where the only sound is your paddle hitting the surface. If swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just floating around on a summer afternoon is your idea of a great vacation, you are in the right place.
Our team at Pocono Pads has spent more hours than we can count on these lakes, and we have put together this guide to help you find the right one for your trip. Whether you want a full day of water sports or a quiet morning paddle with a cup of coffee, there is a lake in the Poconos that fits.
What Are the Best Lakes in the Poconos for Swimming?
Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack is the biggest name in Pocono lake country, and for good reason. At 5,700 acres with 52 miles of shoreline, it is the third-largest lake in Pennsylvania and the largest in the Poconos by a wide margin. The lake stretches through Wayne and Pike counties and offers everything from swimming beaches to jet ski rentals to fishing charters.
For swimming, Palmyra Township Park on the northern end of the lake has a public beach with a roped-off swimming area, lifeguards on duty during summer weekends, restrooms, and picnic facilities. There is a small parking fee, usually around $5 to $10 per vehicle on peak days. The beach is sandy and gently sloped, making it a solid option for families with young children.
Ironwood Point Recreation Area, managed by PPL, is another access point on the western shore with a swimming area, boat launch, and campground. It tends to be slightly less crowded than Palmyra, especially on weekdays.
Water temperature at Lake Wallenpaupack typically reaches the mid-70s by late June, making it comfortable for extended swimming from late June through early September.
Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake
Promised Land State Park, located about 20 minutes north of Canadensis off Route 390, is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire Pocono region. The park contains two lakes: Promised Land Lake at 422 acres and Lower Lake at about 173 acres.
Both lakes have designated swimming beaches with bathhouses, changing areas, and restrooms. Promised Land Lake's main beach is larger and more popular, while Lower Lake's beach tends to be quieter and less crowded, making it a favorite of our team for families who want a more relaxed atmosphere.
Swimming is free with park entry. The park also rents canoes, kayaks, and rowboats from a concession stand near the main beach. Rental rates are typically $10 to $15 per hour for kayaks and $15 to $20 per hour for canoes.
One thing to know: Promised Land Lake has a 10-horsepower motor limit, which keeps the water calm and quiet. You will not find jet skis or speedboats here, and that is exactly what makes it so appealing for swimmers, kayakers, and paddleboarders.
Lake Harmony
Lake Harmony sits at the base of Jack Frost and Big Boulder ski resorts in Kidder Township, Carbon County. It is a smaller lake at roughly 150 acres, but its location and atmosphere make it a perennial favorite.
Split Rock Resort on the lake offers a beach and waterpark complex with day passes available for non-guests, typically around $25 to $40 per person depending on the day. The resort's beach area is well-maintained with sand, lounge chairs, and food service nearby.
For a more low-key experience, the public boat launch on the eastern end of the lake provides access for kayakers and canoeists. The lake's relatively compact size means you can paddle the entire shoreline in about two hours at a casual pace, making it a great option for a morning outing before heading to other activities.
Lake Harmony's water tends to warm up a bit earlier than deeper lakes in the region due to its shallower depth. You can usually find comfortable swimming temperatures by mid-June.
Brady's Lake
This is one of our team's local picks that does not make most tourist guides. Brady's Lake in Tobyhanna Township is a small, quiet lake within a community area, and while public access is limited, guests staying in nearby rentals sometimes have access through community associations. It is worth checking whether your accommodation includes lake privileges.
The appeal of Brady's Lake is its serenity. No motorboats, no crowds, just clear water surrounded by trees. It is the kind of place where you can paddle out in a kayak, drop an anchor, and read a book for two hours without seeing another person.
Tobyhanna Lake
Located within Tobyhanna State Park, Tobyhanna Lake covers 170 acres and features a well-maintained public beach with lifeguards on duty during summer months. The swimming area is sandy and gently sloped, and the park charges no admission fee beyond the standard state park parking fee.
The 5-mile trail that circles the lake is one of the most popular easy hikes in the Poconos, and combining a morning hike with an afternoon swim makes for a perfect day. The park also has picnic pavilions, grills, and restrooms, so you can easily spend a full day here without needing to leave.
Fishing is excellent at Tobyhanna Lake as well. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regularly stocks it with trout, and largemouth bass and pickerel are also common catches.
Best Lakes in the Poconos for Kayaking and Paddleboarding
While all of the lakes mentioned above are great for paddling, a few stand out specifically for the kayaking and paddleboarding experience.
Lake Wallenpaupack for Serious Paddlers
The sheer size of Lake Wallenpaupack makes it the best option for experienced kayakers who want a full day on the water. Paddling the entire shoreline is a multi-day expedition, but several excellent routes can fill a morning or afternoon. The western shore from Ironwood Point south toward the dam offers dramatic rocky outcroppings and relatively sheltered water.
Be aware that Lake Wallenpaupack allows powerboats and jet skis, so waves and wakes can be a factor, especially on summer weekends. Stick to early mornings or weekday outings for the calmest conditions.
Multiple outfitters rent kayaks and paddleboards along the lake. Expect to pay around $25 to $40 per hour for a single kayak or $30 to $50 for a tandem. Paddleboard rentals are similar in price.
Promised Land Lake for Peaceful Paddling
If calm water is your priority, Promised Land Lake is the winner. The 10-horsepower motor limit means the water stays glass-smooth most of the time, which is especially nice for paddleboarders who appreciate a stable surface.
The northern coves of Promised Land Lake are beautiful for kayaking. You can paddle into narrow inlets surrounded by rhododendron and hemlock forest, and the birdwatching from a kayak is exceptional. Great blue herons, ospreys, and bald eagles are all regularly spotted along the shoreline.
Mauch Chunk Lake
Mauch Chunk Lake in Jim Thorpe is a 345-acre lake set in a county park with excellent facilities. The lake allows electric motors only, which keeps the water calm for paddlers. The park rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from its boathouse, typically at rates around $15 to $20 per hour.
The swimming beach at Mauch Chunk Lake is one of the nicest in the region, with a sandy bottom, roped swimming area, and lifeguards on duty in summer. A day here combines easily with a trip into downtown Jim Thorpe, which is only about 10 minutes away.
What the park does especially well is maintaining the water quality. The lake is clean, clear, and regularly tested, which gives it a noticeably different feel from some of the murkier natural lakes in the region.
Pecks Pond
Pecks Pond, located along Route 402 near Bushkill, is a hidden gem for kayakers who want solitude. At about 252 acres, it is large enough to explore for a few hours but small enough that you never feel exposed on open water.
There is a public boat launch, and the pond allows electric motors only. The shoreline is heavily wooded and undeveloped, giving the whole experience a backcountry feel even though you are only minutes from the main road. This is one of the best spots in the Poconos for spotting wildlife from a kayak, including turtles, deer coming down to the waterline, and a wide variety of waterfowl.
How to Choose the Right Lake for Your Trip
The best lake for you depends on what kind of experience you are after. Here is a quick decision framework:
If you want a full day of water sports with rentals, food, and amenities, go to Lake Wallenpaupack. It has everything, and you could spend three days there without running out of things to do.
If you want a family-friendly swimming beach with a park atmosphere, head to Promised Land State Park or Tobyhanna State Park. Both are well-maintained, free or low-cost, and have the facilities families need.
If you want calm water for kayaking or paddleboarding, choose Promised Land Lake, Mauch Chunk Lake, or Pecks Pond. The motor restrictions on these bodies of water make a noticeable difference in the paddling experience.
If you want a combination of lake time and town exploration, Mauch Chunk Lake near Jim Thorpe is your best bet. You can paddle in the morning and walk the historic downtown in the afternoon.
If you want a party-free, peaceful escape, seek out the smaller lakes like Pecks Pond or Brady's Lake. The smaller and quieter the lake, the more restorative the experience tends to be.
What Should You Bring for a Day at the Lake?
Packing right makes all the difference between a great lake day and a frustrating one. Here is what we always recommend to our guests:
Sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher. Water reflects sunlight, and burns happen faster than you expect on a lake. Reapply every two hours, and do not forget the tops of your feet and the back of your neck.
Water shoes or sport sandals. Lake bottoms in the Poconos are a mix of sand, mud, and rocks. Good water shoes protect your feet and give you traction on boat launches and docks.
A dry bag for your phone, keys, and wallet. Even the most careful kayaker can take an unexpected splash. A $15 dry bag saves a lot of headaches.
A cooler with plenty of water and snacks. Dehydration sneaks up on you when you are on the water all day, even when you do not feel hot. Pack more water than you think you need.
Bug spray for the shoreline. Mosquitoes and gnats are less of a problem on the water itself, but the moment you stop for a picnic on shore, they find you.
A light long-sleeve layer. Mountain lake water can feel cold even in July if you are in and out of the water all day. Having a dry shirt to pull on keeps you comfortable during breaks.
Where to Stay for the Best Lake Access
Location matters when your vacation revolves around water. Among our Pocono Pads properties, the Lakefront House is the obvious choice for lake-focused trips. Sleeping 12 guests with a private sauna, jacuzzi, and direct lakefront access near Camelback, it eliminates the need to drive to a lake entirely. You step out the back door and you are there.
For groups that want lake access but also want to be close to other activities, our Cozy 5BR sleeps 12 and features its own pool, hot tub, fire pit, and game room. You get your water time right at the house and can drive to any of the lakes mentioned in this guide for a change of scenery.
Spring Getaway sleeps 16 and offers a jacuzzi and fire pit, making it a strong base for large groups that plan to split up during the day. Some of the group can hit the lake while others go hiking, and everyone comes back together in the evening.
Can You Swim in the Poconos in May and June?
This is one of the most common questions we get from guests planning early-summer trips. The short answer is yes, but it depends on your tolerance for cold water.
In May, lake water temperatures in the Poconos typically range from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. That is cold enough that most people will not want to swim for extended periods, but a quick dip after a hike feels refreshing rather than punishing.
By mid-June, most lakes have warmed into the upper 60s to low 70s, which is comfortable for casual swimming. Late June through August is prime swimming season, with water temperatures in the low to mid-70s at most lakes.
If you are visiting in May or early June and still want to be on the water, kayaking and paddleboarding are great alternatives to swimming. You stay mostly dry, and the cool air actually makes paddling more pleasant because you do not overheat.
Ready to Plan Your Lake Day?
The Poconos lake scene is one of the best-kept secrets on the East Coast. These are not overcrowded resort beaches or overpriced waterparks. They are real mountain lakes with clean water, beautiful shorelines, and the kind of quiet that is hard to find closer to the cities.
Our team loves helping guests plan lake-centered trips, whether that means pointing you to the best rental spot on Lake Wallenpaupack or setting you up in our Lakefront House so you do not even need to leave the property. Browse our properties and book direct at poconopads.com, and do not hesitate to reach out if you want personalized recommendations for your trip.
