The Poconos don't have an ocean, but they have sand beaches on dozens of lakes and along the Delaware River. Pennsylvania's state parks run free beaches on Tobyhanna, Gouldsboro, Beltzville, Promised Land and Sand Spring lakes, and the National Park Service runs two river beaches in the Delaware Water Gap.
Many vacation homes also sit in private lake communities with their own beaches, which renters use with passes from their host. Below: every public beach, what it costs, whether there are lifeguards, and which homes come with a beach of their own.
Free state park beaches
Pennsylvania charges no entrance or day-use fee at any state park. Lifeguards aren't on duty: the beaches are patrolled by park staff and you swim at your own risk, inside the buoy line. Pets aren't allowed in swimming areas, and the beaches are smoke-free. Most open 8 AM to sunset.
- Tobyhanna State Park (Tobyhanna Lake, 170 acres, 2.1 miles north of Tobyhanna on PA 423): sand beach open from Memorial Day weekend to mid-September, with a bathhouse, flush toilets and changing areas. Showers cost a fee.
- Gouldsboro State Park (Gouldsboro Lake, about 250 acres, just south of Gouldsboro on PA 507): sand beach with rustic restrooms, Memorial Day weekend to mid-September.
- Beltzville State Park (Beltzville Lake, 949 acres, near Lehighton off US 209): a 525-foot sand beach with a bathhouse, showers and a food stand, late May to Labor Day.
- Promised Land State Park (near Greentown, about 10 miles north of Canadensis on PA 390): two sand beaches, the main beach in the Day Use area and Pickerel Point Beach, Memorial Day to mid-September. Children 10 and under must be with someone at least 14. A snack stand opens on summer weekends.
- Hickory Run State Park (near White Haven): the only swimming area is the sand beach on Sand Spring Lake, late May to mid-September. It's the closest public beach to Lake Harmony.
Sources: PA DCNR: state park prices · PA DCNR: swimming · Tobyhanna State Park swimming · Gouldsboro State Park swimming · Beltzville State Park swimming · Promised Land State Park swimming · Hickory Run State Park swimming
Delaware River beaches: Milford Beach and Smithfield Beach
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has two Pennsylvania river beaches. Smithfield Beach is on River Road about 7 miles north of the town of Delaware Water Gap and has boat and canoe launches. Milford Beach is at the north end of the park, just south of Milford, with a pavilion and non-flush toilets (bring water: there's no drinking water).
There are no lifeguards, the river current is real, and the park strongly recommends a life jacket. Never try to swim across the river. Parking costs $10 per vehicle per day during the fee season (April to mid-October). Alcohol isn't allowed, and pets aren't allowed on the beaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Swimming is also banned at Dingmans Falls, Raymondskill Falls and George W. Childs Park.
Sources: NPS: swimming in the Delaware Water Gap · NPS: fees · NPS: pets
Mauch Chunk Lake Park and Lake Wallenpaupack
- Mauch Chunk Lake Park (Carbon County park near Jim Thorpe): beach and picnic area admission from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day: $10 per adult and $7 per child for visitors from outside Carbon County. Children 3 and under, people 65 and older, and people with disabilities get in free. Call (570) 325-3669 for hours.
- Lake Wallenpaupack: swimming is not allowed at the Brookfield recreation areas and campgrounds on the lake. Palmyra Township (Pike County) has run a paid public beach near Hawley in past summers, but it may not open every year. Check with the township before you go.
Sources: Carbon County: Mauch Chunk Lake Park admission · Palmyra Township (Pike County)
Lake communities with private beaches
Many of the homes on our site are in lake communities with their own sand beaches: Lake Harmony Estates, Lake Naomi, Arrowhead Lakes, Indian Mountain Lake, Penn Estates, Towamensing Trails and Emerald Lakes. These beaches are for members and their renters only, and you get in with passes, badges or wristbands that your host arranges (some are included, some cost extra). Lake Naomi's beaches have certified lifeguards in the main summer season; most community beaches are swim-at-your-own-risk.
Ask the host which passes come with the house before you book. Our lake rentals guide lists the rules community by community.
Beach tips
- Go early on summer weekends: state park beach parking fills by late morning on hot days.
- Thunder clears the water at most beaches. Penn Estates, for example, clears its lake for 30 minutes after thunder.
- Leave glass at home: many community beaches ban glass, and Indian Mountain Lake also bans alcohol, fires and grills on the beach.
- Off-season, beaches close but lakes stay beautiful. If you skate or ice fish in winter, park staff don't monitor ice thickness: DCNR advises at least 4 inches for one skater and 7 inches for a small group.
Sources: PA DCNR: ice skating safety
