Seasonal , Summer , Family Fun , Lakes & Watersports , Leisure, Shopping & Fun , Local, State & National Parks , Sports & Outdoors
Places to Swim in NEPA

Posted: May 26, 2022
Dive in to NEPA’s Lakes and Pools
A refreshing swim always hits the spot on a hot summer day. NEPA’s state and community parks offer tons of summertime fun, from crystal-clear pools to lakes and sand beaches. So grab your towel, slather on some sunblock and throw on your flip flops. These public parks are some of the coolest spots to spend the summer.
Relax. We’re on Lake Time.
Sandy beaches and gentle waves provide the perfect staycation.
Treat yourself to a beach day without the drive. Many of NEPA’s state and local parks have lakes and sand beaches where you can splash and sunbathe all day long. Relax on the shore, or relive the glory days of summer camp as you leap into the cool, refreshing water.
Lakes & Beaches:
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Beltzville State Park
Lehighton, PA
Cool off in Beltzville Lake. The sand beach and swimming area are a popular escape in the heart of the Poconos.
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Gouldsboro State Park
Gouldsboro, PA
Plan a beach day at Gouldsboro State Park. They offer a sand beach and swimming area in the scenic Pocono Mountains. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it.
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Hickory Run State Park
White Haven, PA
Get your fill of sun and sand at the beach at Hickory Run State Park. The cool waters of Sand Springs Lake always beat the heat.
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Kennedy Park
Forest City, PA
Come take a dip in the pond at this charming community park. The sand beach and swimming area have just been upgraded for the 2022 season.
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Locust Lake State Park
Barnesville, PA
Relax to the sound of waves lapping the shore at Locust Lake State Park. A sand beach and swimming area invite visitors to this pristine lake.
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Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Jim Thorpe, PA
Mauch Chunk Lake Park is home to a 345-acre lake with a sand beach and swimming area. The beach also includes a refreshment stand, children’s play area and a pavilion. Daily passes and season memberships are available.
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Palmyra Township Public Beach
Hawley, PA
Lounge on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack at Palmyra Township Public Beach. Spend the day in the sand, chill out at the snack bar or start a cookout at their charcoal grills. The beach is expected to open in mid-June.
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Promised Land State Park
Greentown, PA
Two beaches mean double the fun at Promised Land State Park. The main beach is located by the day use picnic area and snack stand. A smaller sand beach is located at Pickerel Point.
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Ricketts Glen State Park
Benton, PA
Soak up the sun at Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen State Park. The park offers a swimming area and sand beach with picnic tables, a concession stand, charcoal grills and a sand volleyball court.
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Tobyhanna State Park
Tobyhanna, PA
The beach at Tobyhanna State Park is a great place to cool off in the Poconos. Kick back on the shores of Tobyhanna Lake and treat yourself to a mini vacation.
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Tuscarora State Park
Barnesville, PA
Chill out at the lake at Tuscarora State Park. The sand beach is a fun summer destination for all ages.
Kick It Poolside

Summers were made for leaping off the diving board and endless games of Marco Polo.
It’s easy to spend all of summer vacation floating in an inner tube, just watching the clouds drift by. Work on your strokes or race down the waterslides. Maybe you’ll nail that high dive this year (or just end up with an epic belly flop).
Gather up the family and spend a day by the water. The pools at NEPA’s parks offer summertime fun at prices that won’t break the bank.
Public Pools:
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Baer Memorial Pool
Lehighton, PA
Make a splash this summer at Baer Memorial Pool. This community pool features waterslides, a children’s splash pad and zero-degree entry. Daily rates and season memberships are available.
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Ber-Vaughn Park and Pool
Berwick, PA
Dive in at Ber-Vaughn Park and Pool, the largest community pool in the state. They welcome residents and non-residents. Daily rates and season memberships are available.
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Dansbury Park
East Stroudsburg, PA
The Dansbury Park Pool features a splash pad, waterslides, lap lanes and a zero-depth entry. Memberships and day passes are available for residents and non-residents. The pool is expected to open on June 10.
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Forty Fort Pool
Forty Fort, PA
Cool off at the Forty Fort Pool at Betty Mascelli Park. Memberships are available for residents and non-residents. Day passes are available in blocks for residents only. The pool is expected to open on June 11.
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Frances Slocum State Park
Wyoming, PA
Located just outside of Wilkes-Barre, the pool at Frances Slocum State Park provides a little escape from the bustle of the city. For 2022, the pool will be open on weekends and holidays only. The Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) will offer a bus route to the park beginning in June.
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Kingston Community Pool
Kingston, PA
Swim, slide and splash at the Kingston Community Pool. This pool features diving boards, waterslides and a splash pad for the little ones. The expected opening date is June 4.
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Minersville Community Pool
Minersville, PA
Located at the 4th Street Recreation Complex, the Minersville pool offers fun features like a kiddie area and slides. Daily and season passes are available for residents and non-residents. Opening day is June 4.
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Palmerton Memorial Park
Palmerton, PA
Take a dip at the pool at Palmerton Memorial Park. The pool features a slide, diving boards, a wading pool, a sand volleyball court, a refreshment stand, pavilions and so much more.
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Stroudsburg Borough Park
Stroudsburg, PA
Enjoy some fun in the sun at the pool at Stroudsburg Borough Park. Memberships and daily passes are available for residents and non-residents. The projected opening date is June 10.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 7/17/2019.

