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

Posted: June 7, 2023
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 warm weather escape in the heart of the Poconos.
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Eurana Park
Weatherly, PA
Take the family for a beach day at Eurana Park. This quiet spot in Weatherly provides the perfect little oasis for an afternoon of sun and sand.
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Gouldsboro State Park
Gouldsboro, PA
Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of Gouldsboro Lake. This popular Pocono Mountains destination features a sand beach and swimming area in scenic Gouldsboro State Park.
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Hickory Run State Park
White Haven, PA
Beat the heat at Hickory Run State Park. Chill out on the sandy beach or go for a dip in the refreshing waters of Sand Spring Lake.
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Kennedy Park
Forest City, PA
Splash around in a pond at this charming community park. Kennedy Park’s newly renovated beach is the perfect spot for a laidback summer afternoon.
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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, refreshment stand, children’s play area and 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 using their charcoal grills. The beach is expected to open June 17th.
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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. With a swimming area, picnic tables, a concession stand, charcoal grills and a sand volleyball court, this spot is its own mini vacation.
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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 little getaway.
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Tuscarora State Park
Barnesville, PA
Chill out at the lake at Tuscarora State Park. Their sandy beach is a prime hangout spot for all ages.
Kick It Poolside

Summers were made for leaping off the diving board and endless games of Marco Polo.
Spend 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 even nail that high dive this year (or just end up with an epic belly flop). NEPA’s public pools and splash pads offer all the 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. The pool is only open to Carbon County residents.
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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, with both daily rates and season memberships 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 both residents and non-residents. The pool is expected to open mid-June.
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Forty Fort Pool
Forty Fort, PA
Cool off at the Forty Fort Pool at Betty Mascelli Park. Both residents and nonresidents can purchase day passes and full season memberships. The pool is expected to open on June 10th.
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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. All summer, you can take Luzerne County Transportation Authority (LCTA) Route #24 to Frances Slocum. Check out the bus schedule here.
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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 10th.
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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.
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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 pool is expected to open in mid-June.
Splash Around
Between fountains and sprinklers, no one is safe from the splash.
Sometimes you don’t want to commit to a full pool day. Or maybe your little one isn’t ready to dive into the deep end just yet. Don’t worry, many local parks and pools have a solution. Splash pads make cooling down a breeze with fountains and interactive water features. Whether they’re on flat surfaces or in shallow pools, these spots are accessible and fun for kids of all ages and abilities.
Splash Pads:
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Airport Park
Matamoras, PA
The splash pad at Airport Park is a favorite summer spot in Matamoras. Sprinklers and fountains are on a flat, concrete surface, making the fun accessible to all.
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Baer Memorial Pool
Lehighton, PA
The splash pad at Baer Memorial Pool is located at the pool’s zero-degree entry. Because of the sloping depth, a lifeguard keeps an eye on the mini fish slide and interactive fountains. Guests must have a day pass or membership.
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Dansbury Park
East Stroudsburg, PA
Contained in shallow water right next to Dansbury Pool, this is a true splash pad. It has large fountains and plenty of space to spread out and cool down. Visitors will have to purchase a pool pass to splash around.
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Kingston Community Pool
Kingston, PA
This unique splash pad is a hit at the Kingston Community Pool, with interactive features and a few inches of water to keep cool in. You’ll need a daily pass or membership to gain access.
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Lake Wanoka Resort
Honesdale, PA
Cooling down is made easy at Lake Wanoka. Their splash pad has tipping buckets, a raintree and every type of fountain you could want.
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McDade Park
Scranton, PA
You’ll definitely want to check out Scranton’s brand-new Water Recreation Complex this summer. It is expected to open at McDade Park on July 1st, complete with unique water features and accessible entry points.
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Novembrino Splash Pad
Scranton, PA
The Novembrino Splash Pad keeps West Scranton cool all summer long. Fun water features keep the kids entertained for hours while the adults chill out under the shady pavilion.
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Palmerton Memorial Park
Palmerton, PA
Palmerton Memorial Park keeps its splash pad fun and safe for little ones. A fence separates it from the park’s larger pool, so parents can have peace of mind while the kids explore the fountains. Passes or memberships are required.
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Sherwood Park
Dunmore, PA
The Splash & Play Zone has become a staple of Sherwood Park. In-ground fountains and bubblers make every splash a surprise. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
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South Abington Recreation Park
South Abington Twp., PA
With surprise fountains and a sand pit nearby, you can basically have a beach day at the South Abington splash pad.
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Wright Township Recreation Park
Mountain Top, PA
The mini splash pad at Wright Township Park is the perfect spot for the smallest splashers. With benches around the perimeter, you can sit back while the kids do their thing.
Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 7/17/2019.

