Beltzville Lake and Dam on Pohopoco Creek in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, USA

Beltzville Lake and Dam. Photo: Anthony Bley, Wikimedia

Nestled in the southern foothills of the Poconos, Beltzville State Park is a stunning state park in Pennsylvania.

Situated in Lehighton, just over an hour from Philadelphia, it is popular with those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors.

Spanning some 3,002-acres, much of the park is centered around a beautiful lake which provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, picnic and hiking around.

You won’t find any camping options here, as it is a day use recreational facility only. But don’t let that put you off spending a few days at the park.

Nearby, there are plenty of campsites for RVs and tents that can be found at nearby state park campgrounds where you can base yourself for a few days.

Activities

This Pennsylvania state park provides visitors with several ways to enjoy a range of outdoor recreational pursuits.

Here is some more information about what you can do there.

Boating at Beltzville State Park

Centered around the stunning 949-acre Beltzville Lake, the park is a haven for those who enjoy boating and other recreational water based activities.

Kayaking, SUP and canoeing are all popular activities here, whilst water skiing and jet skiing are well practiced too.

Located around the lake are two and three lane boat ramps. During the summer, you can rent out equipment from a concession store which opens every day.

Swimming at Great Plains State Park

For those who want to swim there is a designated area in which you can do so.

To separate swimmers from boaters, this area is protected by buoys. It is not lifeguarded so be vigilant, as you will be swimming at your own risk.

When not swimming in the water, there is a 525 foot sandy beach on which you can sunbathe and relax.

Fishing at Beltzville State Park

Given the size of the lake, it should come as no surprise that fishing is a very popular activity at the park.

Anglers from all over Pennsylvania and the surrounding states come here for the opportunity to catch a range of warm and cold water fish.

This includes the likes of trout, striped, largemouth and smallmouth bass, perch, muskellunge and walleye.

To fish in the park, make sure to have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.

Hiking at Beltzville State Park

The sheer beauty of the park is best explored on foot, and there are over 15 miles of trails in which you can do this.

Some of the most popular trails at the park include:

  • trail 1 – Pine Run Cove. Length: 0.7 mile Degree of Difficulty: easy
  • trail 2 – Sawmill Loop Trail. Length: 2 miles Degree of Difficulty: moderate
  • trail 3 – Trinity Gorge Trail. Length: 4.1 miles Degree of Difficulty: challenging

If you hike any of the trails in the park, you will get to see a wonderful landscape of forests, lakes, creeks and even historical sites, including a slate quarry that dates back to the 1700s.

Biking at Beltzville State Park

For those who have brought their bikes with them, the 2.5 mile Christman Trail will provide you with a lot of fun.

It’s the only trail in the park where you are permitted to ride a mountain biking, so be sure to make the most of it.

Picnicking at Beltzville State Park

Beltzville Lake is a lovely spot to picnic.

You will find both open and wooden picnic areas around the Pine Run West Day Use Area. Both of which are equipped with drinking water, tables, modern restrooms and day use mooring for boats.

In addition, there are also four picnic pavilions that can be reserved up to 11 months in advance for large groups.

There is also an ADA accessible children’s playground situated in between the picnic pavilions and the beach.

Winter Activities at Beltzville State Park

For those who are into snow related activities the park is a great place to be in the winter.

Not only can you enjoy ice boating and ice fishing on the lake, you will also be able to partake in snowshoeing and cross-country skiing across over 9 miles of trails.

Before you hit the ice, make sure you check the conditions. Ideally, the ice should have a thickness of at least six inches to ensure it is safe.

Birding at Beltzville State Park

If you are into birding, you should go to the park in the spring for the opportunity to see migrating waterfowl.

Down by the lake you will get to see plenty of ducks. While warblers are abundant at both the forests that reside at its eastern and western ends.

Pets at Beltzville State Park

Pets are welcome at Beltzville State Park, although some restrictions may apply. To find out what they are, it is worth containing the park’s main office for further clarification.

Camping at Beltzville State Park

As Beltzville State Park is a day-use recreational facility there is no camping available onsite.

However, just 8 miles from the park you’ll find over 180 campsites at the Don Laine Family Campground in Palmerton.

This includes pull-thru sites, that come with full hookups for 30-amp and 50-amp electricity, water and sewer, as well as plenty of tent camping sites too.

Amenities at this campground include a central water spigot, dump station, swimming pool, playground and golf course.

Alternatively, you might prefer to stay at the Lehigh Gorge Campground in White Haven.

Located about 26 miles from Beltzville State Park, it has over 160 campsites for pull-thru sites, big rigs and tents.

Some of the sites offer full hookups, while other amenities include showers, laundry, a swimming pool and playground.

Both of these campgrounds are pet-friendly.

Park Location

Beltzville State Park
2950 Pohopoco Drive
Lehighton, PA 18235
Phone: 610.377.0045

Website

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Beltzville State Park: