(Last Updated On: October 10, 2022)

A sailing boat on the lake in Nockamixon State Park in autumn

Set within the scenic rolling hills of Bucks County, Nockamixon State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s most attractive public recreational spaces.

Spread across 5,200 breathtaking acres, the park has been wowing visitors for almost 50 years with its stunning, pristine landscape. Much of which is centered around the wonderful 1450-acre Nockamixon Lake.

A haven for those who enjoy fishing, boating and swimming, the park also offers several fabulous trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Just over an hour’s drive away from Trenton and Philadelphia, and only 40 minutes from Allentown, it is a popular day trip destination from all these places.

However, for those who want to visit it over the course of a few days, there are 10 modern cabins available to hire onsite. As well as several camping options for RVs and tents, in close proximity to the park.

Activities

The real beauty about this Pennsylvania state park is that it provides guests with several opportunities to enjoy a range of outdoor recreational pursuits.

Here is a selection of some of the many activities you can partake in during your time there.

Boating at Nockamixon State Park

The shimmering 140-acre Nockamixon Lake acts as a major drawcard for the park.

A haven for those who enjoy gliding around water, it is the perfect destination to enjoy activities like boating, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, SUP and sailing.

If you haven’t bought a vessel with you, some watercraft can be rented out at the park.

Swimming at Nockamixon State Park

If you want to go for a swim whilst at the park, there is a fabulous pool complex for you to enjoy.

As well as the main pool which is half an acre in size, there are also two waterslides and a shallow end, which also has fountains for children to have fun in.

At this complex, you will also find changing rooms, a snack bar and a first aid station.

Fishing at Nockamixon State Park

Fishing is a very popular activity at the lake, with anglers from all over Pennsylvania, and the surrounding states, coming here to cast a line.

A warm-water fishery, Nockamixon Lake gives you the opportunity to catch plenty of different species of fish. This includes the likes of pickerel, panfish, carp, muskellunge, striped bass, walleye, channel catfish and both smallmouth and largemouth bass.

As with all state parks in Pennsylvania, you will need a valid licence in order to fish at the park.

Hiking at Nockamixon State Park

The best way to explore the park is via its many trails that meander through it.

Suitable for hiking, biking and horseback riding, these trails showcase a fabulous landscape of verdant fields, dense forests and the stunning shoreline of the lake.

Here is a small selection of some of the trails you can tackle at Nockamixon State Park:

  • trail 1 – Bike Trail. Length: 2 mile Degree of Difficulty: easy
  • trail 2 – Quarry Trail. Length: 2.65 miles Degree of Difficulty: moderate
  • trail 3 – Old Mill Trail. Length: 5.6 miles Degree of Difficulty: challenging

Picnicking at Nockamixon State Park

With its stunning and diverse natural landscape, the park is a great place to enjoy a picnic.

You’ll find several picnic tables and charcoal grills located across many different areas of the park. All of which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For larger groups there are also a couple of picnic pavilions available, which can be hired up to 11 months in advance. Neither of these have electricity, but if they are unreserved, you can also use them on a first come, first served basis.

Birding at Nockamixon State Park

With more than 250 species residing within the park, bird spotting is a very popular activity.

Given that it is made up of several different habitats including grasslands, pine plantations, wetlands, successional fields and second growth forests, it attracts many different breeds of birds.

At any given time in the park you can spot everything from geese, swans and loons, to Baltimore orioles, Eastern towhees and Osprey. So be sure to bring your binoculars with you.

Hunting at Nockamixon State Park

During the season, large sections of the park are specially designated for hunting.

Some of the common species you can snare include white-tailed deer, rabbit, squirrels, pheasant and turkey.

As always when hunting in Pennsylvania, it is prohibited to go after groundhogs. You will also need to abide by all the usual rules and regulations of hunting within the state.

Winter Sports at Nockamixon State Park

During the winter when the cold weather and snow comes, the park offers a great selection of additional recreational activities.

This includes the likes of sledding, ice skating, ice fishing and cross country skiing. All of which provide you with a unique way of experiencing its fabulous terrain.

Pets at Nockamixon State Park

Dogs are permitted throughout the park, although they must be kept on a leash at all times and cleaned up afterwards.

Some restrictions may apply, so it is worth contacting the park’s main office if you require any further clarification of what they are.

Camping at Nockamixon State Park

Whilst there are no sites for RV and tent camping at Nockamixon, there are 10 modern and electrically heated two or three bedroom cabins available to hire.

These are situated on the southern side of the lake, and each one has a kitchen with a refrigerator, stove and microwave, as well as a dining area, private toilet, shower and living room.

If you are looking for a campground that offers sites for tents or RVs, you will find several in the surrounding area. This includes the likes of the Quakertown Campground, which offers over 200 campsites, plenty of which have full hookups, with 20 amp to 50 amp electricity, water and sewer.

The Lazy K Campground in Bechtelsville is another excellent option too.

Park Location

Nockamixon State Park
1542 Mountain View Drive
Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone: 215.529.7300

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video with some aerial footage of Nockamixon State Park: