🌤 Weather at Moosic Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–72 °F | 58–85 °F | 34–75 °F | 20–40 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Wilkes-Barre Intl Airport, 8 mi away, elevation 930 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Anthracite Lake — Small mountain lake in the Pocono Mountains — in the heart of Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal region, which fueled the Industrial Revolution
Moosic Lake State Park is a small mountain lake park in Lackawanna County — in the heart of northeastern Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal region. This region produced the hard coal that fueled America’s Industrial Revolution — anthracite burns hotter and cleaner than bituminous coal, making it the preferred fuel for iron smelting and home heating. By 1900, the anthracite region around Scranton and Wilkes-Barre was one of the most industrialized areas in the world. The industry’s decline left behind a scarred landscape — but nature has been reclaiming the old mines for decades.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lackawanna County, PA (Poconos!) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Industry | Anthracite fueled Industrial Revolution! |
| Recovery | Nature reclaiming old mines! |
About Moosic Lake
Moosic Lake State Park in Lackawanna County provides day-use recreation on a scenic mountain lake in the Moosic Mountains northeast of Scranton. The name derives from a Lenape word for “elk” — these mountains were elk habitat before European settlement. The park sits in the anthracite coal region — once the energy capital of America, where hard coal powered the Industrial Revolution.
Things to Do
Fishing for bass, pickerel, and panfish, swimming at the beach, hiking, picnicking, and exploring the former anthracite coal region that fueled 19th-century American industry.
Insider Tips
Pocono retreat: Moosic Lake offers quiet lakeside recreation in the Poconos — a natural spring-fed lake surrounded by forest. Pro tip: The Poconos have been a vacation destination since the 1800s — the mountains’ proximity to Philadelphia and New York made them a honeymoon and resort capital. Anthracite region: The surrounding area was once the heart of Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal region — the hard coal that heated American homes for a century.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Swimming and fishing. Fall: Pocono foliage. Spring: Fishing and quiet lake walks. Winter: Ice fishing and nearby skiing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is anthracite coal?
Anthracite is hard coal — the highest grade of coal with the most carbon and least impurities. Northeastern Pennsylvania’s anthracite region produced the coal that heated American cities from 1820-1950. The industry employed 180,000+ miners (many immigrants) and shaped the region’s culture. Anthracite mining declined as oil and gas replaced coal for heating.
More parks nearby: Gouldsboro State Park is a short drive away, while Archbald Pothole State Park lies a short drive away.
Wildlife & Nature
Moosic Lake SP — in Lackawanna County — provides recreation on a mountain lake near Scranton. The park’s lake, forest, and wetlands support white-tailed deer, great blue herons, and bald eagles. Largemouth bass and panfish fill the lake. Common loons may visit.
Nearby Attractions
Scranton — 10 miles north — has Steamtown NHS and the Anthracite Heritage Museum. Montage Mountain — nearby. Promised Land SP — 30 miles east.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Moosic Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; no universal maximum length — inquire at the park office (electronic fences/shock collars not accepted as control)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and designated beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs allowed in a limited number of designated cabins, cottages and yurts (pilot program); maximum two dogs per unit; dogs must be house-trained and current on rabies vaccination
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No standard statewide pet fee; fees may be assessed for damage in dog-friendly lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two non-caged pets per campsite; pets prohibited in buildings; pet food may not be left outside camping units
Are dogs allowed at Moosic Lake State Park?
Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via pa.gov. More: Pennsylvania state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Moosic Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
