Tuscarora State Park
Schuylkill County’s Four-Season Lake
Tuscarora offers a 96-acre lake for swimming, boating, and fishing in the heart of Pennsylvania coal country. Winter brings ice fishing and skating!
Swimming
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Beach | Sand beach with lifeguards |
| Season | Memorial Day – Labor Day |
| Concessions | Seasonal snack bar |
Boating
Non-powered and electric boats only. Rentals available seasonally.
Winter
Ice fishing, skating, and cross-country skiing when conditions permit.
Can I use motorboats?
No. Only non-powered and electric boats are permitted on Tuscarora Lake.
Things to Do
Pennsylvania’s massive state park system is defined by deep hardwood forests, rugged river gorges, and expansive lakes. It offers top-tier hiking on miles of trails (including access to the Appalachian Trail), extensive boating and sailing on natural and man-made lakes, and some of the best fly fishing for trout in the eastern United States. Visitors also enjoy whitewater rafting, camping in shaded forest sites, mountain biking, exploring old-growth forest remnants, and visiting historical sites that chronicle America’s early industrial and colonial history.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (late September through October) is magnificent, as Pennsylvania’s vast deciduous forests put on one of the best foliage displays in the country. Summer (June–August) is the busiest season, perfect for lake swimming and shaded woodland hikes. Spring (April–May) brings high water levels great for whitewater paddling and waterfall viewing. Winter transforms many northern and mountain parks into destinations for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing, though some park facilities close seasonally.
Visitor Tips
Pennsylvania stands out by offering free admission to all state parks for day use. Camping and cabin rentals require fees and can be reserved up to 11 months in advance through the state’s reservation system. Popular parks like Ohiopyle and Ricketts Glen can get very crowded on summer and fall weekends. When hiking waterfall trails (like the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen), wear sturdy, grippy footwear as the stone steps are perpetually wet and slippery.
Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks
Tuscarora State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Pennsylvania. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Pennsylvania guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
