Looking for a scenic relaxation spot? Then a park is the perfect place.
Editorial note: We choose and update recommended nearby parks using official park information, visitor-planning usefulness, available activities and facilities, geographic fit, and editorial review. Learn more in our Editorial Policy & Review Methodology.
But not just any park, the state parks near Reading are breathtaking; it’s easy to get lost in their stunning beauty.
Each park has beautiful scenery that is great for having fun, taking pictures, or just relaxing on a warm day.
You could also go hiking, take a camping trip with your family, have a picnic, or even go fishing. There is an endless amount of fun to be had at these parks.
You can take a mini-vacation to a state park and unwind as you bask in the glow of the sunlight.
Let your hair down as the wind blows through it and blows your troubles away as well, or take a jog through the trails on a quiet morning to keep in shape. These parks suit several interests.
The landscapes of these parks are simply remarkable, with clear lakes and beautiful trees that are sure to amaze you. Nothing lifts a moody spirit like a day in the park filled with natural greenery.
In this post, we will be listing 10 incredible state parks that are perfect for all activities and abilities. Pay a visit to any of these exquisite state parks to give yourself a delightful experience complete with an unforgettable adventure.
These state parks charge no fees, and they are just a few hours away from Reading.
Map of State Parks Near Reading PA
Here is a map of the Pennsylvania state parks covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Reading
This list overlooks some of the best state parks near Reading and a little bit about what makes them so amazing.
1. Blue Marsh State Park
Distance from Reading: about 6 miles northwest of Reading (straight-line).
Location: Lake Border Trail, Bern Township, Pennsylvania 19610
Blue Marsh State Park is a state park in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
Highlights associated with Blue Marsh State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a designated swimming area.
See our full Blue Marsh State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. French Creek State Park
Distance from Reading: about 11 miles southeast of Reading (straight-line).
Location: 843 Park Rd, Elverson, PA 19520
This state park is arguable the most beautiful park in Pennsylvania. It is located about 19 miles away from Reading which makes it great for a quick drive to the park.
French Creek provides a peaceful sanctuary for those in need of a quiet place and lively entertainment for those who want to have fun.
Family outings to this park are great because it offers the best of both worlds, allowing the whole family to have a good time irrespective of their contrasting interests.
It offers a vast array of forests, creeks, lakes, wetlands, and fields that make it an ideal spot for hiking, camping, biking, jogging, picnicking, or camping. You can camp over in the cabins or bring a tent and camp the old-fashioned way.
You can also take a dip in the striking lakes of the park if wild swimming is your thing. This park offers two lakes; Hopewell Lake and Scott Run Lake.
There is a disc golf course near Hopewell Lake and over thirty miles of trails for horseback riding, running, or mountain biking.
See our full French Creek State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. Marsh Creek State Park
Distance from Reading: about 22 miles southeast of Reading (straight-line).
Location: Park Road, Upper Uwchlan Township, Pennsylvania 19335
Marsh Creek State Park is a 1,705 acres (690 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Upper Uwchlan and Wallace Townships, Chester County, Pennsylvania in the United States.
Highlights associated with Marsh Creek State Park include waterfall scenery, coastal dunes, and lake recreation.
See our full Marsh Creek State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Evansburg State Park
Distance from Reading: about 30 miles east of Reading (straight-line).
Location: 851 Mayhall Rd, Collegeville, PA 19426
Evansburg State Park is a 3,349-acre (1,355 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Lower Providence, Lower Salford, Skippack, Towamencin, and Worcester Townships in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania in the United States.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
See our full Evansburg State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Tuscarora State Park
Distance from Reading: about 30 miles north of Reading (straight-line).
Location: 687 Tuscarora Park Road, Barnesville, PA 18214
Tuscarora State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 1,618 acres (655 ha) in Rush, Ryan, Schuylkill Townships, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania in the United States.
Highlights associated with Tuscarora State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
See our full Tuscarora State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Locust Lake State Park
Distance from Reading: about 33 miles north of Reading (straight-line).
Location: Locust Lake Rd Barnesville, PA 18214
Locust Lake State Park is a Pennsylvania state park on 1,089 acres (441 ha) in Ryan Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania in the United States.
Highlights associated with Locust Lake State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Locust Lake State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Swatara State Park
Distance from Reading: about 34 miles west of Reading (straight-line).
Location: 1450 Suedberg Rd Pine Grove, PA 17963
Swatara State Park is a 3,520-acre (1,420 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Bethel, Swatara and Union townships, Lebanon County and Pine Grove Township, Schuylkill County in Pennsylvania in the United States.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include hiking trails and playgrounds.
See our full Swatara State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Nockamixon State Park
Distance from Reading: about 37 miles east of Reading (straight-line).
Location: 1542 Mountain View Dr, Quakertown, PA 18951
This incredible state park is about 32 miles away from Reading. It is an oasis of peace and tranquility combined with many recreational activities.
Unfortunately, swimming is prohibited in Nockamixon State Park, but what this park lacks in swimming availability, it certainly makes up for in boating fun.
Boating and fishing lovers will have a field day sailing through the clean waters of Lake Nockamixon. This lake contains a variety of fish that will give both experts and beginners a chance to improve their fishing skills.
Just north of the lake is a trail suitable for bikers and joggers, and the south side of the lake is great for horseback riding. Hunters are welcome to use the trails as well, but there are specific guidelines that must be adhered to.
In addition, there are numerous environmental education programs available so you can have a good time while learning how to make the planet a better place.
See our full Nockamixon State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
9. Hickory Run State Park
Distance from Reading: about 49 miles north of Reading (straight-line).
Location: 3613 PA-534, White Haven, PA 18661
Hickory Run State Park, located around 50.73 miles away from Reading, covers the base of the Pocono Mountains. There is an activity for every season at this park. Fight the summer heat by swimming in the lake or skating over the ice during the winter.
Hike through the trails and be rendered speechless by the cascading waterfall of Hawk falls. You can also explore the various trails in the park or spend the night in the park. This park offers vintage-style camping cottages that are well furnished.
On the grounds of this park sits a unique scattering of boulders that has remained unmoved for over 20,000 years. This national landmark is accurately named Hickory Run Boulder Field, and it is the largest boulder field in the Appalachian region. Take a walk across this path and soak in the view.
See our full Hickory Run State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
10. Gifford Pinchot State Park
Distance from Reading: about 54 miles west of Reading (straight-line).
Location: 2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339
This park is home to one of the largest camping grounds in the area. It is equipped with a swimming beach and campsites accessible to people of different abilities.
The peaceful setting of the park and its gorgeous lake only add to its overall appeal. This park offers a variety of fun activities to choose from, and it sits 51 miles away from Reading.
You can have a great time on the disc golf course or the volleyball course. Picnic with your loved ones on the soft grass, or take a peaceful jog through any one of the several trails in the park.
You could also learn more about the environment by joining their environmental education program.
Unlike most parks, the campsite at the Gifford Pinchot State Park is free for all. The park has also included a charging station for electric vehicles. Comfort and convenience is the goal of this state park.
See our full Gifford Pinchot State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
Conclusion
Parks are a great way to have fun and enjoy the beauty of nature. The parks in this list are just a short drive away from Reading and they are loaded with fun activities and gorgeous scenery. You can visit alone or with your entire family because there’s more than enough fun for each member.
