Most people don’t think of Pennsylvania when they picture the perfect lake vacation. But its border with Lake Erie and access to the Pocono Mountains make the commonwealth the perfect destination for outdoor adventure lovers. Renting a lake house is a great way for your big family to enjoy the great outdoors for your next vacation.
The four best lakes in Pennsylvania to rent a lake house on are:
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Arrowhead Lake
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Lake Erie
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Lake Wallenpaupack
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Lake Raystown
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Arrowhead Lake
Nestled in the northwestern region of Pennsylvania is the beautiful, gated community of Arrowhead Lake. The lake is closed to public access, but there are plenty of vacation rentals available to visitors. Split into two lakes – one larger and one smaller – the Arrowhead recreational community offers swimming, boating, fishing, and other activities. For swimmers, there are four beaches around Arrowhead Lake, along with two heated swimming pools and one unheated. The community’s recreation department also hosts swimming classes and water aerobics.
No gasoline-powered boats are allowed on Arrowhead Lake, so the waters are calm and perfect for anglers. Arrowhead Lake is a catch-and-release lake, except for trout, and there’s limited ice fishing in the winter. Boats are available for rent on both lakes, for fishing or recreation. The Arrowhead Lake Association maintains all activities and amenities on the lakes – and they love hosting visitors! Thanks to their efforts, Arrowhead Lake is an ideal vacation spot for big families.
Lake Erie
Lake Erie in Pennsylvania is an angler’s paradise – 1.5 million fish are caught each year. Erie is known for its Steelhead, but there are also Bass, Walleye, Yellow Perch, Crappie, and Bluegill. The centerpiece of Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie access is Presque Isle State Park, which has boating, surfing, hiking, skiing, ice skating, and more. The park has several beaches where visitors can swim, lounge, and relax. Presque Isle is also the only place in Pennsylvania where you can go surfing.
Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay are also great for boating activities. Water skiing, four boat launches, a marina with 500 slips, and a boat livery are all available at various times throughout the year. All of Erie’s amenities are open to the public, and various vacation rentals and cottages throughout northwestern Pennsylvania make it one of the most accessible lakes in the Commonwealth.
Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains is the third-largest man-made lake in Pennsylvania. It’s big enough to host a variety of activities for families of all sizes. In addition to swimming and boating on the lake, there are also forest lands, wildlife, walking trails, and campsites to explore. Wallenpaupack boasts activities year-round, including the famous Ice Tee Golf Tournament, Wally Ice Fest, and other ski and snow activities.
You can bring your fishing gear for a relaxing day on the lake, or rent rods, reels, and a tackle box from the visitors center. Wallenpaupack isn’t short on accommodation for large groups, either. Whether your family prefers hotels, campgrounds, or cabins, you can find the perfect lodging for your needs.
Lake Raystown
A trip to the Lake Raystown region of Pennsylvania is the relaxing, country getaway that every big family needs. With plenty of campgrounds, inns, a resort, lodges, and cabins, you and your whole group can stay comfortably near the lake. You can even find accommodations that sleep up to 44 people near Raystown!
At the marina, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards to take out on the lake. Other activities include boating and fishing. Raystown is known for more than just the lake, though. You can also visit the Altoona Railroaders Memorial Museum, ride the trolley in town, take a helicopter tour, or visit the Wildriver Waterpark. With so many amenities in the Lake Raystown region, you’ll wish you could stay longer!
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