The Largest Lakes in Pennsylvania

Ah, there’s nothing more relaxing than a day at the lake. Pennsylvania–home to nearly 3,000 lakes, has long been seen as a sort of paradise for outdoor lovers. Between the picturesque Appalachian mountains and the countless square miles of sparkling water, it’s never hard to find something fun to do in the Keystone State.

Some of Pennsylvania’s largest lakes offer everything from swimming and fishing to boating and windsurfing. So whether you’re looking for an action-packed day on the water or want to lounge on the shoreline, dipping in a toe or two, Pennsylvania has you covered. The state also experiences all four seasons, meaning there’s plenty of fun to be had on these lakes come winter as well. Even in the fall, seeing the vibrant leaves reflecting on Lake Erie or Raystown Lake is a site that’s hard to top. So pack a lake bag and get ready to see some of the largest lakes in Pennsylvania.

Lake Erie

With a surface area of 9,910 square miles, Lake Erie is by far the largest lake in Pennsylvania. Though technically only part of Lake Erie lies in The Keystone State. The rest of this massive body of water stretches through Ohio, Michigan, New York, and Ontario, Canada. In Pennsylvania, travelers can head to Erie County where they can enjoy easy lake access and a range of fun things to see and do.

One of the best places to enjoy Lake Erie is Presque Isle State Park. The park is a 3,200-acre peninsula and offers visitors opportunities for hiking, swimming, surfing, wildlife viewing, and ice skating in the colder months. Next, head to the Bicentennial Tower–a towering observation deck that looks out over the vast Lake Erie. Finally, round out the trip with a visit to the Erie Maritime Museum where curious travelers can learn more about the great lake and surrounding area. 

Pymatuning Lake Reservoir

The Pymatuning Reservoir is a border lake that stretches 26.7 square miles across parts of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Originally, there was nothing but swampland in this area until 1933 when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania decided to dam off the swamp, effectively creating the large lake you see today.

Those hoping to get a good look at the lake will find most of the water contained within Pymatuning State Park. Here, visitors can enjoy activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, disc golf, and wildlife watching. After a few hours by the lake, travelers can start exploring other nearby attractions such as the Pymatuning Deer Park which is home to over 250 animals.

Raystown Lake

At roughly 13 square miles, Raystown Lake is the largest lake located fully inside of Pennsylvania. The man-made lake plunges down about 200 feet at its deepest point and was originally built as a hydroelectric project. Those hoping to explore this sparkling body of water can do so easily at Raystown Lake Recreation Area. Here, you'll will find campsites, beaches, picnic spots, places to fish, and hiking trails.

Roughly 8 miles from the recreation center, lies the beautiful Trough Creek State Park. The park is home to 12 miles of hiking trails that lead hikers past cascading waterfalls, suspension bridges, and stunning rock formations. After enjoying a few hours by the water, travelers can begin exploring other nearby attractions. For incredible views of the Pennsylvania countryside, try taking a ride on the nearby Broad Top Railroad. The railway offers scenic tours via trains and trolleys and, according to its website, was voted #3 Best Scenic Train Ride by USA Today.

Allegheny Reservoir

Situated on the border of Pennsylvania and New York, the Allegheny Reservoir has a surface area of approximately 12 square miles and a maximum depth of 130 feet. The Pennsylvania side of this man-made lake can be found inside the Allegheny National Forest. While hanging out by the lake, travelers will find a wide range of activities to enjoy including hiking the nearby trails, camping, and fishing on the lake. In total, the Allegheny National Forest has more than 200 miles of hiking trails to explore. Those who have time to wander through the forest will also find stunning waterfalls, rivers, streams, and creeks. Activities ranging from swimming to windsurfing are available here as well.

Lake Wallenpaupack

Lake Wallenpaupack, with a surface area of roughly 9 square miles and a maximum depth of 240 feet, is considered one of Pennsylvania’s largest reservoirs. Visitors and locals will find a wide array of things to see and do along the lake’s shoreline–which spans 52 miles. The lake offers visitors six public access points where recreational activities including waterboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and boating are all available. These access points also offer plenty of land-based things to do such as hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and camping. Originally, Lake Wallenpaupack was created to harness hydroelectric power, but through the years its become a popular destination for lake trippers.

Shenango River Lake

Located in the beautiful Shenango Valley, Shenango River Lake is an ideal spot for a relaxing lakeside day trip. Popular activities on the lake include swimming, fishing, and waterskiing. Out of the water, visitors will find nearby campsites, places for wildlife viewing, and plenty of comfortable picnic areas to enjoy. The lake has a surface area of roughly 5.5 square miles and plunges down 27 feet at its deepest point. The lake also appeals to history buffs as it features remnants of the Erie Extension Canal. Additionally, the lake is located not far from Kidds Mill Covered Bridge–the last of its kind in this area.

Conneaut Lake

With a surface area of roughly 1.5 square miles and an average depth hovering around 29 feet, Conneaut Lake may seem small compared to the other lakes on this list. In reality, though, this is the largest natural glacier lake in Pennsylvania. As such, Conneaut Lake is a highly popular destination for boating, fishing, and various other water-based activities. While in the area, travelers can visit the Conneaut Lake Park Resort–a summer amusement resort located on the shores of Conneaut Lake. Here, guests can enjoy lake access, amusement rides, and special events.

In Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to enjoy amusement park rides with views of Conneaut Lake in the background or want to go waterfall chasing and windsurfing by the Allegheny Reservoir–there’s no better place than Pennsylvania. During a visit to the Keystone State, travelers will also have the chance to marvel at the sheer size of the great Lake Erie and camp along the shores of the Pymatuning Reservoir. So no matter what the ideal lake day trip looks like to you, you’re sure to find the perfect body of water somewhere in Pennsylvania.