Regional Guide · 23 beaches

Lake Beaches Beaches

Inland freshwater swim beaches — Western Maryland's mountain lakes (Deep Creek, Rocky Gap, Herrington Manor), central PA's state-park reservoirs (Raystown, Pine Grove Furnace, Yellow Creek), Delaware's Killens Pond and Trap Pond, and West Virginia's Appalachian lake parks (Summersville, Tygart, Bluestone). No jellyfish, no rip currents, no salt — just clean freshwater and often a lifeguarded roped swim area. The best option when the coast has an advisory or the drive east is too far.

When to Go

Memorial Day through Labor Day is when most beaches are officially lifeguarded. Water is coldest in early June and warmest in August. Western-MD and WV mountain lakes run cooler than mid-state reservoirs.

Watch Out For

Many lake beaches are shallow — check max depth if you're looking for real swimming vs wading. Algae blooms can close beaches during heat waves; state agencies (MD DNR, PA DCNR, WV State Parks, DE DNREC) post conditions for their swim areas. Not every lake beach has lifeguards — some parks discontinued them post-2008.

Lake Beaches Beaches

When to Go

Watch Out For

Pennsylvania · 12

Shawnee State Park

Cowans Gap State Park

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Laurel Hill State Park

Gifford Pinchot State Park

Raystown Lake — Seven Points Beach

Locust Lake State Park

Tuscarora State Park

Whipple Dam State Park

Prince Gallitzin State Park

Yellow Creek State Park

Parker Dam State Park

Maryland · 7

Rocky Gap State Park

Deep Creek Lake State Park

Herrington Manor State Park

New Germany State Park

Greenbrier State Park

Cunningham Falls State Park (Hunting Creek Lake)

Broadford Lake Park

Delaware · 2

Trap Pond State Park

Killens Pond State Park

West Virginia · 2

Cacapon Resort State Park

Jennings Randolph Lake — Shaw Beach