Locust Lake State Park
Locust Lake State Park consists of 1,089 acres with a 52 acre lake. This park is great for camping, fishing, flatwater canoeing and kayaking, and hiking. The park is surrounded by mountains with a bike trail and numerous hiking trails winding through the park. The park is located near Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. The park is two miles southwest of Exit 131A of I-81.
Paddling at Locust Lake
The 52 acre lake allows canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and electric motorboats. Rowboats, canoes and pedal boats are available through boat rental concessions at the park.
Camping at Locust Lake
The park contains 282 tent and trailer campsites that are within easy access to swimming, boating, fishing and hiking facilities. The campsites are located in a wooded area and have a parking pad, picnic table, and fire ring. Camping is permitted from spring to mid-October.
There are modern restrooms and shower facilities nearby the campgrounds. A sanitary dump station is located on the trailer side of the lake.
Fishing at Locust Lake State Park
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stock brown and brook trout in the lake annually. The lake also inhabits pickerel, bass and panfish. A fishing pier is conveniently located near the fisherman’s parking area on the north side of the lake.
Swimming
Swimming is permitted from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Lifeguards are on duty from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. throughout the season unless otherwise posted.
Hiking at Locust Lake State Park
Oak/Ridge Trail – 0.75 mile, easy hiking, white/blue blazes,
This interpretive trail winds along a woodland creek and through a mature forest and young woodland areas. Along the entire loop of this self-guiding trail, species of trees and other vegetation are marked, and posted signs offer information about each species.
Oak/Hemlock Trail – 2 miles, moderate hiking, white/yellow blazes
This trail is blazed through a mature hemlock stand through which flows a woodland stream. The trail also passes by a unique geological outcropping.
Oak Loop Trail – 4 miles, difficult hiking, white blazes
The longest of the loop trails, it encircles a ridge located in a mature deciduous forest.
Environmental Education
Locust Lake state park offer a wide variety of environmental education such as guided walks and evening programs. The park provides environmental education programs to schools and youth groups. The park also provides teacher workshops and education.
Although campsites are available on a first come basis, it is advisable to reserve your campsite in advance. You can reserve a campsite online by clicking here. Or you can call 888-PA-PARKS.
For more information on visit the Locust Lake State Park Website.
