Memorial Lake State Park

Memorial Lake State Park is surrounded by Fort Indiantown Gap Military Reservation in East Hanover Township. The park consists of 230 acres in scenic Lebanon County near the southern base of Blue Mountain.

Explore

Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Winter Report  - Accessibility  - History  - Nearby Attractions  - Volunteers  - Rules and Regs  - In an Emergency  - Contact Us  - Downloadables and Maps

Park Advisories

Directions

The park is 30 minutes east of Harrisburg and is easily reached from I-81. From the north, take Exit 85. From the south, take Exit 85B. Turn north onto Fisher Avenue and follow signs to the park.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking  - Picnicking  - Boating  - Sailing  - Fishing  - Cross-country Skiing  - Ice Fishing  - Ice Skating 

Boating: electric motors only
The 85-acre Memorial Lake has two boat launching ramps, a courtesy dock and 56 overnight mooring spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sailboating and sailboarding are very popular on Memorial Lake.

A boat rental has canoes, paddleboats, rowboats, kayaks and sailboards from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Fishing: The 85-acre Memorial Lake has largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, yellow perch, white and black crappie, various species of panfish, bullhead, channel catfish, carp and sucker. Trout are also found in the lake although they are not stocked. The lake is readily accessible for shoreline or boat fishing.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Hiking: A short woodland trail winds along the northern shoreline. The open nature of the park allows the visitor to take casual walks through most of the park. Scenic views of the lake provide a tranquil setting, especially during the spring and autumn days. Birders have the opportunity to observe over 100 different species of birds in the park.

Picnicking: Four separate access roads provide easy entry to the day-use areas. Picnic tables are provided in shady groves, along the shoreline and at areas that provide scenic views of the lake. Charcoal grills are conveniently located throughout the park. Two picnic pavilions are available for reservation or on a first-come, first-served basis. They are conveniently located with easy access to the lake, restrooms and water fountains. Each pavilion accommodates 70 people. Call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS for reservations.

Make a reservation

Playfields are available near the picnic areas for softball, volleyball and other sports. Two play areas are also available. A one-mile exercise course is in the eastern portion of the park. The 20-station course begins and ends near the main parking lot along the northern shore of the lake.

Winter Activities

Explore the Winter Report for current snow and ice depths.

Cross-country Skiing: The easy rolling terrain and open nature of the park lends itself to excellent opportunities for short distance cross-country ski trips for the novice and experienced skier.

Ice Fishing: The 85-acre Memorial Lake is open for ice fishing except for the ice skating area. Muskellunge, northern pike, perch and catfish are common species caught through the ice.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Ice Skating: A one-acre area is maintained for ice skating near the main boat launch.

Access for People with Disabilities

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

History

The U. S. military created Memorial Lake in 1945 to honor the Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers that served in World War I and World War II. As a feature of Fort Indiantown Gap Military Post, the lake provided recreation for soldiers and their families.

In 1965, Memorial Lake was transferred to the Department of Forest and Waters (now the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) and became Memorial Lake State Park. It provides recreational opportunities for civilians and military personnel.

Nearby Attractions

For information on nearby attractions, contact the PA Capital Regions Vacation Bureau Inc. www.pacapitalregions.com

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards.

Nearest Hospital:
Good Samaritan Hospital
Fourth and Walnut Streets
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-270-7500

For More Information Contact

Memorial Lake State Park
18 Boundary Road
Grantville, PA 17028-9682
717-865-6470
Manager: Angel Croll

E-mail: memorialsp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.