Boating

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is represented by this colored map.

Where to Boat

This chart lists the facilites for boating in Pennsylvania State Parks, including sailing, motor size, lake acreage, launch facilities, boat mooring, boat rental and marinas.

Whether you like to quietly row on a small lake or jet around with the wind streaming through your hair, there's lots of oppotunities to get on the water in Pennsylvania state parks. There's even whitewater boating in rafts, kayaks and canoes.

Whether you like to quietly row on a small lake or jet around with the wind streaming through your hair, Pennsylvania State Parks has a lake for you. If you don't have a boat, many state parks rent boats. Pennsylvania State Parks also offers whitewater boating.

Know and obey the rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks. For complete boating information visit the PA Fish and Boat Commission.

Motorboats must display a current boat registration. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks, available at most state park offices; launching permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Mooring

Some state parks have shoreline mooring, marinas and/or dry land mooring areas. For all areas, it is best to contact the individual park directly to determine availability of a space, cost and how to secure a space. "Where to Boat" above lists which parks have mooring and marinas.

Shoreline mooring season is from April 1 to October 31. Marina space availability depends on the size of your boat. The size of your boat determines the cost.

Some parks operate dry land mooring areas for an annual fee, you are assigned a space on land and permitted to keep a boat on its trailer. The season for this is from April 15 to October 31. The individual park needs to be contacted for availability.

Pennsylvania State Parks has many scenic rivers and lakes for float trips. If you want exciting boating, explore Whitewater Boating for a list of rivers. Any Pennsylvania State Park that has a lake over 10 acres in size has opportunities for canoeing and flat-water boating. Visit "Where to Boat" above for a list of parks with lakes.

Canoes and non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks, available at most state park offices; launching permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

This list is of particularly scenic canoe/kayak trips.

North

Bendigo State Park	The East Branch of the Clarion River is scenic and appropriate for beginning boaters under normal conditions. A canoe launch is three miles upstream along Kilgus Road. Best water conditions are generally in the spring.
Clear Creek State Park	The Clarion River provides excellent canoeing especially during the spring and fall. The river is rated Class C (beginner) with an average downward flow of four miles per hour. Two popular canoe trips, 4 and 10 miles in length, are a popular attraction. Rental canoes are available from commercial sources outside of the park. Both parks offer public canoe launches.
Cook Forest State Park	The Clarion River provides excellent canoeing especially during the spring and fall. The river is rated Class C (beginner) with an average downward flow of four miles per hour. Two popular canoe trips, 4 and 10 miles in length, are a popular attraction. Rental canoes are available from commercial sources outside of the park. Both parks offer public canoe launches.

South

Swatara State Park	Swatara Creek is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing, especially in the spring. Designated launches in the northern and southern ends of the park provide access to the creek for put-in and take-out of boats.
Warriors Path State Park	A boat ramp for canoes, rafts and small boats is available as a take out or launch site for floating the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River. Boating or rafting can be enjoyed during the spring or late fall. The water level of the river is usually too shallow for summer boating.

East

Deleware Canal State Park

Canoeists can launch from public access areas in PA and NJ to enjoy the water trail which includes scenic views of River Islands and Nockamixon Cliffs natural areas. Water trail users will enjoy viewing wildlife along a major migratory route for raptors, waterfowl and songbirds. The Delaware River contains many species of game fish including American shad, striped bass, smallmouth bass and walleye. Canoeing is also available in the Delaware Canal.

Tyler State Park

Neshaminy Creek offers calm, easy boating upstream from the canoe rental. The canoe rental operates daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather permitting.

West

Ohiopyle State Park	The Middle Yough begins at the Ramcat Put-in near Confluence, and ends near the town of Ohiopyle. This section contains class I and II rapids and is ideal for beginning kayakers or experienced canoers. Only closed-deck canoes can be used on the river.
Oil Creek State Park	Oil Creek offers a scenic float and is classed as a beginner’s creek under normal conditions. Water levels can change rapidly and canoeists should call the park office for current water conditions. Generally, the canoeing season is from March to June.

All Pennsylvania state parks that have lakes that permit boating can accommodate sailboats. For a list of lakes that permit boats exolore "Where to Boat" above. Due to the mountainous nature of the state, certain lakes are better for sailing than others. The parks marked with a sailboat symbol have the best sailing opportunities.

Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks, available at most state park offices; launching permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Motorboats must display a current boat registration.

For the true, diehard outdoor enthusiast, there is nothing like iceboating to stir up those inactive wintertime juices. Iceboats must have state park launching permit. A list of parks for iceboating is below.

"Where to Boat" above indicates lakes that permit iceboating with a snowflake.

Find out where there's ice in the winter activities report, online from December until Spring thaw.

Due to the specialized rules and equipment needed, whitewater boating has its own page.