8 Swimming Lakes & Beaches Near Philadelphia

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach is a family friendly (and family owned) destination for summer fun. They offer many amenities including a 300' sand beach with water swings and inner tube rentals, lifeguard-protected lake swimming, playground, snack bar, shaded picnic area, children's dock, changing facilities, lawn area, sand volleyball court and more.

Shila said:  This large man-made lake is a recreational haven for swimming, boating (3 boat launches), fishing, picnicking, hiking over 36 miles of trails, and more! No lifeguards are present.

There are even many events where your family can enjoy guided hikes, paddle boarding for beginners, geocaching, etc. Enjoy a recurring favorite, "Tower Tours," where you're treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the dam.

Shila said:  Bellmawr Lake offers a sandy beach to the public near Center City for swimming (with a deep-end diving board and 100' water slide), beach volleyball, picnic areas, concessions with adult beverages, games (horseshoes, mini golf), pavilions for some shade, and more. Guests can pack their own food and non-alcoholic beverages in coolers and grill out, too! Lifeguards are present.

Quite popular are their parties for larger groups. Consider a family reunion or lakeside birthday celebration luau-style with a whole roast pig.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Enjoy family swimming and a sand beach (smoke-free) at Tuscarora Lake in Tuscarora State Park and Locust Lake State Park. There are no lifeguards on duty, however, swimming areas are marked with buoys with a maximum depth of five-and-a-half feet. A snack bar offers concessions for sale.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Part of the Wharton State Forest, the Atsion Recreation Area and Lake provides family swimming opportunities from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty; please note their swimming schedule online prior to your visit.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Dutch Springs is a 50 acre lake featuring an Aqua Park complete with a water playground, fun inflatables for climbing, bouncing, jumping-off and swimming. You can also experience on land the Sky Challenge, the aerial park, zip lines, and rock climbing.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  The Sylvan Lake Swimming Facility in Burlington Township is a safe and fun family lake destination complete with a beach, picnic pavilion, play areas with games and activities, and restrooms with changing facilities. Lifeguards monitor the swimming areas and promote water safety. Check out their full brochure online for more details. A concession stand offers grilled and baked foods, snacks, ice cream, beverages and more for purchase.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Your family can enjoy three swimming areas with grassy beaches along the Delaware River, including Milford Beach and Smithfield Beach in Pennsylvania and Turtle Beach in New Jersey. Lifeguards are on duty at each location from mid June through August. Picnic facilities and restrooms are available at each location.