By Emily Whalen • Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau
In search of fresh air in the Pocono Mountains? Find things to do at Beltzville State Park for every type of outdoor adventurer! Spend a day at the beach, a day on the boat, or a day on the forest trails.
Located in the scenic hills of Carbon County, this popular Pennsylvania state park offers fishing, kayaking, boating, hiking, hunting, and more. With the small town of Lehighton located close by, you’ll have plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from when it’s time to rest and refuel. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know as you plan your trip to Beltzville State Park in the Poconos.
Beltzville State Park Beach
Spread out your beach towel, put on your sunscreen, and get ready for a day of splashing on the shore. Beltzville State Park is home to a 525-foot sand beach located near the Park Office and Day Use Area. Swimming is at your own risk, and the beach is open from late-May to mid-September, with a bathhouse with showers and food and refreshment concession available for visitors throughout the summer season.
Take a break from the water and walk across the parking lot to see Beltzville’s Harrity Covered Bridge! Originally built in 1841 to span Pohopoco Creek and now open only to pedestrian traffic, the bridge was moved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers when Beltzville Reservoir was created in 1972.
Hiking Trails and Waterfalls
Trek around the hills and forests above the reservoir as you explore 15 miles of Beltzville State Park hiking trails. Waterfall lovers will discover the charming forest cascades of Beltzville State Park waterfall, Wild Creek Falls, along the Cove Ridge Trail on the northeastern end of the park. Take the Trinity Gorge Tail on the southern side of the lake for an easy out-and-back walk or take on a moderate challenge with the Sawmill Loop Trail on the western edge of the park.
Water Recreation and Fishing on Beltzville Lake
The long blue expanse of Beltzville Lake totals 949 acres, encompassing two public boat launches. Not far from the Day Use Area on the northwestern side of the park, Pine Run Boat launch is popular for boaters bringing their own water skiing and jet skiing equipment. Keep in mind the maximum boating speed is 45 mph. Looking for Beltzville boat rentals? The boat concession located near the Day Use Area is open during the summer season, offering kayaks, rafts, pedal boats, and pontoon boats.
For fishermen and paddlers, the Preachers Camp Boat Launch on the southeastern shore as well the waterways stretching to the east are restricted to “no wake” speed, ideal for floating through Pohopoco Cove and Wild Creek Cove at a slower pace.
Cast your line in the lake to try to tempt the stocked warmwater and coldwater game fish and panfish, with species like trout, striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, and perch. Beltzville State Park fishing is also popular along the shoreline along Pohopoco Drive on the northern side of the lake or below the dam along Pohopoco Creek.
Camping and Hotels near Beltzville State Park
While Beltzville State Park camping is not allowed within the park grounds, visitors can find plenty of overnight lodging in Carbon County outside of the park, including scenic campgrounds. Don Laine Campground is just ten minutes away from Beltzville Lake, offering 100 seasonal campsites and fun family activities. Book a stay at Lehighton hotels just a short drive west of Beltzville like Mahoning Inn, Country Inn & Suites, or Hampton Inn. Close by in downtown Jim Thorpe is the Inn at Jim Thorpe, as well as numerous smaller inns and BandB’s.
Restaurants near Beltzville State Park
Head into towns like Palmerton, Lehighton, and Jim Thorpe to find delicious places to eat near Beltzville State Park! Grab burgers at Joey B’s Bar and Restaurant, try the chicken sammie variations at The Gorge Eatery, enjoy a sumptious cocktail at Jim Thorpe’s Marion Hose Bar or soak in the atmosphere and sample the seafood, steaks, and more at Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill.
Winter Activities
Beltzville State Park transforms with a little help from Mother Nature during the cold winter months! When snow and ice cover the fields and forests and lake, winter activities like cross-country skiing and ice fishing kick into gear. Be sure to use caution as ice thickness is not monitored. Check the winter report and contact the park office for current conditions.
The great outdoors are calling! Take a look at our other blog guides to Hickory Run State Park, Lehigh Gorge State Park, and Promised Land State Park to explore even more of the pristine national, state, and local parks throughout the Pocono Mountains. Reference park maps ahead of your trip to plan your day of refreshing outdoor adventure.
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