We're collecting the best swimming lakes near Philadelphia on one handy map! Pack the beach gear and try out one of these parent-approved places to swim (or boat or fish) with kids.
Help other parents out by adding your tips & reviews, and let us know if we're missing any other top spots for beach chilling or lake swimming around Philadelphia.
For more swimming spots near you, check out - and chime in on - our list of the best Philadelphia swimming pools, too.
Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach
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.
Blue Marsh Lake
This large manmade lake is a recreational haven for swimming, boating, 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.
Tuscarora State Park
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.
Bellmawr Lake
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.
Sylvan Lake Swimming Facility
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. A concession stand offers grilled and baked foods, snacks, ice cream, beverages and more for purchase.
Atsion Recreation Area and Lake
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.
Primary photo: Upparent
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
