Swimming

Promised Land State Park has two free sand beaches on Promised Land Lake: the main beach in the Day Use Picnic Area and a smaller beach at the tip of the Pickerel Point peninsula. Both are open every day from Memorial Day to mid-September, 8 a.m. until sunset, unguarded at either beach, so you swim at your own risk, and children 10 and under must be with someone at least 14 years old.

The Main Beach

The main beach is in the Day Use Picnic Area off PA 390, so the picnic tables, playground, restrooms and a shower house are a short walk away. A refreshment stand near the beach sells food and drinks on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m., from late May (the Saturday just before Memorial Day) to Labor Day. The boat rental is just along the shore. Campers at the Pines can walk there on a paved trail.

Pickerel Point Beach

This beach sits at the end of the Pickerel Point peninsula, beside the campground of the same name. It is unguarded, like the main beach, and is the beach right inside Pickerel Point Campground. See Pickerel Point Campground.

Swimming Rules

• No lifeguards: everyone swims at their own risk.
• Children 10 and under must be accompanied by someone 14 or older.
• Groups must meet the state park adult-to-child supervision ratios.
• No smoking or vaping on the beaches or in the water; designated smoking spots are next to each beach.
• No glass containers in swimming areas.
• No pets in swimming areas.
• Do not feed the geese: their droppings foul the beaches.
• Read and follow the rules posted at each beach.

Good For

• Families who want a beach, picnic tables and a snack stand in one place.
• An afternoon swim after a paddle or a lake walk.

Maybe Skip If

• You need a lifeguard on duty: neither beach has one.
• You want to swim in Lower Lake: the designated beaches are both on Promised Land Lake.