Updated August 2026
Best Kayaking Lakes in Pennsylvania
Top 10 kayaking lakes in Pennsylvania, ranked by Secchi clarity (clearer water makes for better paddling — you can see fish, plants, and the bottom).
- Grade A–B water quality
- No known access restrictions
- 50–2,000 acres
Kayaking-friendly rankings prefer lakes with low motor-boat congestion, interesting shoreline, decent water clarity, and public access. Lake Marburg (A) tops the Pennsylvania list.
Kayaking favors lakes with shoreline interest — bays, islands, undeveloped stretches — which tends to correlate with the larger, more remote Pennsylvania lakes rather than the small, residential ones.
| Rank | Lake | County | State | Grade | Clarity | Area | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Marburg | York | PA | A | - | 1,173 acres | - |
| 2 | Fairview Lake | Pike | PA | A | - | 192 acres | - |
| 3 | Belmont Lake | Wayne | PA | A | - | 173 acres | - |
| 4 | Long Pine Run Reservoir | Adams | PA | A | - | 151 acres | - |
| 5 | Keystone Lake | Armstrong | PA | B | - | 865 acres | - |
| 6 | Crystal Lake | Lackawanna | PA | B | - | 191 acres | - |
| 7 | Shamokin Reservoir | Northumberland | PA | B | - | 183 acres | - |
| 8 | Hunters Lake | Sullivan | PA | B | - | 114 acres | - |
| 9 | Eisenhuth Reservoir | Schuylkill | PA | B | - | 71 acres | - |
| 10 | Straight Run Lake | Indiana | PA | B | - | 53 acres | - |
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New clarity and algae readings can move a lake on this list. Unsubscribe anytime.
Where to stay near Pennsylvania kayaking lakes
Find cabins, campgrounds, and rentals near Pennsylvania's clearest paddling water — live availability and prices for your kayak trip.
Top-rated places to stay near Pennsylvania paddling lakes
Prices for Sep 11–13, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
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Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.