9 Best Lakeside Towns in Pennsylvania
These Pennsylvania towns provide an active life on the water, whether it be among the Pocono Mountains or the expansive shoreline of Lake Erie. For starters, Eagles Mere combines the beauty of the Allegheny Mountains with boating and swimming opportunities at Eagles Mere Lake, making it the perfect 'mountain retreat' town. Meanwhile, Hawley has many activities revolving around Lake Wallenpaupack, and Conneaut Lake is even home to a lakeside hotel, Hotel Conneaut. Each destination offers its unique take on a slower, more connected lakeside lifestyle.
Eagles Mere
Admired for its quaint village setting and relaxed pace, Eagles Mere is situated at the high point of the Allegheny Mountains, blending historic 19th-century character with crystal clear lake water views. Once a late-1800s resort destination, this small town of just 192 residents still carries a nostalgic, “step back in time” atmosphere, highlighted by landmarks like the Eagles Mere Inn and a walkable downtown. This part of town is lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and local favorites such as the Sweet Shop, all set against a backdrop of Victorian-era architecture. Eagles Mere Lake, often referred to as a “mountain retreat”, offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and lakeside relaxation, while winter brings unique experiences like the toboggan run.
Hawley
Hawley is a lakeside town in the Pocono Mountains, offering a peaceful setting and a steady year-round population of roughly 1,200 residents. Known as the gateway to Lake Wallenpaupack, Hawley provides easy access to boating, fishing, and scenic shoreline views. Peak tourist seasons are during the summer, when people flock to the lake for outdoor activities, and during the winter, when they celebrate Winterfest, which kicks off the Christmas season.
The downtown area is walkable and features stand-out spaces like the Hawley Silk Mill, a restored mill now home to boutiques and a bakery. Residents can enjoy live performances at the Ritz Company Playhouse or explore nearby trails, such as the Wallenpaupack Lake Trail, for outdoor recreation.
Harmony
Harmony offers a distinctive small-town experience with a population of just under 1,000, rooted in history with a peaceful pace of life. While not directly on a large lake, Harmony is within easy reach of Lake Arthur, about 13 minutes North, which is perfect for boating and swimming. Sippel Reservoir Park is also nearby and features a two-acre fishing pond.
Designated as a National Historic Landmark District, its walkable village is lined with well-preserved 19th-century architecture, creating a timeless, inviting setting. Residents can enjoy local spots like Wunderbar Coffee & Crepes and Union Brothers Brewing, as well as antique shopping throughout downtown. Cultural highlights include the Harmony Museum, which offers a more intimate insight into the town’s German heritage.
Jim Thorpe
Often called Little Switzerland, for its steep terrain, Jim Thorpe is a storybook mountain town with European-like charm, surrounded by the Pocono Mountains. Mauch Chunk Lake, a 330-acre reservoir located in Mauch Chunk Lake Park, offers a scenic, water-centered lifestyle with walkable paths and recreational activities including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating.
Once a thriving coal-mining hub powered by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, the town retains a rich industrial past reflected in its preserved architecture. Landmarks like the Harry Packer Mansion, used as the model for The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Resort, draw many visitors each year. In addition, the walkable downtown, especially along Broadway, features cafés, boutiques, and galleries.
Conneaut Lake
The largest natural glacial lake in the state of Pennsylvania, spanning approximately 925 acres, is located in the village of Conneaut Lake, with a population of just 546 residents. It boasts idyllic shoreline views and a wide range of water activities, including fishing and swimming. The town’s historic heritage is anchored by the landmark Hotel Conneaut, which sits lakeside in its Art Deco design. Residents and visitors can enjoy dining, a stroll along the waterfront, or nearby outdoor spaces. This includes the Ernst Trail, where you can spot bald eagles and migrating waterfowl. Seasonal events, including the annual Winter Ice House Festival, bring a lot of energy, making Conneaut Lake a well-rounded destination for locals and tourists alike.
North East
The lakeside bluff town of North East has a population of 4,200 residents, set along the shores of Lake Erie, and known as the gateway to the Lake Erie Wine Country. Outdoor recreation centers on Freeport Beach and the North East Marina, where residents enjoy recreational swimming, boating, and fishing. Surrounded by more than 30,000 acres of vineyards, North East offers an easy and beautiful lifestyle with access to over 20 local wineries. The historical downtown area spans tree-lined streets, brick architecture, and local shops like the adorable Bebe's Basket & Artisan Gifts. Close by attractions like Gibson Park host community events throughout the year, attracting visitors for the annual Wine Fest in September.
Huntingdon
The nearby access to Raystown Lake, an 8,300-acre reservoir, makes the village of Huntingdon a perfect place for residents and visitors to enjoy boating, fishing, and camping. The Seven Points Marina is a primary hub for rentals and lake access, making water recreation a central part of daily activity. Beyond the shoreline are the Allegrippis Trails, offering over 30 miles of mountain biking terrain, while Trough Creek State Park adds hiking to the area’s outdoor range. The historic downtown includes locally owned shops and taverns, contributing to a consistent year-round presence rather than just its purely seasonal influx. Annual events such as Mayfest and Wine Down Weekend reinforce its role as both a recreation hub and a small-town center in south-central Pennsylvania.
Portersville
Portersville is a charming small town with a population of just 231, located close to Lake Arthur at the edge of Moraine State Park. This expansive park covers 16,725 acres and features more than 40 miles of shoreline. It serves as a convenient gateway to swimming coves, boat launches, and wooded hiking trails, while the surrounding hills and forests offer a buffer from nearby urban areas.
Nearby, McConnells Mill State Park adds historical significance to the area. It is home to the 19th-century McConnells Mill, a restored gristmill situated along Slippery Rock Creek, well-known for its covered bridge and scenic gorge, which is open seasonally for tours. Portersville attracts over a million visitors each year, providing immediate recreational opportunities while showcasing its stunning landscapes.
Pocono Pines
Situated around Lake Naomi is the unincorporated small town of Pocono Pines, surrounded by the natural landscape of the Pocono Mountains. It's primarily known as a residential area with a quieter, friendlier pace and a high population of retirees. Access to Lake Naomi Club connects residents to activities like kayaking, sailing, and canoeing on sandy beaches, as well as a community center that provides popular indoor games like tennis and pickleball. Locals can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the rustic Jubilee Restaurant, just located off the 940 junction. Nearby at the beautiful Mountaintop Lodge at Lake Naomi, you can enjoy regional attractions while experiencing a distinctly calm and community-oriented atmosphere, away from the busier, tourist areas of the Poconos.
Across the state, these lakeside towns illustrate how access to water shapes not just recreation, but the structure of everyday life. With exciting destinations like Raystown Lake and Lake Erie and smaller, community-centered settings like Eagles Mere and Pocono Pines, each location balances outdoor activity with character and history. Whether defined by state parks, historic districts, or working waterfronts, these towns demonstrate that lakeside living in Pennsylvania is less about a single experience and more about how geography, tourism, and community intersect.
