Beltzville State Park in Pennsylvania, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-27. Check linked official notices before travel.

Beltzville State Park near Lehighton, Pennsylvania, combines a large lake with woodland trails in the southern Pocono foothills. For a day trip, choose between the seasonal sand beach, a short walk to a bird blind, or a longer forest loop. Overnight stays are prohibited here, including in boats and self-contained campers.

Lake and trail highlights

• Sand beach: A 525-foot beach provides the park's seasonal swimming area.
• Bird Blind Trail: This 0.1-mile out-and-back leads to a wall-style viewing blind.
• Christman Trail: A 2-mile loop passes an old orchard, mixed woods, and former farm fields.

Plan a day at the lake

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Swimming and trail limits

Swimming is at your own risk. Follow the beach's posted rules; recreational scuba diving is prohibited. Read the official swimming guidance before a beach visit.

Protect the beach and viewing areas

Do not smoke on the beach or in the swimming area, including with e-cigarettes. On Bird Blind Trail, turn back just beyond the blind and obey the no-trespassing signs.

Picnic reservations

The four picnic pavilions can be reserved for a fee up to 11 months ahead. An unreserved pavilion is available without a pavilion charge on a first-come basis. Use the park's picnic reservation information for a group outing. A pavilion reservation does not permit an overnight stay.

Location and park maps

Use 2950 Pohopoco Drive, Lehighton, PA 18235-8905 for the park. Beltzville is five miles east of Lehighton, off U.S. 209; drivers using the Pennsylvania Turnpike's Northeast Extension can follow park signs from Exit 74. Download the official maps and guides before selecting a trailhead.

Nearby parks by road

Hickory Run State Park is another Carbon County option, reached by PA 534 near White Haven. Big Pocono State Park is reached from PA 715 near Tannersville. Its mountain access closes seasonally, and the steep drive is unsuitable for vehicles towing trailers.

Choose the length of your walk

For a brief outing, the Bird Blind Trail gives you a specific destination without committing to a long route. For more walking, Christman Trail is rated more difficult and combines wooded sections with former agricultural land. These are different choices within a park with 15 miles of trails; use the trail map rather than assuming every path returns to the beach.

In swimming season, the beach and nearby bathhouse offer a different focus from a woodland walk. The summer food concession operates weather permitting, so bring what you need if its availability is important to your day.

Picnic and beach facilities

Pine Run West Day Use Area has picnic tables, restrooms, drinking water, and parking. Pavilions 1, 2, and 4 are designated ADA accessible. The beach has a bathhouse with showers. Confirm the specific facility you need when arranging a group visit.

About the lake landscape

A valley changed by flood control

The Lenape lived along Pohopoco Creek before European settlement. Big Creek Valley was vacated in 1966 for a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood-control project. Dam construction ran from 1970 to 1972, and the park welcomed visitors on Memorial Day weekend in 1972.

Waterfowl and woodland birds

Migrating ducks use the lake as a stopping place, especially in spring. The woods at its eastern and western ends provide habitat for warblers. A visit to the shore and a walk into the woods therefore offer different birdwatching settings; sightings depend on season and conditions.

Contact Beltzville

Pennsylvania DCNR manages the park. Call 610-377-0045 or consult the official Beltzville State Park page for current notices and facility questions.