Summer’s long, lazy days are best spent lounging on a sandy beach and cooling off in a cozy lake – at least some of the time. With the many beaches at Pennsylvania’s state parks, we certainly have no shortage of places to kick back and to stay cool. Parker Dam State Park in Pennsylvania, for example, just might be one of the most underrated summer destinations, despite its full menu of summertime activities.

Snuggled alongside Moshannon State Forest, Parker Dam State Park spans a cozy 968 acres and boasts a…

Facebook/Parker Dam State Park

Small but picturesque lake. A sandy beach leads directly into the shimmering 20-acre lake that attracts both swimmers and boaters.

Facebook/Parker Dam State Park

The beautiful blue lake is five feet at its deepest point, as long as you don’t venture past the buoy line. (There are no lifeguards on duty.)

Facebook/Parker Dam State Park

Don’t forget to bring your shovel and bucket, so you can make sandcastles. You can also grab something to eat and to drink from the snack bar.

Facebook/Parker Dam State Park

The beach welcomes guests daily from 8 a.m. to sunset from the end of May until the middle of September.

Facebook/Parker Dam State Park

While you’re at the park, consider spending some time on the water, too. You can rent rowboats, pedal boats, kayaks, and canoes during the summer season.

Facebook/Parker Dam State Park

The park also features a series of trails that total just over 13 miles. Trails, which are varying lengths, range from easy to difficult.

Facebook/Parker Dam State Park

You’ll probably want to stop by the dam, too, to admire it as it cascades down.

Facebook/Parker Dam State Park

We often don’t want a summer day at the beach to end, and it doesn’t have to when we visit Parker Dam State Park. The park offers RV sites and several cabins for rent.

Facebook/Parker Dam State Park

Head over to the official website of Parker Dam State Park for more information. Or, go here for Facebook.

Facebook/Parker Dam State Park

Have you been to Parker Dam State Park in Pennsylvania? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! You know what’s also great about summer? Ice cream! For some of the best ice cream in PA, set off on the Bucks County Sweet Spots Trail.

Facebook/Parker Dam State Park

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Parker Dam State Park, 28 Fairview Rd, Penfield, PA 15849, USA