Marsh Creek State Park in Pennsylvania

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

This is the place I will recommend to beginner paddlers (I am one)! The best part about it is the kayak and canoe rental.

The second best part is easy parking close to the water (if you come early enough in the day or late in the afternoon) - otherwise it is top of the hill for you, mate!

The third is the wildlife in the afternoon! As the other reviewer mentioned, if you paddle to the right, you will see baby fish amongst the greens in the water, turtles, and birds. That was from 4 to 6 pm on Saturday. I went again with my 8 year old son on Sunday morning from 11 am to 1 pm but only saw dragonflies.

So far I haven't been able to paddle the entire lake but absolutely can't wait to get there again. I love being on the lake with other kayakers and the sailboats too. Very peaceful family place. Fisherpeople seemed to be enjoying themselves too.

Accommodations:

Rental shop (reasonable prices), snack bar, immaculate rest rooms, kayak shop. Swimming pool at the top of the hill and picnic facilities, but I didn't check these out.

Fees:

It is best to look these up on official State Pennsylvania boating websites. I paid $15 each to get one-year stickers for my two inflatable kayaks which I plan to bring from New Jersey. The park rangers' office is to the left as you drive into the park, but before you get to the parking lot. Parking is free, the park entrance is free.

Rental of a single kayak with paddle was $20/hr and a tandem with paddles was $25/hr.

Directions:

Take PA Turnpike to route 100. Drive north on route 100 until you turn left at the light at WAWA gas station (the road is called Ticonderoga.) At the stop sign, turn left again (don't remember name of road, Park Road?) In a few miles you will drive right into the park. There's your parking, boater! And the rental place is right there. I never saw so many Thule and Yakima racks in my entire life. There is also reserved parking for trailers, and a boat ramp for the other kind of boaters.

Resources:

It was handy to look it up on an ordinary street map. The lake is not round, it has many "fingers", and I enjoyed planning my trip for different "fingers." Still have a lot to explore.

Trip Details

  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: Flat/Sheltered Water

Trip Location