Mauch Chunk Lake Park

• The Mauch Chunk Lake Park is located in the Boroughs of Jim Thorpe and Summit Hill and earned recognition as the National Watershed of the Year in 1978. The park began as a flood control project because of the mountainous terrain and confinement of the Mauch Chunk Creek that flows beneath the town of Jim Thorpe. Major flooding occurred here frequently that resulted in the destruction of property. The flood control phase of the Mauch Chunk Creek Watershed Project was completed in 1972 about one month prior to record rainfall amounts attributed to Tropical Storm Agnes. It was estimated at the time that the completion of the dam prevented over $2 million in damages to the local residents and community. County government officials viewed the flood control project as an opportunity to also provide recreation and the Mauch Chunk Lake Park was later dedicated in August of 1974. Today the park exceeds 150,000 visitors annually and has become a popular vacation destination for many families. The park has facilities for camping, swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.

CAMPGROUNDS

1. The Mauch Chunk Lake Park camping area has modern restroom and shower facilities with hot water.
2. The camping area is comprised of 135 sites including lakefront tent, camping cottages, and organized group camping for scout troops and other non-profit organizations. Pavilions with kitchen areas are also available to rent.
3. The Camp Store is conveniently located in the campgrounds and sells firewood, camping supplies, snacks, and novelty items.
4. All vehicles must be registered with the park office. One vehicle is permitted at each camp site. Additional vehicles must park in the overflow parking lots.
5. Admission to the beach and swimming area is included with camping reservations. Campers must display their vehicle pass.
6. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and are strictly enforced. Campers that cannot arrive by 10:00 p.m. should plan to arrive early the next morning.
7. The night entrance to the camping area is available between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
8. Mauch Chunk Lake Park is an ideal camping experience. The sites are spacious, well kept and beautiful. Cabins are available but the lake front tent sites are my choice! There is no water or electric hook up but fill water, bath and dish washing facilities are available at the bathhouse. The accessibility for kayaking, fishing, mountain biking and hiking cannot be beat! Boat rentals are accessible and the swimming beach is a delight in the hot summer months. Approximately 1.5 hours from Philadelphia this escape is a little piece of heaven!
   • Beach and swimming area is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
   • Beach and swimming hours are 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily.
   • Swimming is permitted only while lifeguards are on duty.
   • Beach area includes play equipment for children, a food and refreshment stand, and a beach pavilion.
   • Admission fee is $3.00/adult, $2.00/child for Carbon County residents and $7.00/adult, $5.00/child for Non-County residents. Children 3 and under, those with disabilities, and individuals 65 and over are admitted free. A child is considered 12 and under.
   • Summer beach tags can be purchased at the main park office.
   • Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Pets are also not permitted.
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