Tuscarora State Park

Tuscarora State Park is just minutes away from Locust Lake in Schuylkill County. The main attraction is a large lake, where fishing, boating and swimming (in designated area) are allowed. This park does have some camping offerings, but it limited to only 6 cottages and 4 yurts.

There are two pavilions that can be reserved for large group outing and are located close to parking and are not too far from the lake and swimming area.

If you are in the market for a new launch permit or mooring site for your boat the first right on the main road of the park takes you to the office. I have been in the office multiple times for my own launch permits and the staff is genuinely friendly and happy to help. Maps are generally available here as well.

The boat ramp and mooring sites are located in a small cove on the lake. This makes it nice when putting a boat on the water, with the cove always being relatively calm compared to the main body of the lake. There are restrooms by the launch that are open year round along with one outdoor water spigot. The parking here is limited, but I have never had a problem finding a space. I tend to avoid state parks on major holidays and on those I am sure it is packed.

At the end of the boat cove there is this area for handicap access fishing. A paved walkway runs from this to the handicapped spaces that are available. 

The lake is large enough to contain some pretty decent size fish and small enough to be paddled around completely in an afternoon by canoe or kayak. Anglers, this is one location in PA where trout season is open year round. 

There are a good number of day use picnic areas throughout the park as well. These like the pavilions are not far from the swimming area and restrooms.

The main restrooms in the park open on Memorial Day and remain open throughout the summer. There is a lake store as well, but after talking to one of the Park Rangers today it is unclear weather it will be opening this year or not.

This is the designated swimming area. It is not yet open for swimming this year, but is still a good place for kids to build a sand castle or two.

There is also a good number of hiking trails throughout the park. There is no easy trail around the entirety of the lake, but there are trails on all sides.