General Information
- 5,700 Acres
- 13 miles long
- 52 miles of shoreline
- 60 feet at maximum depth
- 2 miles at greatest width
A little history…
Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains is a comfortable drive from many cities in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
PPL (Pennsylvania Power & Light) built the 13 mile long 5,700 acre lake in 1926 as part of a hydroelectric project to increase its electric generating capacity. Today, with much greater demands for electricity, Wallenpaupack is an important auxiliary electric generating facility. The lake and hydroelectric projects are now owned by Brookfield Renewable.
The lake was formed by damming Wallenpaupack Creek on the boundary of Pike and Wayne Counties in northeastern Pennsylvania.
The lake, about 60 feet at its maximum depth, offers year-round recreation opportunities, including fishing, boating, and water-skiing. For more information on boating, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming and islands, contact the Brookfield office at (570)226-1373 or the Lake Wallenpaupack Visitors Center at (570)226-2141.
Brookfield maintains areas for family camping and recreation around the lake, each with its own resident director who oversees camping registrations and site management. Campers have access to electricity, coin-operated washing machines and clothes dryers, and hot showers between the last Saturday in April and the third Sunday in October. Each area has a small general store, dock rentals, launching ramps and picnic areas. PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED. Registered campers with self-contained trailers may use the dumping stations without charge. Please visit www.wilsonvillecampground.com, www.ledgedalerecarea.com, or www.ironwoodpoint.com for more info on camping directly on Lake Wallenpaupack.
Fishing
Lake fish include small and largemouth bass, rock bass, walleye, muskellunge, pickerel, rainbow trout, brown trout, and yellow perch. Striped bass have been stocked in the lake. Note: When on the Lackawaxen River, watch for sudden rises in water level that occur when water is released periodically from the hydroelectric plant during generation. For electricity generating schedules and Lake Wallenpaupack water levels, call 1-800-807-2474.
Fishing Licenses
A PA fishing license is required for anyone who is 16 years of age and older. It is illegal to fish without a fishing license. PA fishing licenses are required to be displayed on an outer garment while fishing. Contact the campgrounds or the Wallenpaupack Sports Shop at 570-226-4797 for licensing info.
How Can I Get A Boating Safety Education Certificate?
Mandatory Boating Education – Boaters must successfully complete a classroom or long distance leaning Fish and Boat Commission approved boating course (a fee may be charged). PA residents must have a certificate issued by the Commission or by another state. To find a boating course near you, contact one of the following resources:
- PA Fish & Boat Commission site: www.fish.state.pa.us
- PA Fish & Boat Commission Boating Course Hotline: 1-888-PAFISH-1 (1-888-723-4741)
- Long Distance Learning Course: www.boat-ed/com/pa/ to access the Boat Pennsylvania Internet Course
1-800-830-2268 to order the video / correspondence course.
MORE RESOURCES
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
Visit www.fishandboat.com for info.
Mangan Cove Free Boat Launch
Located on Route 590 just past the scenic overlook. The area was jointly developed by both PPL and the PA Fish & Boat Commission. Picnic and toilet facilities are available.
Four Islands
Epply, Kipp, Burns, and Cairns offer grills and tables for boat-in picnicking. Restroom facilities are available on all Islands except Burns during the summer season. No Camping, No Pets, and No Alcoholic Beverages. Islands open daylight hours only.
Brookfield prohibits sleeping on boats on Lake Wallenpaupack.
Hiking
Visit www.pplpreserves.com for info.
Current Lake Levels
For the most current information regarding water levels please visit http://www1.pplweb.com/ilwpk/cgi-bin/expected_generation.pl
Boat Rentals
Many of our Chamber members rent boats and are listed under the “Boating” section on this site.
Boat Registration & Size Limits
All motorboats must be registered (this includes boats with electric motors). The registration card must be on board whenever the boat is in operation. We recommend you keep it in a ziploc bag or other waterproof storage – (don’t laminate). Boats must be registered in the state of principal use, not where the owner lives. To use the PA Fish & Boat Commission access near the Wallenpaupack dam, powered boats (electric, gasoline or diesel) must be currently registered. Unpowered boats must be registered or possess a current PFBC or DCNR (PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources) launch permit. The lake has no horsepower limit regulations for boaters.
Prompton State Park
Visit www.friendsofprompton.com
Prompton State Park is a 1500 acre tract of land shared by the Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers. It contains a 280-acre lake. The entire park is available to the public for various activities that include: hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, back country skiing, paddling, fishing, hunting, geo-caching, and disc golf. The Friends of Prompton State Park invite you to visit the park and enjoy the area.
- 1,500 acres of public land with 22.9 miles of multi-use trails
- 280 acre lake with 6.25 miles of shoreline for paddling, fishing, and birding
- Picnic facilities and pavilion
- Public Boat Launch
- 18 Hole Disc Golf Course
- Radio Controlled Airstrip
- Hunting is permitted on the East side of the lake and parts of the West side
