Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Lake Wallenpaupack, located in northeastern Pennsylvania in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, was created in 1926 by the Pennsylvania Power and Light Company as a hydroelectric project. The lake is 13 miles long and about 60 feet deep at its deepest point, making it the third largest man-made lake in the state. Lake Wallenpaupack offers year-round recreational opportunities, along with a number of other activities and attractions in the surrounding area.
Lake Wallenpaupack is ideal for boating. Many resorts and marinas at the lake rent fishing boats, cabin cruisers, pontoon boats, sailboats and canoes. Jet skis and instruction in their use are also available. One public boat launch ramp is free and four ramps, located at campsites surrounding the lake, are open to the public but for a fee. Boaters can also stop for a rest at the lake’s four islands that dot the water at various points. The largest, Epply, offers picnic tables and charcoal grills for day picnickers to use and enjoy.
Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL) maintains five camping and recreation areas, spaced evenly around the lake. Each campground has a general store, dock rental, launching ramps and picnic areas. Campers also have access to electricity, laundry facilities and showers. Most campgrounds also have a children’s play area. Pets are not allowed, but there are kennels nearby. The campgrounds are open from the last Saturday in April until the third Sunday in October. They are designed for family camping, and each campsite accommodates a maximum of eight people and one vehicle.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission calls Lake Wallenpaupack “a great waterway for fishing,” where small and large mouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, pickerel, yellow perch, trout, striped bass and a variety of pan fish can be found. Mountain stream fishing is also available nearby in both the Wallenpaupack Creek and the Lackawaxen River. One safety note is that sudden rises in water level can occur in the Lackawaxen River when water is released from the hydroelectric plant, so it’s best to check with Lake Wallenpaupack Information for generation activity and current elevations before fishing there.
Other recreational activities in the surrounding areas include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, golf and tennis in the warm months and snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, permitted at some state game and forest lands, in the winter. The area also offers museums and art galleries, summer theaters and numerous historical buildings and landmarks. The nearby village of Hawley is full of antique and specialty shops and holds seasonal community events, such as arts and crafts fairs and outdoor concerts.