Best lakes in York County, Pennsylvania, offer a variety of recreational activities and natural landscapes. The region features notable bodies of water such as Lake Redman, Lake Williams, and Lake Marburg. These lakes provide diverse outdoor experiences, from extensive trail networks for hiking and biking to various water sports. The natural environment supports a range of activities for visitors seeking outdoor engagement.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The park, established in 1976, includes two lakes, Williams Lake and Redman Lake, and an extensive network of trails. The ideal place to spend your time.
0
0
Codorus State Park is a 3,500-acre park on the shores of Lake Marburg. It is a popular spot for biking, hiking, fishing and swimming. There are picnic benches and restrooms open to the public.
0
0
A lovely, peaceful place to unwind during a bike ride. The water here is very clean. You can hire kayaks and hike along the trails around the lake. There are restrooms near the boat rental.
0
0
Pinchot Lake is a paradise for outdoor sports enthusiasts: you can swim, canoe or kayak, walk around its shores and more. In short, there is truly something for everyone; it's hard to get bored here!
0
0
The park, established in 1976, includes two lakes, Williams Lake and Redman Lake, and an extensive network of trails. The ideal place to spend your time.
0
0
At William Kain County Park, which includes Lake Redman and Lake Williams, you can enjoy a variety of activities. Both lakes offer fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and electric-only boating. Lake Redman is particularly popular for fishing, with species like crappies, stripers, and largemouth bass. The surrounding park features over 12 miles of marked trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, along with playgrounds and picnic areas.
Lake Marburg, located within Codorus State Park, is a large recreational hub. Visitors can enjoy sailing, motorboating (with a 20 horsepower restriction), fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The park also offers extensive hiking trails, a swimming pool with a waterslide, disc golf courses, and camping. In winter, when the lake freezes, ice-boating and cross-country skiing are possible.
Yes, several lakes offer great family-friendly options. Pinchot Lake is ideal for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking, with plenty of shoreline for walks. Lake Redman and Lake Williams at William Kain County Park have playgrounds and picnic shelters. Codorus State Park, home to Lake Marburg, features a swimming pool with a waterslide, picnic areas, and restrooms, making it a comprehensive family destination.
Yes, boat rentals are available at some locations. On Lake Redman, you can rent rowboats, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and hydrobikes during the summer. At Lake Marburg in Codorus State Park, kayak, canoe, and pontoon boat rentals are also available.
Lake Redman is designated as a 'Big Bass Lake' by the PA Fish Commission and is popular for species like crappies, stripers, catfish, largemouth bass, muskies, pikes, and sunfish. Lake Marburg also offers excellent fishing opportunities, with a variety of fish including bass, walleye, musky, pike, and white perch.
Absolutely. William Kain County Park (Lake Redman and Lake Williams) boasts over 12 miles of marked trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Codorus State Park (Lake Marburg) also provides numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty, including horse-friendly trails. For more extensive cycling options, you can explore routes like the York County Heritage Rail Trail, which can be found in the Cycling in York County guide.
The lakes in York County offer activities year-round. Spring and fall are excellent for hiking and enjoying the scenic beauty and wildlife. Summer is ideal for water sports like swimming, kayaking, and boating, with rentals typically available. Even in winter, when conditions allow, activities like cross-country skiing and ice-boating can be enjoyed at Lake Marburg.
Many areas around the lakes are dog-friendly, especially the extensive trail networks. For instance, the trails at William Kain County Park and Codorus State Park are generally welcoming to dogs on leash. Always check specific park regulations for any restricted areas or seasonal rules regarding pets.
The lakes are rich in natural beauty. Lake Redman and Lake Williams are surrounded by nature trails offering opportunities to spot local wildlife and various bird species. Lake Marburg is a significant rest stop for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, making it a great spot for bird watching. The parks also feature diverse forest landscapes and scenic viewpoints.
Both William Kain County Park (for Lake Redman and Lake Williams) and Codorus State Park (for Lake Marburg) offer ample parking facilities. Specific access points and boat launches are available at each lake. For detailed information on William H. Kain County Park, you can visit the York County Parks website.
Yes, there are many easy walking trails. The multi-use trails around Lake Redman are suitable for leisurely walks. The extensive trail networks at both William Kain County Park and Codorus State Park include sections that are relatively flat and easy, perfect for a relaxed stroll while enjoying the lake views.
The parks surrounding the lakes offer excellent cycling opportunities. William Kain County Park has trails suitable for mountain biking. For road cycling and gravel biking, there are numerous routes throughout York County. You can find detailed routes and guides, such as the Road Cycling Routes in York County and Gravel biking in York County, which include trails like the York County Heritage Rail Trail.


Still not found your perfect lake in York County? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.