Tobyhanna State Park
State park
About
Tobyhanna State Park covers 5,440 acres in Monroe and Wayne counties and includes the 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake. The park lists boating, fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, wildlife watching and winter recreation among its activities. It has 10 miles of blazed trails, and the park says the terrain makes for challenging but rewarding hiking.
The sand beach has a bathhouse with flush toilets and changing areas. Showers cost extra. The entrance is 2.1 miles north of the community of Tobyhanna on PA 423.
History
From about 1900 to 1936, ice was cut from Tobyhanna and Gouldsboro lakes each winter and shipped out by rail. In 1912 the federal government acquired the land that became the Tobyhanna Military Reservation, used for military training for decades. Pennsylvania received title to most of the 26,000 acres in 1949, and Tobyhanna State Park opened to the public that year.
When to go
The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. The sand beach is open from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend to mid-September, 8 a.m. until sunset. The park office, overnight areas and other facilities keep their own seasons and hours, so contact the park office for those.
Good to know
Swim at your own risk, and follow the posted rules. Smoking is not allowed on the beach or in the swimming area.
During established seasons, hunting is permitted daily on about 5,200 acres. The park posts a hunting boundary map.
In remote, undeveloped areas, old unexploded artillery shells have been found. Don't touch or move one; report the location to the park office.
Pennsylvania state parks welcome pets in designated areas. Day use and overnight reservations can be made online or by phone.
Price
- AdmissionFree
Pennsylvania state parks do not charge an entrance fee. Some services, such as showers and overnight stays, cost extra.
Prices checked November 2026 on the website of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. They can change, so check before you go.
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