Scuba Diving at State Parks
Diving is only permitted within approved state park lakes as well as Lake Erie at Presque Isle State Park and the Susquehanna River at Shikellamy State Park.
Divers must contact the park office before diving to be notified of certification requirements, park diving areas, and park-specific diving information.
There is no fee required for recreational scuba diving, however all training and organized events require a special activities agreement which includes a fee. Contact the park office for more details.
Safety in the Water
Scuba diving is a unique and interesting way to explore a state park.
All scuba divers in state parks must learn to recognize natural dangers and take safety measures to make sure you have a fun and successful dive.
Follow these scuba diving tips:
Never dive without a buddy.
Always plan your dive, and always dive your plan.
Never dive if you have a cold or are congested in your ears or nose.
Check your diving equipment to make sure it works. Use the right gear that can handle your planned dive.
Do not drink alcohol or take drugs before diving.
Ask your doctor what medicines are to safe to use when diving.
Ask your doctor how diving can affect your health. It can be dangerous if you have certain health problems.
Where to Scuba Dive
Recreational scuba diving opportunities are available at the state parks listed below.
Click on a region in the map or zoom in on the map using the zoom tool on the left.
Clicking on a park in the map will reveal an information box with a listing of amenities in the park, and a link to the park in the listing far below.
North
Bald Eagle State Park -- 1,730-acre Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir
Elk State Park -- 1,160-acre East Branch Lake
Shikellamy State Park -- Susquehanna River
South
Canoe Creek State Park -- 155-acre Canoe Lake
Codorus State Park -- Lake Marburg - Sinsheim Cove only
Gifford Pinchot State Park -- 340-acre Pinchot Lake
Pine Grove Furnace State Park -- 25-acre Laurel Lake and 1.7-acre Fuller Lake
Prince Gallitzin State Park -- 1,635- acre Glendale Lake
Shawnee State Park -- 451-acre Shawnee Lake
East
Lackawanna State Park -- 198-acre Lake Lackawanna
Locust Lake State Park -- 52-acre Locust Lake
Marsh Creek State Park -- 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake
Memorial Lake State Park -- 85-acre Memorial Lake
Nockamixon State Park -- 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon
Tuscarora State Park -- 96-acre Tuscarora Lake
West
Moraine State Park -- 3,225-acre Lake Arthur
Presque Isle State Park -- Lake Erie
Pymatuning State Park -- 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir
Raccoon Creek State Park -- 101-acre Raccoon Lake
Yellow Creek State Park -- 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake