Swim Clear Water and Hike Lacawac Sanctuary with Family
Why Rent On Lake Ariel
Lake Ariel occupies a wooded plateau in Wayne County, northeastern Pennsylvania, at roughly 1,434 feet elevation, high enough to deliver genuinely cool summer nights even when the rest of the state is sweltering. The namesake lake, approximately 239 acres fed by Ariel Creek, sits at the heart of a broader community landscape that includes the gated, 4,000-acre Hideout development, which adds Roamingwood Lake (198 acres and the largest in the cluster), Deerfield Lake, Brooks Lake, and three smaller ponds to the recreational picture. The village traces its origins to 1822; by the late nineteenth century, Lake Ariel Park was drawing up to 10,000 visitors on summer weekends with a carousel, roller coasters, and a boating beach. The park closed in the early 1950s, but the spirit of return visits never left. Families who first came as renters end up buying lots, and children who spent summers here bring their own children back. One important planning note: Lake Ariel proper has no public beach, and the Hideout is a gated community. Access to its beaches, marina, and lake amenities is restricted to property owners, confirmed guests, and renters. Township short-term rental rules also vary across the community’s three-township footprint, so confirm your specific rental’s eligibility before booking.
Things to do at Lake Ariel
The water anchors the day, but what distinguishes Lake Ariel from comparable Pocono destinations is the organized community activity surrounding it. Roamingwood Lake permits power boats, jet skis, wave runners, and sailing alongside a full marina operation. Non-motorized paddling, with kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and paddleboats available for rental at the Hideout Main Lodge, covers the quieter water needs. Fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, yellow perch, and rock bass runs across all the community lakes; Deerfield and Brooks Lakes are reserved for non-powered craft and catch-and-release only. Two supervised beaches on Roamingwood Lake handle swimming, with the aquatics department running structured swim lessons and a community swim team through the summer. The Hideout’s ski hill activates in winter, and the community calendar fills the rest of the year with tennis, basketball, two outdoor pools, and events including a youth fishing derby and July Fourth waterfront celebrations. Pennsylvania fishing licenses are required; check current bass seasons and slot limits at fishandboat.com before fishing.
What to do near Lake Ariel
The northern Pocono and Lake Wallenpaupack corridor places the community within reach of some of the region’s finest outdoor destinations. Lake Wallenpaupack, one of Pennsylvania’s largest lakes at nearly 5,700 acres, is approximately 20 miles east with full public marina access, boat rentals, and a wide fishery. Promised Land State Park, about 20 miles east, offers backcountry hiking, swimming beaches, and camping within the Delaware State Forest. Historic Honesdale, the Wayne County seat, is a well-preserved Victorian-era town with independent restaurants and the Wayne County Historical Society museum. Camelback Mountain Resort, about 30 miles south, provides ski terrain in winter and an adventure water park in warmer months.
What is the best time to visit Lake Ariel?
Memorial Day through Labor Day is the primary season, when beaches, the marina, and community amenities operate at full capacity. Late June and July represent the peak, with water warmed for comfortable swimming and the full community social calendar running. Fall foliage across Wayne County, typically mid-September through mid-October, is exceptional: the lake’s wooded setting turns vivid and the crowds thin markedly after Labor Day. Winter programming at the Hideout’s ski hill, combined with proximity to larger Pocono ski resorts, makes cold-weather visits a genuine option for snowsport families. Vacation rentals within the Hideout community are the natural fit, ranging from two-bedroom lakefront cabins on Roamingwood to larger timber-frame lakehouses suited to reunion groups. Browse Lake.com for vacation home and cabin listings in the Lake Ariel and Hideout area.
- Surface area (mi)
- 0.81
- Max depth (ft)
- 100
- Elevation (ft)
- 1440.29
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 5
Popular activities
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Boating
- Cross-country Skiing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Ariel has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, there are designated swimming areas in Lake Ariel. The Hideout, a property owners association, has two designated swimming areas and a main marina area where swimming is allowed only when a lifeguard is on duty. No food, beverages, or smoking are permitted within the pool and beach areas.
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Lake Ariel is a popular destination because of its natural attractions and outdoor activities. It features places like Claws ‘N’ Paws Wild Animal Park, Lacawac Sanctuary with its pristine glacial lake, and several lakes such as Blueberry Lake and Brooks Lake where visitors can enjoy nature and water activities.
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In Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania, bass fishing has specific regulations: From April 18 to June 12, there is no harvest of bass. During this period, anglers must immediately return any caught bass to the water. From January 1 to April 17 and November 1 to December 31, the limit is 2 bass at 15 inches or larger, and from June 13 to October 31, the limit is 3 bass at 12 inches or larger.
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There are no public beaches at Lake Ariel, but there are beaches within private communities. For example, the Hideout, a gated community, has two private beaches available for its residents and members.
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Towns near Lake Ariel include Carbondale, Dunmore, Scranton, and Honesdale. These towns are located within Wayne County and the surrounding areas in northeastern Pennsylvania. Lake Ariel is also close to other smaller towns like Hamlin and Hawley, which are part of the Pocono Mountain region.
