{{short description|State park in Pennsylvania, United States}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Infobox park | name = Locust Lake State Park | image = locustlake.jpg | image_caption = | image_alt = Lake | image_size = 280 | location = [[Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania]], United States | coordinates = {{coord|40.78499|-76.11921|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | coords_ref = <ref name="llsp"/> | area = {{convert|1772|acre|abbr=on}}<ref name="llsp"/> | elevation = {{convert|1749|ft}} | established = 1972 | administrator = [[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]] | free_label = | free_data = | visitation_num = | visitation_year = | visitation_ref = | website = {{Official website}} | module = {{Infobox protected area | map = USA Pennsylvania#USA | label = Locust Lake State Park | label_position = | map_caption = Location in Pennsylvania | relief = 1 | module = [[List of Pennsylvania state parks|Pennsylvania State Parks]] }} }} '''Locust Lake State Park''' is a [[List of Pennsylvania state parks|Pennsylvania state park]] on {{convert|1089|acre}} in [[Ryan Township, Pennsylvania|Ryan Township]], [[Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania]] in the United States. Locust Lake State Park is located approximately {{convert|7|mi}} north of [[Pottsville, Pennsylvania|Pottsville]], {{convert|3|mi|0}} south of [[Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania|Mahanoy City]], {{convert|8|mi}} west of [[Tamaqua, Pennsylvania|Tamaqua]] and {{convert|6|mi|0}} west of [[Tuscarora State Park]]. The lake is {{convert|52|acre}}. The park offers hiking, camping, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, and a wide array of other seasonal activities.
== History == The Locust Valley area was originally claimed by the [[Lenape]]. Their land was conquered by the [[Susquehannock]]s, then later controlled by the [[Iroquois|Iroquois League of Five Nations]]. In the mid-19th century, settlers discovered [[anthracite coal]] in the area which led to thousands of immigrants swiftly arriving to the area to mine coal. Although the area was not suitable for coal mining, it did not escape the [[Industrial Revolution]]. The forest was quickly turned into a shrubbery area prone to flooding and fires after loggers turned the trees into lumber, shingles, tool handles, and other wood products. Tanneries used the white pine and hemlock bark for tanning leather. The forests were gone by the early 20th century, with some farmers clearing and tilling the land.<ref name="llsp"/> After its purchase by the Marchalonis Brothers, Locust Lake became a fishing spot and picnicking area. While they were digging a lake, they found a dam with a water wheel under seven feet of debris and leaves. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the land from the Marchalonis Brothers in 1966. Locust Lake officially opened on June 10, 1972.<ref name="llsp"/> Oldest brother, Bill, went on to create "Blue Mt. Lakes", in Schyukill Haven, Pa.
== Recreation ==
===Locust Lake=== Motor boats are allowed as long as you have a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats may either have a boat registration from any state, or a launching or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks. Boat rentals are available at a nominal fee.<ref name="llsp">{{cite web |url=https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/locust-lake-state-park |title=Locust Lake State Park |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |access-date=January 9, 2026}}</ref>
Locust Lake has 282 campsites divided into tent or trailer sites. The campsites encircle the lake.<ref name="llsp"/>
[[Fishing]] is permitted year round. The lake is stocked several times a year with [[brown trout|brown]] and [[brook trout]]. [[American pickerel|Pickerel]], bass ([[smallmouth bass|smallmouth]] and [[largemouth bass|largemouth]]), and [[panfish]] are also caught year round. [[Ice fishing]] is permitted, but the ice is not monitored for safety.<ref name="llsp"/>
Swimming is permitted from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Since 2008, lifeguards are not posted at the beach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=384046 |title=Pa. state parks going without life guards at beaches in 2008 |access-date=2008-02-17 |publisher=[[Times Leader]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007235840/http://www.timesleader.com/news/ap?articleID=384046 |archive-date=2008-10-07 }}</ref> Swimming areas are marked with buoys, and the deepest area is {{convert|5|ft|6|in}}.<ref name="llsp"/>
===Hunting=== Approximately {{convert|1045|acre}} are available for hunting. [[Ruffed Grouse]], [[woodcock]], [[Columbidae|dove]]s, [[Common pheasant]]s, [[Eastern gray squirrel]]s, [[wild turkey]]s, [[eastern cottontail]] rabbit, and [[white-tailed deer]] are common species and frequently spotted. Although there is ample room for hunting, it is restricted to designated areas of the park and surrounding state forest. A bow and arrow and flintlock muzzle loader only hunting area is located in the park. Hunting [[groundhog]]s is prohibited. Dog training is permitted from the day after Labor day until March 31 in designated hunting areas.<ref name="llsp"/>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category}} {{portal|Pennsylvania}} *[https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/locust-lake-state-park Locust Lake State Park] Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources * {{cite web|url= http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/locustlake/locustlake_mini.pdf |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110609213010/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/locustlake/locustlake_mini.pdf |url-status= dead |archive-date= June 9, 2011 |title=Locust Lake State Park Official map }} {{small|(147 KB)}} {{Protected areas of Pennsylvania}}
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[[Category:State parks of Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Protected areas established in 1972]] [[Category:Parks in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Campgrounds in Pennsylvania]] [[Category:Protected areas of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania]]