OutReserve

Blue Marsh Lake (dry Brooks Day Use Area)

Wooden brown sign with the red castle US Army Corps of Engineers logo and Blue Marsh Lake written on the sign.

Featured amenities

Showers
Showers

About Blue Marsh Lake (dry Brooks Day Use Area)

Located at Blue Marsh Lake northwest of Reading, Pennsylvania, three group picnic shelters are available for reservations within the Dry Brooks Day Use Area. With over 36 miles of trails, 5,000 acres of land, 1,147 acres of water, picnic areas, a small beach and boat launches, the Blue Marsh Lake area is appealing to all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts.

Campground Amenities

  • Showers
    Showers

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Jan 1 to Apr 30

Reviews (15)

What Guests Are Saying

The Blue Marsh Lake pavilion offers a lovely setting for events, with a clean facility and beautiful views, making it ideal for gatherings like bridal showers and company picnics. While the staff is generally great, some guests encountered rudeness from a ranger regarding unloading vehicles, which could be improved with clearer signage about parking rules. Overall, visitors appreciated the amenities and enjoyed their time at the venue despite the parking concerns.

Review Summary

4.8
15 reviews
5
80.0%
12
4
20.0%
3
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Lisa R

September 6, 2020

5

Having the space to social distance but still be close with my family was priceless! AND THE VIEW! A bit of water, green, and blue sky was just what we needed.

Robles S

July 27, 2020

5

Clean very beautiful peaceful view 👌❤️

Brian P

January 17, 2020

5

We love Blue Marsh lake and the amenities it affords us. There are however a few issues that can and should be addressed.
1. All boats should require a safety check
2. At the dry brooks launch there should be some sort of authority there to calm the people there who set up tents and blast their music for the entire lake to hear.
3. This launch can Be a bottle neck, due to inconsiderate people. There can and should be a way to have say a traffic director there or better signage to possibly have people understand these rules.
4. All boaters and jet ski operators should be checked for their boating safety card as there are way to many incidents with the reckless driving of these vehicles, especially the jet skis.
5. I feel they should have kept the entrance fee and use these monies to offset the cost of a launch/retrieval officer.

It is a great facility, thank you for keeping it this way and we look forward to this upcoming season.

Brian S. Petresky

Jeanne L

January 15, 2020

5

The Vista pavilion was a great little pavilion perfect for our picnic of 25-30 people. We liked the seclusion from other parties and groups. Plus the parking there was very convenient.

Ana G

December 19, 2019

5

Very beautiful view.. clean and peaceful environment

Location Blue Marsh Lake (dry Brooks Day Use Area)

Address:
1420 Palisades Dr.
Leesport, PA, 19533
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 40.39 / -76.0321

Elevation: 133 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

The Park will close at 6:00 p.m. starting May 17, 2025 and continue through September 30, 2025 with limited services due to staffing shortages

General

Reservation holders will be issued a confirmation receipt. You must have the confirmation receipt with you to present to the Park Ranger on the day of your reservation.

General

Parking is not included in the shelter rental. Arrive early on summer weekends and holidays to avoid waiting in line to obtain a parking space.

General

Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited.

General

The use of confetti and devices that dispense such materials or paints (ie gender reveals) – is strongly discouraged. If you utilize such materials – you must come prepared to clean up the area or be subject to a fine for additional clean up.  

General

Decorations and signs may be displayed, but in a manner that does not cause damage to trees, signs, or the shelter itself. All decorations/signs that are displayed must be removed before departure or be subject to a fine for additional clean up.  

General

Before departure, all picnic tables must be returned to their original arrangement upon your arrival. 

General

Moonbounces, large inflatable devices, rides, mechanical equipment, DJs, DJ equipment and/or other “entertainment” are not permitted.

General

All Garbage/Trash generated from the event must be placed in the adjacent trash cans or bagged and placed next to the trash cans. Failure to properly dispose of the garbage/trash will result in a fine for additional clean up.

General

Driving across the grass to pavilions or picnic areas to drop off items/supplies, or for any other reason, is not permitted.

General

Access for other park visitors must not be restricted or impeded. A Standard Reservation Permit is authorization for your event to take place in a specific group picnic shelter and does not grant exclusive use of the entire area.

General

Your reservation is valid from 8 a.m. until one hour before the Dry Brooks Day Use Area’s posted closure on your reservation date. 

General

Please contact the Park Office at 610-376-6337 for special requests or questions about items permitted at the group picnic structures. A Special Use Permit is Required for baptisms, ceremonies, or other large events. 

Nearby Campgrounds

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