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

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.

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Kayaking

Swimming

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 - May 1 to Sep 30

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Showers
Missing information?

Reviews (30)

What Guests Are Saying

Blue Marsh Lake's Dry Brooks Day Use Area offers a lovely pavilion with beautiful views, making it a great venue for events like bridal showers and company picnics. Guests appreciate the clean facilities and amenities, such as nearby volleyball nets and beach access. However, some visitors have reported issues with park ranger interactions regarding vehicle unloading rules, suggesting clearer signage and more accommodating policies for heavy items.

Review Summary

4.8
30 reviews
5
80.0%
24
4
20.0%
6
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.

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 👌❤️

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

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.

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

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

Highway access

Blue Marsh Lake is accessible via Route 183, which connects to nearby highways. It is located approximately 7 miles northwest of Reading, PA.

Latitude & Longitude: 40.39 / -76.0321

Elevation: 133 feet

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

8AM

Check out time

5PM

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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited.
  • 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.  
  • 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.  
  • Before departure, all picnic tables must be returned to their original arrangement upon your arrival. 
  • Moonbounces, large inflatable devices, rides, mechanical equipment, DJs, DJ equipment and/or other “entertainment” are not permitted.
  • 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.
  • Driving across the grass to pavilions or picnic areas to drop off items/supplies, or for any other reason, is not permitted.
  • 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.
  • Your reservation is valid on your reservation date.
  • 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

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

US Army Corps of Engineers Logo
Managed by US Army Corps of Engineers