Terry H
July 27, 2024
Private and quiet
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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 mi 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.
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Boating
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Year-round
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Year-round
Kayaking
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Swimming
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Year-round
Fishing
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Hiking
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Spring
Boating
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Kayaking
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Summer
Boating
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Kayaking
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Swimming
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Fall
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Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
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Closed periods
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Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
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Reviews
36 reviews
Summary
The Blue Marsh Lake (Dry Brooks Day Use Area) features a clean and well-equipped pavilion, along with spotless bathroom facilities. Visitors appreciate the exceptional staff and find the prices to be very reasonable. Overall, it is considered a great location for a day out.
Based on guest feedback
4.8
Overall rating
Based on 36 reviews
5 stars
83.3% (30)
4 stars
16.7% (6)
3 stars
0.0% (0)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 36 reviews
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michael w
October 12, 2025
Great staff
Helpful
michael w
October 12, 2025
Great staff
Helpful
Mashiat B
June 6, 2026
Very nice pavilion, it was clean with all kinds of facilities. Bathroom was very clean. Best place with unbelievable price .
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Laura C
September 9, 2026
This was a great, mostly private area. It was quiet and had great space to spread out for our family reunion. You just need to drive down to the lake.
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Jennifer O
September 29, 2026
We were here for a work event and had a great experience!
Helpful
Location & Directions for Blue Marsh Lake (Dry Brooks Day Use Area)
1420 Palisades Dr., Leesport, PA 19533 United States
Elevation: 133 ft
Getting There
Blue Marsh Lake is located 7 mi northwest of Reading, PA. Take route 183 north and make a left on Palisades Dr. Travel one mile and the Dry Brooks Day Use Area will be on your right.
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.
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.
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Last updated: October 7, 2026
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Explore Leesport, PA
Population: 2,166
Nearby city: Reading, PA
Approx. 7 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 292 ft
Leesport, PA
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Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers