Marsh Creek State Park

The Experience

The 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake is a rest stop for migrating fowl, as well as a popular spot for most water sports, including sailing and fishing. With two boat launches and 220 seasonal mooring slips, the lake is especially popular with sailboaters who take advantage of the combination of good natural terrain and prevailing winds.

Fishing in the lake is good-to-excellent for warm water fish, and while the lake’s off limits for swimming, there’s a large pool for anyone who wants to take a dip.

If you’re not looking to spend time on the water, you might try exploring the trails, which wind through forest, field and wetlands. The trails are open to horseback riders as well as hikers and backpackers.

About 900 acres are open to hunting, so use caution when hiking during hunting season.

Marsh Creek State Park was developed to help manage the water resources in the Brandywine Creek Watershed, which drains 330 square miles, most of which are in Chester County.

Come Prepared

There are two picnic areas, which contain more than 150 picnic tables, ample restrooms and a few charcoal grills. They’re available year-round. Meanwhile, there’s a snack bar at the pool and boat rental booth during the summer season.

Don’t Miss

The Marsh Creek Bass Club holds tournaments throughout the summer, and the Marsh Creek Sail Club sponsors regular sail boat races. Contact the park office for more information.

Outsider’s Tip

This is a very popular lake and the communities around it are growing fast. On a nice summer day, don’t be surprised to find upwards of 400 or 500 boats on the water.

Support Conservation

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has an ambitious program of environmental education that strives to create a more informed citizenry. The activities, which are scheduled March through November, emphasize environmental knowledge, responsibility, motivation and commitment. Find out more at their website.