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.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Boating

Boating

Spring Summer Fall
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Kayaking

Kayaking

Spring Summer Fall
Swimming

Swimming

Summer

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

JoAnne S

October 13, 2023

5

Perfect location for our Baby Shower. Bathroom within walking distance, new picnic tables, electric and water access, large grill availability, but the best was the fantastic views!

JoAnne S

October 13, 2023

5

Perfect location for our Baby Shower. Bathroom within walking distance, new picnic tables, electric and water access, large grill availability, but the best was the fantastic views!

Dan S

August 6, 2023

5

Dan S

August 6, 2023

5

Dawa T

September 25, 2022

5

Nice place to do picnic.

Dawa T

September 25, 2022

5

Nice place to do picnic.

MOHAMMAD H

September 11, 2022

4

Nice place but vista pavilion have a no water for wash and drinking

MOHAMMAD H

September 11, 2022

4

Nice place but vista pavilion have a no water for wash and drinking

Jeremiah G

October 26, 2021

4

The lake view site was a great location for a get together. Volley ball courts were located near the pavilion and tons of flat open space for outdoor games such as cornhole. Water and electric were also readily accessible. We would definitely use this location again in the future.

Jeremiah G

October 26, 2021

4

The lake view site was a great location for a get together. Volley ball courts were located near the pavilion and tons of flat open space for outdoor games such as cornhole. Water and electric were also readily accessible. We would definitely use this location again in the future.

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: July 11, 2026

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