Memorial Lake State Park sits on 230 acres at the base of Blue Mountain in Lebanon County, completely surrounded by Fort Indiantown Gap military reservation. The park doesn't offer camping but functions as a popular day-use area with a central lake, boat rentals, hiking and biking trails, and multiple picnic pavilions. Reviews consistently praise the well-maintained grounds and helpful staff. Elevation sits at 482 feet.
Memorial Lake State Park does not offer traditional camping facilities such as tent or RV sites. However, it is suitable for day-use activities such as picnics and gatherings.
Historical Significance
The park sits entirely within Fort Indiantown Gap, headquarters for Pennsylvania's Army and Air National Guard. This military encirclement has inadvertently protected the area from surrounding development, creating a natural buffer. Service members have trained on the surrounding reservation for generations, though the park itself functions as civilian recreation space within that perimeter.Weather and SeasonsFall brings the most favorable conditions. September and October see daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F with crisp mornings and lower humidity. Leaf color on Blue Mountain peaks in October, drawing photographers and hikers. Boating and fishing see lighter traffic after summer ends, and bug pressure drops significantly. Summer means warm, humid days suited to water activities, though afternoon thunderstorms pass through periodically. Winter occasionally dusts the landscape with snow. Be aware of Pennsylvania hunting seasons in fall and check notices from Fort Indiantown Gap, which surrounds the park.
ElevationPerched at the scenic base of Blue Mountain, Memorial Lake State Park offers visitors a gentle mountain foothill experience without the challenge of steep climbs. The park's position in this transitional zone between valley and mountain creates diverse microclimates and ecosystems, providing varied terrain that appeals to hikers of all skill levels while offering those signature Pennsylvania mountain views that photographers and nature lovers cherish.
Natural Features and SceneryThe park occupies a transition zone between the Great Valley and the Appalachian ridges, part of Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley Province. Blue Mountain rises as a backdrop to the lake, which reflects the surrounding forest canopy. The area's ancient geology shows in exposed rock formations, while fertile valley soils support dense woodlands around the water. Visitors note the lake as the visual centerpiece, with maintained grounds extending to the shoreline and trails winding through native forest.
Geological RegionSituated in the picturesque East Hanover Township of Lebanon County, Memorial Lake State Park occupies a fascinating geological position at the base of Blue Mountain, part of Pennsylvania's iconic Ridge and Valley Province. This unique location, completely encircled by Fort Indiantown Gap's military reservation, has inadvertently created a protected natural oasis where ancient geological formations meet modern conservation efforts. The park's position in this transitional zone between the Great Valley and the Appalachian ridges offers visitors a chance to experience the diverse geology that has shaped Pennsylvania's landscape for millions of years, from exposed rock formations to the fertile soils that support the region's lush forests.
Scenic ViewsThe park offers views of Memorial Lake, serene picnic groves, and surrounding forest areas.