Blue Marsh Lake (Dry Brooks Day Use Area)
BLUE MARSH LAKE (DRY BROOKS DAY USE AREA)
Part of Blue Marsh Lake
Overview
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.Facilities
Blue Marsh Lake is a day use facility only and includes three boat launches and a Visitor Center. The group shelters includes picnic tables, grills, trash receptacles and restrooms nearby. Lakeview and Hillside shelters include water and electricity, but Vista shelter does not.Natural Features
The group shelters are set within the day use picnic area surrounded by mowed grass and parking lots. The shelters are also within walking distance of the swimming beach.Recreation
Blue Marsh Lake is an unlimited horsepower lake for boating and waterskiing. Paddle craft are also very popular. There is a 30 mile multi-use hiking trail that permits hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Other activities include swimming, picnicking, bird watching, and hunting.Nearby Attractions
Visitors to the Blue Marsh Lake area may want to consider a visit to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, Berks County Parks System which contains the Berks County Heritage Center, and The Conrad Weiser Homestead located in nearby Hamburg, PA.Important Notices
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 from 8 a.m. until one hour before the Dry Brooks Day Use Area’s posted closure 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.
Available Activities
- HIKING - Hiking
- CAMPING - Camping
- BOATING - Boating
- BIKING - Biking
Directions
Blue Marsh Lake is located 7 miles 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.
Contact Information
Phone: 610-376-6337
1268 Palisades DrLeesport, PA 19533 1420 Palisades Dr.
Leesport, PA 19533
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site Hillside Pavilion, Loop Dry Brooks Day Use Area, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site Vista Pavilion, Loop Dry Brooks Day Use Area, Type Group Shelter Nonelectric
- Site Lakeview Pavilion, Loop Dry Brooks Day Use Area, Type Group Shelter Electric
