During the cooler months, we all dream of relaxing by the pool or splashing around with friends and family. One of the easiest ways to beat the summer heat is by jumping in the water. Luckily, the Valley has some great swimming holes, including community pools and lakes.
State Parks
The ocean may be far away, but beautiful freshwater and sandy beaches aren't. Doubling Gap Lake at Colonel Denning State Park offers fresh, cool water for swimming and a beach perfect for enjoying the sun or playing in the sand. The 3.5-acre lake also presents a scenic mountain backdrop and offers a relatively easy hiking trail through the woods around the lake. It is open from 8 am to sunset from late May through mid-September. Swim at your own risk.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers two great swimming locations. Both lakes are open from May 1 through September 30, 8 am to sunset. Much like Doubling Gap Lake, the 25-acre Laurel Lake features a sandy beach and mountain backdrop. There are no lifeguards on duty. Swim at your own risk. Fuller Lake is also located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park and has lifeguards on watch from 11 am to 7 pm. daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Pine Grove's other offerings include hiking, biking, and fishing. Swimmers are urged to exercise caution because of extreme depths and cold subsurface water temperatures.
Little Buffalo State Park, in nearby Newport, features a state-of-the-art swimming pool with depths of up to five feet, two waterslides, and a sprayground. The pool has an ADA-accessible ramp and is open weekends only, beginning Memorial Day through the second weekend in June, daily through mid-August, and weekends through Labor Day. Hours are from 11 am to 7 pm. A seasonal snack bar has hot and cold foods and beverages. A fee for pool use is payable at the pool in cash only. Discounts are available after 4 pm. TIP: The pool often reaches capacity on holidays and weekends. Mid-week swimming is often less crowded.
Community Pools
If you're more into diving boards and slides, Cumberland Valley offers some fantastic options.
The Boiling Springs Pool on Mountain Road offers four pools, three waterslides, and a full-service snack bar with hot and cold food. There are several large grass-covered areas for relaxing. In 2024, the pool opens Memoral Day weekend through Labor Day weekend but is closed when school is in session. Hours are from noon to 7 pm (open at 11 am for season pass holders). Nearby, guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll around Children's Lake.
Another great pool location is the Hampden Township Pool. The 550,000-gallon pool features a double-flume waterslide, a zero-depth entry tot pool, an interactive spray ground, a concession stand, a pavilion with picnic tables, a bathhouse, and shaded areas. The pool offers swimming lessons, Deep Water Aerobics, and other classes. In 2024, the pool is open on Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27, and will re-open for the season beginning on June 1, 2024. When Cumberland Valley School District starts its school year, the pool will only be open on weekends. The pool's final weekend of the season is Labor Day weekend. The pool is open daily from 11:30 am to 8 pm.
The Carlisle Community Pool is situated on 3-acres and offers a large “z-shape” main pool ranging from three to 12 feet in depth and featuring a giant twisting water slide, Aqua Climb wall, lap swimming area, and diving board, two large shade shelters, and grass space for activities and sunbathing. Young children can enjoy a wading pool with a teacup water feature. A fenced-in recreational area includes a lighted pavilion with eight picnic tables, two charcoal grills, basketball, grass volleyball, and shuffleboard. You may bring your own coolers, lawn chairs, and shade tents (must be staked to the ground). Non-resident rates are available. In 2024, the pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. It is closed on weekdays while the Carlisle Area School District is in session. Hours are daily from 12 pm to 7 pm.
The Mechanicsburg Area Community Swimming Pool boasts a 22-foot-tall water slide. There is a concession stand, and non-residents are welcome. The pool is open Memorial Day weekend and the following weekend from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. It re-opens for the season on June 10, operating daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Shippensburg Pool remains closed for the 2024 season while funds are raised to construct a new pool facility.
The Camp Hill Borough Municipal Pool is open daily on weekends starting Memorial Day. For 2024, please click here to see when the pool will open daily. The pool will remain open through Labor Day. The pool is closed on weekdays when the Camp Hill School District is in session. Hours are 12 pm to 8 pm, but the pool schedule is subject to change due to staffing or inclement weather. Resident and non-resident daily rates are available as well. For inclement weather and pool closures, call 717-909-3887.
The Lemoyne Community Swimming Pool features a water slide and other fun features. It is open to season pass holders and their guests for the 2024 season. Daily admissions will be permitted this year, but pool staff reserves the right to limit access due to staffing levels or for other safety reasons. Anyone can purchase season passes at the Lemoyne Borough Office, regardless of where they reside. There is a vending machine available and patrons are permitted to bring their own food and drink (no alcoholic beverages and no glass containers). The pool is open from Memorial Day weekend daily through Labor Day weekend but is not open when school is in session. Hours are Monday through Friday from 1 pm to 7 pm; weekends and holidays from 12 pm to 8 pm.
