guides

Your Guide to Carlisle Area Lakes, Pools, and Splash Pads

Check out these Carlisle area pools and lakes where your family can cool off

By Kendra Bradford, publisher of Macaroni KID Carlisle - Shippensburg - Boiling Springs June 9, 2024

Looking for a place where you can swim and splash? Then you've come to the right place! 

Here are all of the local pools and lakes in the Carlisle - Shippensburg - Boiling Springs areas to visit along with all the details. Some places require proof of residency, so be sure to double check beforehand if you want to receive any available residency discount. Don't see your family's favorite Carlisle area hot spot here? Let me know at kendrab@macaronikid.com and I'll add it to our list!

Grab your swimsuits, pack some snacks, and slather on the sunscreen, it's time to go swimming!

We've included all the important details, and will update if any opening/closing dates change for the season. For resident rates, please check with each pool beforehand to confirm how to obtain proof of residency before you arrive.

If haven't added these to your Summer Bucket List yet - do it now!


Local Lakes




Doubling Gap Lake at Colonel Denning State Park
1599 Doubling Gap Rd. Newville, PA 17241 

2024 Season Dates: Late May – Mid September
Hours: 8am – Sunset
Rate: FREE

Doubling Gap Lake is a 3.5 acre lake featuring a sandy beach. It   is swim at your own risk. Pack a picnic lunch and stay for the day, there are   plenty of trails within the state park to explore. The lake is also stocked   with trout and fishing is allowed off the fishing pier. There is a small   playground as well as many opportunities to hike, bike, and even visit the   Appalachian Trail Museum (just down the road).

Fuller Lake at Pine Grove Furnace State Park
1100 Pine Grove Rd. Gardners, PA 17324 

2024 Season Dates: Late May – Mid September
Hours: 8am – Sunset
Rate: FREE

Fuller Lake is open from 8am - sunset and has lifeguards on duty from 11a-7p Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Pack some sand toys and enjoy the sandy beach (no pets allowed on the beach). There is no boating at Fuller Lake (boating is allowed just down the road at Laurel Lake)

Laurel Lake at Pine Grove Furnace State Park
1100 Pine Grove Rd. Gardners, PA 17324

2024 Season Dates: May 1st – September 30th
Hours: 8am – Sunset
Rate: FREE

Laurel Lake also features a sandy beach and is open 8am - sunset from May 1st - September 30th. During the summer season the snack bar is open and sells items like french fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, pretzels, etc. There are no lifeguards on duty at Laurel Lake. Boating is electric motors only, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. Rentals are available and is cash only. Biking, hiking, and fishing are also popular at Laurel Lake. 


Community Pools

Carlisle Community Pool in Carlisle
1236 Franklin St. Carlisle, PA 17013
2024 Season Dates: May 25th – September 2nd
Hours: 12pm – 7pm
Rate: $3 - $12, season passes available
Open daily from 12pm-7pm from Saturday, May 25th through Monday, September 2nd. Carlisle Community Pool is closed weekdays while Carlisle Area School District is in session. Rates range from $3 - $12 and season passes are available. Visit their website for more information.



Boiling Springs Community Pool in Boiling Springs
2 Mountain Rd. Boiling Springs, PA 17007

2024 Season Dates: Memorial Day though Labor Day
Hours: 12pm – 7pm
Rate: $17, season passes available

There are 4 pools and 3 water slides as well as a large grassy area to lay out and relax. Season passes are available. There is a full service snack bar on site with hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken strips, soda, lemonade, ice cream, and more. Visit the Boiling Springs Pool website for more information. 


*The Shippensburg Community Pool is closed for the 2024 season while they raise funds to construct a new pool facility,*


Splash Pads




Middlesex Township Splash Pad in Carlisle
50 Beagle Club Rd. Carlisle, PA 17013

The Middlesex Township Splash Pad is hands down our favorite local splash pad. There is also a playground, pavilion, walking trail, sports fields, basketball court, picnic tables, and portable toilets.

Spray Pool at LeTort Park in Carlisle
260 East Pomfret St. Carlisle, PA 17013

There is a large spray pool located next to the pavilion that is perfect for cooling off on those hot summer days. Also at LeTort Park is the newly renovated Fort LeTort, an ADA compliant, inclusive playground and the LeTort Spring Run Nature Trail. Another of our favorite features is the creek that runs along the side and often has quite a few ducks swimming around or sunning on the rocks. 

Shippensburg Township Park in Shippensburg
81 Walnut Bottom Rd. Shippensburg, PA 17257

The splash pad located within Shippensburg Township Park is open the 2nd weekend of June through Labor Day. A large, fenced in splash pad, it is only available by reservation only. Pricing starts at $30 for a 2 hour time slot. Reservations must be made no more than a week in advance. Check the Shippensburg Township website for more information or to make a reservation.

Memorial Park in Carlisle
149 West Penn St. Carlisle, PA 17013

This 2-acre playground features a large spray pool and is located across from Hope Station.

Biddle Mission Park in Carlisle
311 E North St. Carlisle, PA 17013

Biddle Mission Park features a large spray pool that is open throughout the summer (weather permitting). There is also a playground, basketball court, volleyball courts (sand and grass), restrooms, pavilion, and charcoal grills. 


Farther Drive, But Totally Worth It!




Chambersburg Aquatic Center in Chambersburg
1 Washabaugh Wy, Chambersburg, PA 17201

2024 Season Dates: Memorial Day though Labor Day
Hours: 1pm – 8pm
Rate: $17, season passes available

One of our favorite places to visit for water fun that isn't too far of a drive. The Chambersburg Aquatic Center features a lazy river, 3 water slides, a large pool, and multiple splash pads/mini pools for little tots. There is a concession stand on site or you are free to pack your own lunch/snacks and drinks. Open from 1pm-8pm daily. Visit the Chambersburg Aquatic Center website for rates and season pass information.




Little Buffalo Swimming Pool in Newport
1067 Swimming Pool Rd. Newport, PA 17074

2024 Season Dates: Memorial Day though Labor Day
Hours: 12pm – 7pm
Rate: $4 - $7, season passes available

A large swimming pool with a maximum depth of 5'. There are also 2 waterslides and a large sprayground for younger kids. One of our favorite features is the large wading pool offering plenty of room for littles to splash and play before it slowly drops off and you enter the deeper end of the pool. The  pool is cash only and concessions are available on site. Please see their website for more information about swimming at Little Buffalo.
*No swimming is allowed in the lake


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Macaroni Kid Carlisle-Shippensburg-Boiling Springs is a is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in Carlisle, Shippensburg, and Boiling Springs. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides and more. We proudly serve families in Carlisle, Shippensburg, Newville, Newburg, Boiling Springs, Mt. Holly Springs, Gardners, Orrstown and more.