Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area | HIDDEN LAKE PICNIC AREA

Hidden Lake Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Hidden Lake Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

The Hidden Lake Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is located in Pennsylvania on Hidden Lake Drive just south of the Park Headquarters. If using Google Maps for directions, search “HIDDEN LAKE MAIN PARKING EAST STOUDSBURG.” The facility is open year-round from dawn to dusk. There is no fee to park.

There are six picnic tables on a hill near the lake, all of which are taken on a first come, first served basis. There are no grills, and unlike other picnic areas in the park where you can bring your own grill, no fires of any type are allowed at Hidden Lake. No glass or alcohol is permitted either.

Hidden Lake Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Hidden Lake Picnic Area in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

For those planning a group outing at Hidden Lake, groups of 30 or more people need a permit to gather anywhere within the park. However, the permit does not mean your group has first dibs on the picnic tables. Somebody still has to be there first thing in the morning to stake a claim. The better option is to hold your outing at the Milford Beach Picnic Area, which can be reserved. For information about permits, call the special use permit coordinator for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area at (570) 426-2440.

After enjoying a picnic, visitors can burn some calories by going fishing, hiking the Hidden Lake Trail, or taking a paddling trip on the lake. A gravel boat ramp for hand-launched watercraft is just around the corner. The facility also has a fancy outhouse, which is what Jed Clampett would call a portable toilet inside a permanent building. There are no modern facilities or running water.

Fancy outhouse at Hidden Lake in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Fancy outhouse at Hidden Lake in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

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Last updated on February 9, 2024
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