FAQs

All daily tickets must be purchased in advance through this website (i.e. no tickets will be available on-site). When the daily allocation has been sold, no further admission will be permitted on that day.

You can purchase daily tickets up to 10 days in advance.

Community provided fireworks are no longer performed in Mt. Gretna.

The Lake is drained each spring to permit maintenance, inspection and repair of the in-lake structures after the winter ice season.

We only accept credit cards for online ticket sales.

Fishing is not permitted on the Lake or from any shore area.

Pets are not permitted.

Single pole beach umbrellas and children’s shade shelters not exceeding 42 vertical inches are permitted on the upper beach and lawns. No other shelter devices are permitted such as tents, pop-up shelters, awnings, etc.

Un-assisted capable swimmers only. Non-swimmers and those needing assistance from other people, lifevests, tubes, noodles or any other flotation device must remain inside the shallow roped area.

Mt. Gretna resident hardshell canoes with a current (2025) permit may launch and recover from the designated docking area opposite tennis courts. No other privately owned craft are permitted for use on the Lake.

Yes, you may bring your own food and beverages (no alcohol).

There is no camping, but there are several commercial campgrounds within 10 miles. The nearest is: Pinch Pond Family Campground

You may bring your own inner tubes and inflatables for use in the swimming area. Paddles are not allowed.

For the safety and comfort of all our patrons no activity involving throwing is permitted. No balls, frisbees, lawn darts, hacky sacks, beach balls, or badminton. Exception: Volleyball on the two volleyball courts.

Smoking/vaping is permitted in the designated area within the facility. It is not permitted on the beach or decks.

Grills are not provided but you may bring your own grill.

There is a shaded picnic area with picnic tables (bring your own tablecloths) for use on a first come basis. You can not reserve tables.

Pavilions are not available to rent and are exclusively used with catered picnic packages. The picnic area with tables is available for anyone to use.

From Ephrata, proceed on RT 322 West 16 miles to RT 117/Mt. Gretna. Exit RT117/Mt. Gretna, down ramp to stop sign. Turn left onto RT117 North. Proceed 2.3 miles to Mt. Gretna Pizzeria (“Lake” sign on side of building), turn right onto Timber Road, follow Lake signs, bear left onto Lakeview Drive, bear left into parking lot at Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach. Parking is free!

From Hershey, proceed on RT 322 East 10 miles to light at S. Butler Road. Turn right onto S. Butler Road proceed 2.5 miles to RT 117. Turn right onto 117 proceed .1 miles to Mt. Gretna Pizzeria (“Lake” sign on side of building), turn right onto Timber Road, follow Lake signs, bear left onto Lakeview Drive, bear left into parking lot at Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach. Parking is free!

From Lancaster, proceed on RT 72 North thru East Petersburg and thru Manheim 17 miles. Exit RT117/Mt. Gretna, down ramp to stop sign. Turn left onto RT117 North. Proceed 2.3 miles to Mt. Gretna Pizzeria (“Lake” sign on side of building), turn right onto Timber Road, follow Lake signs, bear left onto Lakeview Drive, bear left into parking lot at Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach. Parking is free!

From Lititz, proceed on RT 501 north to RT 322. Turn left onto RT 322 West and proceed 8 miles to RT 117/Mt. Gretna. Exit RT117/Mt. Gretna, down ramp to stop sign. Turn left onto RT117 North. Proceed 2.3 miles to Mt. Gretna Pizzeria (“Lake” sign on side of building), turn right onto Timber Road, follow Lake signs, bear left onto Lakeview Drive, bear left into parking lot at Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach. Parking is free!

Route 78 West to 81 South. Take first exit Route 934 South (Ft. Indiantown Gap/Annville). Follow 934 South to Route 322 East. Turn left onto Route 322 and proceed to 1st traffic light (Approx .8 mi.) Turn right onto Butler Road. Proceed on Butler Road to “T” at Route 117 and make right onto Rt 117. Proceed .3mi. to Mt. Gretna Pizzeria (“Lake” sign on side of building), turn right onto Timber Road, follow Lake signs, bear left onto Lakeview Drive, bear 1st left into parking lot at Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach. Parking is free!

Take PA Turnpike to Exit 266(Lancaster/Lebanon). Turn left onto Rt. 72 North. Proceed 2 miles. Exit RT117/Mt. Gretna, down ramp to stop sign. Turn left onto RT117 North. Proceed 2.3 miles to Mt. Gretna Pizzeria (“Lake” sign on side of building), turn right onto Timber Road, follow Lake signs, bear left onto Lakeview Drive, bear left into parking lot at Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach. Parking is free!

Proceed on Rt 30 East 21 miles to RT 72 North. Proceed on RT 72 North thru East Petersburg and thru Manheim 17 miles. Exit RT117/Mt. Gretna, down ramp to stop sign. Turn left onto RT117 North. Proceed 2.3 miles to Mt. Gretna Pizzeria (“Lake” sign on side of building), turn right onto Timber Road, follow Lake signs, bear left onto Lakeview Drive, bear left into parking lot at Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach. Parking is free!

Route 83 North to Pennsylvania Turnpike. Take PA Turnpike East to Exit 266(Lancaster/Lebanon). Turn left onto Rt. 72 North. Proceed 2 miles. Exit RT117/Mt. Gretna, down ramp to stop sign. Turn left onto RT117 North. Proceed 2.3 miles to Mt. Gretna Pizzeria (“Lake” sign on side of building), turn right onto Timber Road, follow Lake signs, bear left onto Lakeview Drive, bear left into parking lot at Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach. Parking is free!

Exit RT117/Mt. Gretna, down ramp to stop sign. Turn left onto RT117 North. Proceed 2.3 miles to Mt. Gretna Pizzeria (“Lake” sign on side of building), turn right onto Timber Road, follow Lake signs, bear left onto Lakeview Drive, bear left into parking lot at Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach. Parking is free!

Discount ticket books are available for purchase at the front gate (not online). They are 40 tickets good for 20 regular, 40 youth/senior admissions, or some combination (e.g. 10 regular and 20 youth).

The daily admission charge is $28 regular; $14 youth (4-12), $14 senior (60+); 3 & under free. All daily tickets must be pre-purchased online.