Life on Mountain Springs Lake
Rowboat, Fishing & Lake Safety Information
Mountain Springs Lake Resort accommodations include access to an assigned rowboat during boating season, weather permitting.
Before heading onto the private 76-acre spring-fed lake, review your boat assignment, life-jacket requirements, occupancy and weight limits, fishing information, rental procedures, and checkout responsibilities.
Your Assigned Rowboat
Use the Boat Assigned to Your Accommodation
Each resort accommodation has access to a designated rowboat during boating season. Boat and dock assignments are identified for your stay. Please use only the boat assigned to your accommodation unless Guest Services has issued an additional rental boat.
- Boating is seasonal, generally May through October, weather permitting.
- Boating hours are dawn to dusk.
- Do not use a boat with a major leak, damage, or another condition that could affect safe use.
- Contact Guest Services if your assigned boat appears unsafe or unusable.
- Additional rowboats may be available for rent, subject to availability and staff assignment.
Before You Leave the Dock
Rowboat Safety & Life-Jacket Requirements
Resort rules and Pennsylvania boating requirements both apply. Always use properly fitting safety equipment and stay within the boat's occupancy and weight limits.
Life Jacket for Every Person
A wearable, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be on board for every person and must be readily accessible and appropriately sized.
Children 12 & Under
Pennsylvania requires children 12 years of age and younger to wear a life jacket while underway on boats 20 feet or less.
Maximum 3 Occupants
No more than three people may occupy a resort rowboat at one time.
Observe the Weight Limits
Maximum persons weight is 425 pounds. Maximum total load is 600 pounds, including occupants, motor, battery, and gear.
Enter Through the Center
Step into the center of the rowboat and keep your weight balanced while boarding, exiting, and moving inside the boat.
Complimentary Safety Gear
Life jackets and flotation seat cushions are available through Guest Services during office hours, 9 AM–5 PM.
Pennsylvania also requires an immediately available USCG-approved throwable device on boats 16 feet and longer. Resort boating rules may be more restrictive than state minimums.
During Your Stay
Protect the Boat, the Lake, and Other Guests
Your assigned rowboat is part of the shared resort experience. Returning it properly after every use helps prevent damage and keeps it ready for the next outing.
If conditions change while you are on the lake, return to shore. Never continue boating when weather, visibility, wind, or the condition of the boat makes continued use unsafe.
Guest Services
Extra Boats, Oars & Electric Trolling Motors
Additional rowboats and electric trolling-motor packages may be available for rent, subject to availability. Guest Services assigns rental equipment and provides the applicable acknowledgement and return instructions.
Gas-powered motors are not permitted. Use only approved electric equipment on Mountain Springs Lake.
Rented equipment must be returned as directed no later than checkout unless returned earlier. Extra rental boats go back to their assigned pickup location; rented oars, trolling motor, battery, and charger are returned to Guest Services.
Fishing on the Private Lake
No Pennsylvania Fishing License Is Required on the Resort Lake
Mountain Springs Lake is private and reserved for registered resort guests. You do not need a Pennsylvania fishing license to fish on the resort lake during your stay.
- Fishing poles are available for rent through Guest Services.
- Live bait and a small selection of basic fishing tackle are available at the Resort Office.
- Trout are stocked during April.
- The lake also contains bass, perch, catfish, pickerel, and panfish.
- Fishing is not permitted in or around designated beach and swimming areas.
- Off-property fishing may require a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.
Before You Leave
Boat & Rental Checkout Checklist
Return the rowboat and oars to the correct dock or designated location.
A $50 fee applies when a boat is left in the water or is not returned properly.
Return rented oars, trolling motor, battery, charger, and borrowed safety equipment as directed by Guest Services.
Guest access to boating, fishing, the lake, and the nature trail ends when your stay ends.
Lake Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a rowboat included with my Mountain Springs Lake Resort stay?
Yes. Resort accommodations include access to an assigned rowboat during boating season, generally May through October, weather permitting. Use only the rowboat assigned to your accommodation unless Guest Services issues an additional rental boat.
What are the rowboat occupancy and weight limits?
Resort rowboats are limited to a maximum of three occupants. Maximum persons weight is 425 pounds, and maximum total load is 600 pounds including occupants, motor, battery, and gear.
Do I need a life jacket in the rowboat?
A wearable, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket must be on board for every person and readily accessible. Pennsylvania requires children 12 years of age and younger to wear a life jacket while underway on boats 20 feet or less. Complimentary life jackets are available through Guest Services.
Can I rent an electric trolling motor?
Electric trolling motors, batteries, and related equipment may be available through Guest Services, subject to availability. Gas-powered motors are not permitted.
Do I need a Pennsylvania fishing license?
No Pennsylvania fishing license is required to fish on Mountain Springs Lake during your resort stay because the lake is private. Fishing away from resort property may require a Pennsylvania fishing license.
Can I fish from the beach or swimming areas?
No. Fishing is not permitted in or around the designated beach and swimming areas.
What should I do if my assigned boat is damaged or leaking?
Do not use it. Contact Guest Services so the resort can inspect the boat and assist with the next step or a possible reassignment.
What must I do with the boat at checkout?
Return the assigned rowboat and oars to their proper location and return all rented or borrowed equipment as directed. Guest access to the lake and resort activities ends with checkout.
Explore the Resort
Make the Lake Part of Your Pocono Stay
Explore resort amenities and activities, or compare accommodations with seasonal rowboat access on the private lake.
Watch Before You Launch
Rowboat Safety Videos
Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) - Mountain Springs Lake Resort
Boats 16 feet and over must have a USCG-approved immediately available throwable device on board. Kids 12 and under - Children 12 years of age and younger on PA waters underway in all canoes, kayaks and paddleboards and boats 20 feet or less must wear a life jacket
How to Safely Enter a Rowboat – Mountain Springs Lake Resort
In this quick safety video, we show you the proper way to enter a rowboat from the dock while staying at Mountain Springs Lake Resort in PA. Whether you’re heading out to fish or just enjoy the lake, knowing how to get in and out of the boat safely helps prevent accidents and keeps your outing stress-free. Always wear or bring a PFD, and remember—step into the center of the boat to keep it stable!