Dunlap Creek Lake boating rules
Only electric motors may be used on Dunlap Creek Lake, a Fish and Boat Commission lake. No gas engine may run, even to charge batteries, and electric boats stay at slow, no-wake. Personal watercraft aren't allowed. Source: 58 Pa. Code §53.8(a). Verified Oct. 4, 2026.
- Motors
- Electric motors only
- Max horsepower
- Not applicable: only electric motors may be used.
- Electric boats
- Slow, no-wake only
- PWCs
- PWCs not allowed
- Speed limits
- Slow, no-wake
- Towing / skiing
- No lake-specific towing rule listed +1 more rules
- Paperwork
- Motorboats (gas or electric): registration required. PFBC: Register/Title a Boat A boat registered in its home state is fine while visiting. 58 Pa. Code §93.11(c)
- Boating Safety Education Certificate: required for PWCs, and for motors over 25 hp if born on or after Jan. 1, 1982. PFBC: Apply for a Boating Safety Education Certificate
- Unpowered boats: registration, a PFBC launch permit or a DCNR launch permit. PFBC: Launch Permit vs. Unpowered Boat Registration
- Ramps
- 1 PFBC-verified ramp
- Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
Summary of 58 Pa. Code §53.8(a). The official text and posted signs control.
All rules for Dunlap Creek Lake
On Fish and Boat Commission lakes no gas engine may run, even just to charge or power an electric motor.
Read the exact wording
An internal combustion engine may not be used to propel a boat or to provide energy to the motor on Commission lakes.
Electric-powered boats: slow, no-wake speed only.
Read the exact wording
Boats propelled by battery-powered electric motors shall not be operated at greater than slow no wake speed.
Electric and unpowered boats may be used with a gas engine attached, as long as it is not run.
Read the exact wording
Boats propelled by battery-powered electric motors and nonmechanically propelled boats, subject to restrictions on sailboats and inflatables, may be used either with or without internal combustion engines attached.
Statewide rules that apply here
Personal watercraft use internal-combustion engines, which may not run on Commission lakes, so PWCs can't be used here.
Read the exact wording
(1) Uses an internal combustion motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive propulsion.
Ramps
| # | Name | Paved ramp | Trailer parking | Dock | ADA | Fee | Coordinates | Open in maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dunlap Lake | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not listed | No | 39.92578, -79.80079 | geoGoogleAppleOSM |
PFBC access data as of Aug. 27, 2026.
Before you go
Conditions change. Water levels, drawdowns, closures and algae advisories are posted by the agencies, not by us. Check before you leave:
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Questions
Can I use a gas motor on Dunlap Creek Lake?
No. Only electric motors may be used. Source: 58 Pa. Code §53.8(a).
What is the horsepower limit on Dunlap Creek Lake?
Not applicable: only electric motors may be used. Source: 58 Pa. Code §53.8(a).
Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on Dunlap Creek Lake?
PWCs not allowed. Source: 58 Pa. Code §109.3(a)(1) with §53.8(a).
Is there a speed limit on Dunlap Creek Lake?
Slow, no-wake. Source: 58 Pa. Code §53.8(a).
Do I need a permit to launch on Dunlap Creek Lake?
Boats must be registered; unpowered boats may use a PFBC use permit or a DCNR launch or mooring permit instead. Source: 58 Pa. Code §53.8(f).
Where can I launch on Dunlap Creek Lake?
1 PFBC-verified public ramp is listed below, with coordinates.
Nearby lakes with the same motor rule
- Virgin Run Lake8.8 mi, straight-line
- Green Lick Reservoir19.4 mi, straight-line
- Cranberry Glade Lake22.6 mi, straight-line
- Donegal Lake27.2 mi, straight-line
- Canonsburg Lake29.5 mi, straight-line
Sources & verification
- § 53.8. Boats. — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026).
- § 109.3. Personal watercraft. — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026).
How to cite: PA Lake Rules Atlas, lakepennsylvania.org, Dunlap Creek Lake boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.
https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/dunlap-creek-lake/
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026