Keystone Lake boating rules
Motors up to 20 hp, gas or electric (about 14.9 kW, our conversion), are allowed on Keystone Lake. A boat with a bigger motor may launch, but that motor can't be used. Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.3(b). Verified Oct. 4, 2026.
- Motors
- 20 hp max
- Max horsepower
- 20 hp (≈ 14.9 kW, our conversion)
- Electric boats
- Within 20 hp (≈ 14.9 kW, our conversion)
- PWCs
- No lake-specific PWC rule found (statewide PWC rules apply)
- Speed limits
- No mph limit listed
- Towing / skiing
- No lake-specific towing rule listed
- 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
- 2 PFBC-verified ramps
- Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
Summary of 58 Pa. Code §111.3(b). The official text and posted signs control.
All rules for Keystone Lake
Motors over 20 hp may not be used.
Read the exact wording
The use of motors in excess of 20 horsepower is prohibited.
Statewide rules that apply here
The limit counts electric motors too. A boat with a bigger motor may still launch, but that motor may not be used.
Read the exact wording
On waters where horsepower limitations are prescribed, as set forth in Chapter 111 (relating to special regulations counties), horsepower limitations apply to both internal combustion motors and electric motors. Boats with motors larger than the maximum horsepower shall be permitted but the motors may not be used.
Ramps
| # | Name | Paved ramp | Trailer parking | Dock | ADA | Fee | Coordinates | Open in maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atwood | Not listed | Yes | No | Not listed | No | 40.75772, -79.28348 | geoGoogleAppleOSM |
| 2 | Numine | Not listed | Yes | No | Not listed | No | 40.75498, -79.27636 | 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 Keystone Lake?
Yes, up to 20 hp. Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.3(b).
What is the horsepower limit on Keystone Lake?
20 hp, which also covers electric motors (about 14.9 kW, our conversion). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.3(b).
Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on Keystone Lake?
No lake-specific PWC rule found (statewide PWC rules apply). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.3(b).
Is there a speed limit on Keystone Lake?
No mph limit is listed for this lake. Statewide, boats must go slow, no-wake within 100 feet of shore, docks, launch ramps, swimmers and anchored boats. Source: 58 Pa. Code §103.3(a).
Do I need a permit to launch on Keystone Lake?
Motorboats must be registered; unpowered boats at PFBC and state park or forest access areas need a registration or launch permit. Source: PFBC: Launch Permit vs. Unpowered Boat Registration.
Where can I launch on Keystone Lake?
2 PFBC-verified public ramps are listed below, with coordinates.
Nearby lakes with the same motor rule
- Mahoning Creek Lake10.4 mi, straight-line
- Bimini Lake40.8 mi, straight-line
- Sugar Lake65.9 mi, straight-line
- Cross Creek Lake67.1 mi, straight-line
- Shenango River Lake71.7 mi, straight-line
Sources & verification
- § 111.3. Armstrong County. — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026).
- § 107.1. Horsepower restrictions. — 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, Keystone Lake boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.
https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/keystone-lake-armstrong-county/
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026