Lake Jean boating rules

Luzerne and Sullivan counties · Managed by Ricketts Glen State Park (DCNR)

Only electric motors may be used on Lake Jean, and electric boats must stay at slow, no-wake. A gas engine may stay on the boat but can't be run. Personal watercraft aren't allowed. Source: DCNR Ricketts Glen State Park. Verified Oct. 4, 2026.

Electric motors only

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

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

No PFBC-verified ramp listed — see agency notes

Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Summary of DCNR Where to Boat table: Ricketts Glen State Park. The official text and posted signs control.

All rules for Lake Jean

DCNR lists this lake as electric motors only.

DCNR Where to Boat table: Ricketts Glen State Park · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
Ricketts Glen State Park | electric | 245 acres
DCNR's park page: electric motors only, at slow, no-wake speed.

DCNR Ricketts Glen State Park boating page · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
Electric motors only; slow, no-wake speed

Statewide rules that apply here

Electric-powered boats: slow, no-wake speed only.

58 Pa. Code §107.2(1.1) · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
(1.1) Boats propelled by electric motors where boating is permitted and internal combustion engines are prohibited shall not be operated at greater than slow, no-wake speed.
A gas engine may stay attached to the boat, but it may not be run.

58 Pa. Code §107.2(2) · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
(2) Internal combustion engines attached to or installed in boats need not be removed, but the operation of engines is specifically prohibited.
State park rule: no gas engine on waters posted electric-only without DCNR's written permission.

17 Pa. Code §11.219(f)(2) · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
(2) Operating a boat powered by an internal combustion engine in waters that are posted as being restricted to electric motor use.
Personal watercraft are not allowed: this state park lake is not listed as open to motorboats without a horsepower limit.

17 Pa. Code §11.219(f)(3) · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Read the exact wording
(3) Operating personal watercraft unless the body of water is posted as being open to motorboats without a limit on horsepower.

Ramps

Simplified outline from PFBC lake data. Not for navigation.

PFBC's access data lists no verified public ramp on this lake.

DCNR says: “There are two boat launches and dry mooring.” Boating at Ricketts Glen State Park

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:

Questions

Can I use a gas motor on Lake Jean?

No. Only electric motors may be used. Source: DCNR Where to Boat table: Ricketts Glen State Park.

What is the horsepower limit on Lake Jean?

Not applicable: only electric motors may be used. Source: DCNR Where to Boat table: Ricketts Glen State Park.

Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on Lake Jean?

PWCs not allowed. Source: 17 Pa. Code §11.219(f)(3).

Is there a speed limit on Lake Jean?

Slow, no-wake. Source: 58 Pa. Code §107.2(1.1).

Do I need a permit to launch on Lake Jean?

Launching needs a DCNR launch or mooring permit, or a PFBC registration or use permit. Source: 17 Pa. Code §11.219(i)(3).

Where can I launch on Lake Jean?

PFBC's access data lists no verified public ramp here. DCNR says: “There are two boat launches and dry mooring.”

Nearby lakes with the same motor rule

Shumans Lake7.6 mi, straight-line
Harris Pond8.6 mi, straight-line
Hunters Lake17.7 mi, straight-line
Briar Creek Lake19 mi, straight-line
Frances Slocum Lake20.2 mi, straight-line

Copy summary

Lake Jean (Luzerne Co.): Electric motors only. DCNR lists this lake as electric motors only. DCNR's park page: electric motors only, at slow, no-wake speed. Source: DCNR Where to Boat table: Ricketts Glen State Park. Verified Oct. 4, 2026. https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/lake-jean-luzerne-county/

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<a href="https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/lake-jean-luzerne-county/"><img src="https://lakepennsylvania.org/badge/lake-jean-luzerne-county.svg" alt="Lake Jean: Electric motors only — rules at PA Lake Rules Atlas" width="300" height="80"></a>

Sources & verification

Where to Boat — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
Boating at Ricketts Glen State Park — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
§ 107.2. Electric motors. — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Code website reflects changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026).
§ 11.219. Boating. — 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, Lake Jean boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.

https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/lake-jean-luzerne-county/
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026