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Lake Nockamixon boating rules

Bucks County · Managed by Nockamixon State Park (DCNR)

Motors up to 20 hp are allowed on Lake Nockamixon; a boat with a bigger motor may launch, but that motor can't be used — check with the park office first. PWCs aren't allowed on this state-park lake. Sources: 58 Pa. Code §111.9(a); DCNR Nockamixon State Park. Verified Oct. 4, 2026.

Check official text
Motors
Check official text
Max horsepower
20 hp (≈ 14.9 kW, our conversion)
Electric boats
Within 20 hp (≈ 14.9 kW, our conversion)
PWCs
PWCs not allowed
Speed limits
No mph limit listed
Towing / skiing
No lake-specific towing rule listed
Paperwork
Ramps
No PFBC-verified ramp listed — see agency notes
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

Summary of 58 Pa. Code §111.9(a). The official text and posted signs control.

All rules for Lake Nockamixon

  • Gas (internal-combustion) motors are allowed, within the horsepower limit.

    58 Pa. Code §111.9(a) · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

    Read the exact wording
    The operation of boats powered by internal combustion motors is permitted.

  • Motors over 20 hp may not be used.

    58 Pa. Code §111.9(a) · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

    Read the exact wording
    The use of motors in excess of 20 horsepower is prohibited.

  • DCNR lists a 20 hp motor limit.

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

    Read the exact wording
    Nockamixon State Park | 20 hp | 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon

  • DCNR's park page: maximum 20 hp motors (DCNR writes "20 hp/15 kWh").

    Motor power is rated in kW; kWh measures battery energy. 20 hp ≈ 14.9 kW (our conversion: hp × 0.7457, rounded to 0.1).

    DCNR Nockamixon State Park boating page · Rule text changed on Nov. 1, 2026 — read the official text.

    Read the exact wording
    Maximum 20 hp/15 kWh Motors Permitted

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.

    58 Pa. Code §107.1 · Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · re-checked Nov. 1, 2026

    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.

  • The limit applies to electric motors too: no electric motor above 20 hp or its kilowatt equivalent (about 14.9 kW, our conversion).

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

    Read the exact wording
    On waters where horsepower limitations are prescribed in Chapter 111, electric motors in excess of maximum horsepower limitations or equivalent kilowatt ratings shall not be used.

  • State park rule: no gas engines totalling more than the posted maximum horsepower without DCNR's written permission.

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

    Read the exact wording
    (1) Operating a boat powered by one or more internal combustion engines totaling more than the posted maximum horsepower.

  • 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.

Check with the park office before launching with a motor above the posted limit.

Ramps

N1 mi
Simplified outline from PFBC lake data. Not for navigation.

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

DCNR says: “The 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon has five public launching areas.” Boating at Nockamixon 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 Nockamixon?

Yes, up to 20 hp. Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.9(a).

What is the horsepower limit on Lake Nockamixon?

20 hp, which also covers electric motors (about 14.9 kW, our conversion). Source: 58 Pa. Code §111.9(a).

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

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

Is there a speed limit on Lake Nockamixon?

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 Lake Nockamixon?

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 Nockamixon?

PFBC's access data lists no verified public ramp here. DCNR says: “The 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon has five public launching areas.”

Nearby lakes with the same motor rule

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Lake Nockamixon: Check official text — rules at PA Lake Rules Atlas

Sources & verification

  • § 111.9. Bucks 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).
  • Where to Boat — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
  • Boating at Nockamixon State Park — fetched Oct. 4, 2026, re-checked Nov. 1, 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).
  • § 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 Nockamixon boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.

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