Mud Lake (Hartstown Swamp) boating rules
Sources differ on motor rules for Mud Lake (Hartstown Swamp). Read the official texts and the posted signs before launching with a motor. Source: 58 Pa. Code §135.41(c)(8). Verified Oct. 4, 2026.
- Motors
- Check official text
- Max horsepower
- Not applicable: only electric motors may be used.
- Electric boats
- Slow, no-wake only
- PWCs
- PWCs not allowed
- 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
- No PFBC-verified ramp listed — see agency notes
- Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026
Summary of 58 Pa. Code §135.41(c)(8). The official text and posted signs control.
Sources differ
Sources differ. On State game lands, 58 Pa. Code §135.41(c)(8) allows electric motors at slow, no-wake speed unless the water is posted closed to motors. PFBC's access data lists its Hartstown Swamp access (State Game Lands 214) as "Unpowered Boats Only". Check the posted signs before launching with any motor.
“Use a boat propelled by a motor or operate a boat in excess of slow, no wake speed. Boats propelled by electric motors are authorized for use on waterways when operated at slow, no-wake speed unless the waterway is otherwise posted closed to all boats or all boats propelled by a motor.” — 58 Pa. Code §135.41(c)(8)
All rules for Mud Lake (Hartstown Swamp)
On State game lands: no gas motors; electric motors only at slow, no-wake, unless the water is posted closed to boats or to all motors.
Read the exact wording
Use a boat propelled by a motor or operate a boat in excess of slow, no wake speed. Boats propelled by electric motors are authorized for use on waterways when operated at slow, no-wake speed unless the waterway is otherwise posted closed to all boats or all boats propelled by a motor.
Statewide rules that apply here
A personal watercraft is defined by its internal-combustion engine, so PWCs can't be used where those engines are banned.
Read the exact wording
(1) Uses an internal combustion motor powering a water jet pump as its primary source of motive propulsion.
Ramps
PFBC's access data lists no verified public ramp on this lake.
+1 carry-in access points (see PFBC's map).
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 Mud Lake (Hartstown Swamp)?
Sources differ — read the official texts. Source: 58 Pa. Code §135.41(c)(8).
What is the horsepower limit on Mud Lake (Hartstown Swamp)?
Sources differ — read the official texts. Source: 58 Pa. Code §135.41(c)(8).
Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on Mud Lake (Hartstown Swamp)?
PWCs not allowed. Source: 58 Pa. Code §109.3(a)(1).
Is there a speed limit on Mud Lake (Hartstown Swamp)?
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 Mud Lake (Hartstown Swamp)?
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 Mud Lake (Hartstown Swamp)?
PFBC's access data lists no verified public ramp here.
Nearby lakes with the same motor rule
- Pymatuning Reservoir8.2 mi, straight-line
- Lake Wilhelm15.2 mi, straight-line
- Lake Arthur44.5 mi, straight-line
- Yellow Creek Lake97.3 mi, straight-line
- Glendale Lake112.7 mi, straight-line
Sources & verification
- § 135.41. State game lands. — 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, Mud Lake (Hartstown Swamp) boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.
https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/mud-lake-crawford-county/
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026