Shohola Lake boating rules
Shohola Lake is on State game lands: no gas motors, and electric motors only at slow, no-wake unless the water is posted closed to motors. Personal watercraft aren't allowed. Source: 58 Pa. Code §135.41(c)(8). 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
- 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 §135.41(c)(8). The official text and posted signs control.
All rules for Shohola Lake
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
| # | Name | Paved ramp | Trailer parking | Dock | ADA | Fee | Coordinates | Open in maps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shohola Boat Ramp First Launch | Yes | Yes | No | Not listed | No | 41.38997, -74.96924 | geoGoogleAppleOSM |
| 2 | Shohola Boat Ramp Second Launch | Not listed | Yes | No | Not listed | No | 41.38916, -74.97383 | 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 Shohola Lake?
No. Only electric motors may be used. Source: 58 Pa. Code §135.41(c)(8).
What is the horsepower limit on Shohola Lake?
Not applicable: only electric motors may be used. Source: 58 Pa. Code §135.41(c)(8).
Are personal watercraft (PWCs, often called jet skis) allowed on Shohola Lake?
PWCs not allowed. Source: 58 Pa. Code §109.3(a)(1).
Is there a speed limit on Shohola 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 Shohola 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 Shohola Lake?
2 PFBC-verified public ramps are listed below, with coordinates.
Nearby lakes with the same motor rule
- Peck's Pond7.3 mi, straight-line
- White Deer Lake7.4 mi, straight-line
- Lake Minisink11.4 mi, straight-line
- Promised Land Lake11.5 mi, straight-line
- Lower Lake (Promised Land State Park)12.3 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, Shohola Lake boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.
https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/shohola-lake/
Verified Oct. 4, 2026 · official text re-checked Nov. 1, 2026