Stephen Foster Lake boating rules

Bradford County · Managed by Mount Pisgah State Park (DCNR)

Only electric motors may be used on Stephen Foster Lake, 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 Mount Pisgah 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: Mount Pisgah State Park. The official text and posted signs control.

All rules for Stephen Foster Lake

DCNR lists this lake as electric motors only.

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

Read the exact wording
Mount Pisgah State Park | electric | 75 acres
DCNR's park page: electric motors only, at slow, no-wake speed.

DCNR Mount Pisgah 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.

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 Stephen Foster Lake?

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

What is the horsepower limit on Stephen Foster Lake?

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

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

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

Is there a speed limit on Stephen Foster Lake?

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

Do I need a permit to launch on Stephen Foster Lake?

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 Stephen Foster Lake?

PFBC's access data lists no verified public ramp here.

Nearby lakes with the same motor rule

Hills Creek Lake27.5 mi, straight-line
Hunters Lake29.1 mi, straight-line
Shumans Lake31.7 mi, straight-line
Lake Nessmuk32.7 mi, straight-line
Rose Valley Lake33.2 mi, straight-line

Copy summary

Stephen Foster Lake (Bradford 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: Mount Pisgah State Park. Verified Oct. 4, 2026. https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/stephen-foster-lake/

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<a href="https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/stephen-foster-lake/"><img src="https://lakepennsylvania.org/badge/stephen-foster-lake.svg" alt="Stephen Foster Lake: 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 Mount Pisgah 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, Stephen Foster Lake boating rules, verified Oct. 4, 2026.

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