summitlakeside.com
Penn Estates, East Stroudsburg.
A gated, 1,200-acre community in the heart of the Poconos — three lakes, two Olympic-size pools, freshly rebuilt courts and fields, and quiet wooded streets about 90 minutes from New York City.
A resort's worth of amenities, none of the resort.
Penn Estates is one of the Poconos' most established gated communities. Behind the gatehouse: quiet wooded streets, 3 community lakes, 2 Olympic-size pools, and 8 freshly rebuilt courts and fields — tennis, pickleball, basketball, baseball, soccer, sand volleyball, wallball, even horseshoe pits and outdoor fitness stations.
The community sits just off Route 447 in East Stroudsburg — about 20 minutes from the Delaware Water Gap, under half an hour from Camelback and Shawnee, and roughly 90 minutes from the George Washington Bridge.
Directly outside the main gate, the ForEvergreen Nature Preserve adds 42 acres of meadow and woods with an easy mile loop down to Brodhead Creek — the stream where American trout fishing was born.
Amenity access is by HOA badge: residents carry their own, and vacation rentals inside the community include badges with the stay.
The gate, the Welcome Center, and how to get in.
Main gate & Welcome Center
525 Penn Estates Drive, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 — set your GPS there. Every visitor checks in with security at this gatehouse; the Welcome Center is at the same entrance.
Directions to the main gate ↗What the gate asks for
Your name, the address you're visiting, and your car's make and license plate — then you get a printed pass for the dashboard. Vacation-rental guests are typically registered ahead of arrival, so it's a quick stop with a driver's license.
Back gate is exit-only
If GPS routes you to the back entrance, re-aim for the main gate — the back gate only lets traffic out, even with a pass. Community office: 304 Cricket Drive, Mon–Sat 8 AM–4 PM.
Summit Lakeside rents homes here; we don’t run the community. For dues, permits, amenity badges, or Public Safety, the association is your source.
Official PEPOA website ↗Three lakes, three different moods.
All three are stocked — catch and release only.
Highland Lake
The social lake. A sandy swimming beach, dancing fountains on the water, and a picnic area with BBQ grills — bring the charcoal and make a day of it.
Upper Twin Lake
The quiet one. A picnic area tucked into the trees — great for a packed lunch or an early-morning coffee.
Lower Twin Lake
The boating-and-fishing lake, ringed by lakefront homes — including the Summit Lakeside rentals on Lakeside Drive, each with kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats waiting at the dock.
Pools, courts, and the corner store.
Tennis & Pickleball Courts
Resurfaced hard courts with dedicated pickleball nets alongside the tennis — bring rackets or paddles, or both.
Basketball Courts
Full courts with fresh surfaces, new hoops, and bleachers for the spectators. Bring a ball and run it.
Baseball Field
A real diamond with a backstop, tucked into the woods — glove-and-catch territory, or get an actual game going.
Soccer Field
An open grass pitch with goals up all season — doubles as frisbee, flag-football, and run-the-kids-tired space.
Want the full picture of the area beyond the gate? See the full Poconos guide →
Vacation rentals on Lower Twin Lake.
Four Summit Lakeside homes along Lakeside Drive — hot tubs, fire pits, free boats, and HOA amenity badges included.
Sleeps 12The Lakehouse
Right on Lower Twin Lake — hot tub, game room, big deck, and the boats tied up out back.
Sleeps 12The Chalet
The A-frame with the sauna. Lake views from stacked decks, fire pit below — ski-day recovery headquarters.
Sleeps 12The Manor
Lake-adjacent with a fully fenced yard — the pick for dog families, with water access two doors down.
Sleeps 8The Cottage
The cozy one. Arcade game room, hot tub, and a fire pit at the water's edge — perfect for one or two families.
From guest stays in Penn Estates.
“Sharon's home is wonderfully located right on Sunset Lake. We particularly enjoyed a well-stocked kitchen, as well as a spacious back yard that opens right onto the water.”
“Lovely three days. The home was beautifully designed and had such comfortable amenities. Highly recommend to wind down or explore the surrounding areas.”
“Will definitely return! Vera was extremely responsive and her instructions were clear. The house itself was stunning and we had a great stay!”
“Place was great! Lakefront with various floatable options, kayak, small boats, etc. Easy check in with security at the community gate, tons of amenities in the house. Sauna and hot tub are also a great touch. Overall a great stay and will definitely recommend!”
Penn Estates questions
Is Penn Estates a gated community?
Yes — Penn Estates is a gated, roughly 1,200-acre community in East Stroudsburg. Every visitor checks in at the gatehouse with ID; vacation-rental guests are registered with the gate ahead of arrival. Stays at Summit Lakeside homes include the HOA amenity badges that unlock the pools, beach, and shared facilities.
Can you swim in the lakes at Penn Estates?
Swimming happens at Highland Lake's sandy beach and at the two Olympic-size community pools (open Memorial Day through Labor Day). Lower Twin Lake is for boating and catch-and-release fishing.
Where are the Penn Estates front gate and Welcome Center?
All arrivals check in at the main gate at 525 Penn Estates Drive, East Stroudsburg 18301 — set your GPS there. Security will ask for your name, the property address, and your car's make and plate, then issue a printed gate pass; have your driver's license ready. The Welcome Center sits at the same entrance. The back gate is exit-only — you can leave through it, but you can't enter there, even with a pass.
Which Summit Lakeside homes are inside Penn Estates?
Four Summit Lakeside homes are inside Penn Estates: the Lakehouse, the Chalet, the Manor, and the Cottage — all on Lakeside Drive along Lower Twin Lake. The Mansion is in the neighboring Blue Mountain Lake community, about 15 minutes away.
How far is Penn Estates from NYC?
About 90 minutes to two hours by car via I-80 — close enough for a Friday-after-work arrival. Delaware Water Gap hiking is 20 minutes away, and Camelback and Shawnee ski areas are both under half an hour.
Can a large group book several houses together?
Yes — the four Summit Lakeside homes are on the same street, a few houses apart, so multi-family groups and reunions of 40+ can stay a short walk from one another and share the docks, fire pits, and game rooms. Contact Summit Lakeside to coordinate calendars for a multi-house stay.
Stay inside the gate
Same homes, better price — no platform service fees, and returning guests get a loyalty discount. Questions first? Text, call, or email anytime.