Beaver Lake: Radioactive Copper Rockhounding in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania

Updated June 2026

Beaver Lake is a mapped rockhounding spot in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Reported finds include radioactive copper. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Lycoming County
State: Pennsylvania
Nearest road: Beaver Lake Road
Postcode: 17758
Coordinates: 41.29552, -76.59061

Geology at Beaver Lake

This spot sits on Catskill Formation, mapped as sandstone, siltstone, and shale that formed roughly 385 to 360 million years ago. Sedimentary rock like this erodes unevenly, so the most productive collecting is typically along fresh cuts, badland slopes, and active drainages.

Mapped unit: Catskill Formation
Age: 385–360 Ma (Late Devonian)
Rock types: sandstone, siltstone, and shale
Elevation: 960 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Beaver Lake

Best months: April to November. Typical highs run 81°F in midsummer and 33°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 17°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, LAPORTE station (10 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Beaver Lake

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Radioactive Copper Encyclopedia →

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Beaver Lake.

Beaver Lake FAQ

Where is Beaver Lake?+

Beaver Lake is in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, at 41.29552, -76.59061. Nearest road: Beaver Lake Road.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Beaver Lake?+

Beaver Lake is reported to produce Radioactive Copper.

Is collecting allowed at Beaver Lake?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Beaver Lake?+

A rock hammer, sturdy gloves, safety glasses, and a collecting bag cover the basics here. Add a spray bottle: wet rock shows color and pattern that dry rock hides.

When is the best time to visit Beaver Lake?+

The most comfortable months at Beaver Lake are April to November.

How do I get to Beaver Lake?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 41.29552, -76.59061 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Beaver Lake Road.

More rockhounding in Pennsylvania

See all 88 Pennsylvania spots →

Open Beaver Lake on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.