We've been to this park a handful of times but never really explored it. On the most recent visit, I decided to make stamping my State Park Passport a priority.
We had came to the park from Meyersdale and made this a nice stop to stretch our legs and an alternative to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The alternartive from the south and west is via PA 31 from Somerset and points west. You will know you are near the park when there is a new flashing light and the sign for the park. This is PA 96 and is a connector to park areas on the western side of the lake.
After crossing the PA Turnpike, you will see a standard State Park Sign and the park enterance is on the next right. Upon entering the park is the Park Office. There you can find in the foyer to the left informaion on the park and all things Bedford County. Here, there are passport stickers. As I did, if the sign on the door says "open" for the park office, you can go in and have your passport stamped by the park staff. Generally the office is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM during the week, year round.
There is an addition for park program and inside that foyer through the glass doors, you can access a unisex restroom and a small exhibit display that is accessible whenever the office is closed.
Campground
Across the rosad from the park office, you will find the entrance to the camground. The entrance road crosses PA 96 and then you arrive at the check-in station, ampethieter and extra care parkng. There, the road splits into two but is in of itself a looping road.
Keeping to the right, you enter the pet sites and pass the water supply tower and reservoir. Further down before the road loops back, there will be a gravel loop leading to Loop B. There are RV Pull through sites that are pet friendly accompanied by a showerhouse. Access to the Lost Antler Trail is also provided here.
Back to the main loop, shortly, you will see a older brown cement block showerhouse to the right. A gravel loop goes behind the building and these sites in particular are standard non-electric sites and do not allow pets. This is Loop C. Near the showerhouse and and to the left is Loop A, these sites also do not allow pets, Some sites are electric and a few pull-through sites are not available.
Loop D and F are the next turn past the Loop C Showerhouse. There is also a smaller amitheter between loops C and D and a connecting path between the two. While most of the campsites in Loop D has electricified campsites. It is also home to thre camping cottages and a yurt. At the end of Loop D is Loop F. It has a modern showerhouse that is ADA Accessible along with campsite 242. The sites inside annd on the stretch of the loop have electric and there is one pull through site available.
Returning to Loop D and going back to the inner circle and befire making your way out of the campground, to the right is Loop G. Another copletely gravel loop, it is pet friendly and is home to 1 of two campground host sites. Loop G has a showerhouse and the distinct pleasure of having two “Great Gathering Friends and Family” two-unit full-hookup sites, and each Great Gathering site allows tents and two full-hookup camping units for a total accommodation of 15 people. There is also a modern showerhouse in loop G.
Camping Cottages and Yurt
At Shawnee, there are three Camping Cottages and a Mongolian Style Yurt. They are in loop D.
Cottage #1 is in the campground loop near the showerhouse are handicap-accessible as well as site #187. Cottage #2 and #3 along with the Yurt are on a seperate lane and has a water point at the end of the lane.
Each cottage sleeps five people and has:
- Wooden walls and floors
- Windows
- Electric lights and outlets
- Electric heat
- Bunkbeds (single/single and single/double)
- Porch
- Picnic table and fire ring
A short video from Maksim Outdoors on YouTube showing you cabin number one within Shawnee State Park Pennsylvania.
A yurt sleeps five and has:
- Canvas and wood walls, with windows
- Wood floor
- Four-burner electric range
- Microwave
- Countertop and cabinets
- Refrigerator
- Table and chairs
- Electric lights and outlets
- Electric heat
- Bunk beds (single/single and single/double)
- Skylight/vent
- Porch
- Picnic table and fire ring
Back on the Main (State Park) Road descending the hill to the lake, Picnic Area 1 is on the Right. There is a Outhouse and some picnic tables.
Shawnee Lake
There was a drawdown of Shawnee Lake will when we were there to facilitate routine maintenance and repairs to boat launches, the swimming area, and rehabilitation of the ADA fishing pier at the Diehl boat launch. Projects were expected to be completed by the end of the week of our visit, but were to remain drawn down until repairs are complete and return to full pool as conditions permitted.
Some of the Scenes at the Boat Rental
Also in the Park
Hiking Trails
Picnicking
Picnic tables, charcoal grills, water fountains, and restrooms are scattered around the park.
Shawnee Lodge
This two-story house is on an island (accessible by vehicle) in Lake Shawnee. Available for rent year-round, it sleeps eight people in four bedrooms with two double beds and four single beds.
The lodge has air conditioning, heat, and a modern kitchen. A fire ring and picnic table are in the yard.
Amenities:
- One full bathroom
- Living room with sofa and chairs
- Table and chairs in kitchen
- Electric stove and oven
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Coffee maker
- Dishes, cookware, and utensils
- Table and chairs downstairs
- Covered porch with table and chairs
Renters should bring their own linens and towels.
Shawnee Lodge has a two-night minimum and a 14-night maximum stay in the non-peak season.
In the summer peak season, only weekly rentals (Friday to Friday) are available. The summer peak season rental period is the second Friday in June to the day before the third Friday in August.
Alcoholic beverages are permitted in this overnight facility and associated curtilage only. Alcohol possession and consumption is restricted to the holder of the reservation permit and invited guests age 21 and older.
Responsible and legal alcohol consumption is required, and violations are grounds for removal from the state park without refund.
Note that alcohol possession and consumption in all other overnight facilities and all other areas of state parks is prohibited.
Organized Group Tenting
On the secluded Kegg Run finger of the lake, the organized group tenting area offers campers easy access to fishing, and canoe and kayak launching.
Four campsites each have a capacity of 20 campers or a total capacity of 80.
The camp has non-flush toilets and a hand-pumped well. Each site has picnic tables and a fire ring.
Organized youth and adult groups can rent the area mid-April through mid-October.
Advance reservations are required.
Swimming
The sand and turf beach has modern bathhouses with flush toilets and showers. Vending machines are available.
The beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8:00 A.M. until sunset. It is a unguarded beach. Smoking is prohibited on the beach and in the swimming area. For visitors who smoke and still want to use this beach, designated areas adjacent to the beach are provided. The restriction includes:
Cigarettes, Pipes, Cigars. E-cigarettes and Other handheld, lighted smoking devices
Wildlife Watching
The diverse habitats of Shawnee State Park provide great opportunities for viewing wildlife. The park sits near the base of the Allegheny Front. The 451 acre lake and its surrounding fields and woods are home to many species of fish, birds, and other wildlife.
The lake serves as a stopping point for various migratory birds in the spring and fall.
Many animals are active in the morning and evening, which provide great opportunities to view diverse species. Quietly walk along Lake Shore Trail to see wildlife along the lake.
Field Trail traverses through various habitats where birds and mammals can be seen. Explore remote areas of the park by canoe or kayak to see waterfowl, such as ducks and geese.
Biking
The 3.4-mile Lakeshore Trail is easy biking and includes a small section of shared road.
Disc Golf
The nine-hole, three par course in the main day-use area has nice distance holes and an up-and-over-the-hill challenge.
Winter Activities
Sledding
A large area of hillsides near Picnic Area #2 is great for sledding.
XC Skiing / Snowshoeing
Most trails are suitable for novice and experienced skiers and snowshoers. The Winter Report provides ice and snow depth information for state parks.
Ice Skating
An area at Colvin Boat Launch is popular for Ice Skating when conditions permit.
Snowmobiling
Registered snowmobiles are permitted on an 11-mile trail network in the eastern side of the park.
