Shawnee State Park
00 review132 STATE PARK ROAD, SCHELLSBURG, Pennsylvania, 15559, United States
Shawnee State Park
$29.00 - $38.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$29.00
Hookup Site Fee$38.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees range from $29.50 for basic non-electric sites to $38.75. Pets are allowed in designated areas with additional restrictions. Fees are collected using an honor system.
About this campground
Nestled in Pennsylvania's rolling hills, Shawnee State Park welcomes adventurers with an impressive array of accommodation options that cater to every camping style. Whether you prefer the convenience of electric hookups, the simplicity of traditional tent camping, the comfort of cozy cabins, or the unique experience of yurt living, this diverse campground has you covered. Families with furry companions will find dedicated pet-friendly areas, while those seeking a quieter retreat can choose from designated non-pet sections. Each campsite offers its own character—from sun-drenched spots perfect for solar enthusiasts to deeply shaded havens beneath towering canopies. The crown jewel of your stay awaits just steps away: the sparkling 451-acre Shawnee Lake, your gateway to endless aquatic adventures.
The campground supports various camping styles, from primitive to RV camping, with additional options like cabins and yurts.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure at Shawnee State Park places you at the heart of Pennsylvania's rich historical tapestry. The magnificent Shawnee Lake serves as more than just a recreational playground—it's a gateway to the region's storied past. Just a short drive away, the historic town of Bedford beckons with colonial-era architecture and tales of frontier life. The area's famous covered bridges, those iconic symbols of Pennsylvania's heritage, dot the nearby countryside like portals to the past. These weathered wooden structures have witnessed centuries of travelers, from horse-drawn carriages to modern RVs, each adding their own chapter to the continuing story of this remarkable region.
Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint Shawnee State Park in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, with moderate snowfall creating opportunities for peaceful cold-weather camping and stunning frozen lake vistas. As spring awakens the forest, moderate temperatures and emerging wildflowers create ideal conditions for hiking and wildlife watching. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for diving into lake activities—think early morning fishing expeditions and afternoon swimming sessions. But many consider autumn the park's finest hour, when the surrounding hills explode in a symphony of reds, oranges, and golds, creating a photographer's paradise and the perfect backdrop for campfire gatherings.
ElevationThe park's varied terrain creates a dynamic camping experience, with sites positioned at different elevations throughout the rolling landscape. This natural topography provides each camping area with its own unique perspective and microclimate, from lakeside spots to hillside perches offering commanding views of the surrounding Pennsylvania countryside.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by Shawnee State Park's breathtaking natural canvas, where dense woodlands meet the shimmering expanse of Shawnee Lake in perfect harmony. The landscape unfolds in layers of visual splendor—mature forests create cathedral-like canopies overhead, while gentle hills roll toward the water's edge, offering countless scenic vantage points. The 451-acre lake teems with life, hosting populations of feisty bass and whiskered bullheads that keep anglers coming back season after season. Early morning mists rise from the water's surface, creating ethereal scenes perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike. Kayakers glide across glassy waters, exploring hidden coves and quiet inlets where great blue herons stand motionless, waiting for their next meal. Every sunset paints the lake in different hues, providing nightly entertainment from your campsite.
Geological RegionShawnee State Park sits proudly within Pennsylvania's remarkable Ridge and Valley Province, a geological wonderland shaped by millions of years of Earth's creative forces. This distinctive landscape of parallel ridges and fertile valleys creates the park's characteristic rolling hills and provided the perfect basin for the magnificent 451-acre Shawnee Lake. The ancient geological processes that formed this region have blessed campers with diverse ecosystems, varied elevations, and the kind of scenic beauty that makes every hike an exploration through Earth's history. The interplay between ridge and valley creates numerous microclimates and habitats, supporting the rich biodiversity that makes each visit a new discovery.
Campsite details
AccessibilityADA accessible restrooms and cabins are noted, along with ADA sites in the campground.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious, with some large enough for hammocks and multiple setups.
Sites PrivacyMost sites are wooded and provide good privacy, though some are more open and less secluded.
Total Campsites300 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites in pet-friendly loops for travelers with pets; cabins have amenities such as ceiling fans and porches.
Best CampsitesSites 301 and 302 are new buddy sites with full hookups and pet-friendly.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 8 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 10 PM.
Stay Limit
No more than fourteen (14) consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDivided into pet-friendly and non-pet-friendly areas, with a mix of cabins, yurts, and standard campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, with seasonal amenities such as kayaking depending on park scheduling.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through official Pennsylvania State Parks website and local park office.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly discussed, but over 300 sites suggest varied options.
Cancellation PolicyReservation cancellation policies are not explicitly outlined.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Shawnee State Park offers a variety of activities, from water-based recreation like kayaking and fishing to hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The nearby lake is a focal point for activities.
Hiking
Numerous trails are available, catering to various skill levels. Some trails are noted as flat and easy, suitable for families.Fishing
The lake supports fishing, with users mentioning catches like bass, bullheads, and catfish.Swimming
Swimming is available at a designated beach area near the campground.Biking
On-site biking trails are available, although specific details about their difficulty or terrain are not provided.Boating
Kayaking is popular on the electric-only lake. Some users wished for boats to be available later into the season.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are present but not detailed in user reviews.Beach activities
Beach-related activities like swimming and sunbathing are available, with a designated beach area near the campground.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails are available.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular on the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed with proper disposal of ashes; specific fire rules not detailed.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPossible sewage odors, uneven campsites, and proximity to an interstate may impact visitors. Wildlife such as fish and occasional maintenance odors are noted.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include Bedford Memorial Hospital (10 miles away), nearest police services and ranger station contact not explicitly provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak camping season generally aligns with summer months.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities are available; however, recycling specifics are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Shawnee Lake, which is a 451-acre electric-only water body ideal for kayaking and fishing.
Common complaintsComplaints include odors, limited full hookup sites, and uneven campsites.
HostHosts and rangers are helpful and enforce park rules.
Campground Map
132 STATE PARK ROAD, SCHELLSBURG, Pennsylvania, 15559, United States
Driving directionsUS 30 and PA 96 pass through Shawnee State Park.
Accessible via paved roads; no indication of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Bedford (10 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Schellsburg (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Nearest supply stores and gas stations are approximately 10 minutes away in Bedford or Schellsburg.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Shawnee State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews paint a mixed yet generally positive picture of the campground. Many praised the spacious sites, good privacy, and various recreational activities. However, some critiques included occasional odors, the lack of full hookups throughout, and the non-pet-friendly site divides.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Highlights include the lake's beauty, spacious sites, clean facilities, and good recreational options such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
Common Concerns
Complaints focused on the campground's proximity to an interstate (resulting in noise), occasional sewage odors, and the perceived lower quality of pet-friendly areas.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own kayaks for lake activities as rentals may not be available year-round. Consider sites 301 and 302, which are buddy sites with full hookups and pet-friendly.
Seasonal Insights
Winter activities like cross-country skiing are available. Summertime is ideal for kayaking and fishing due to high water-related activity levels.
Camper Quotes
"The lake has become a favorite kayak spot for me due to it being an electric-only lake." - Dave Keller; "Bathrooms were clean and showers warm, but a bit dingy." - Santina Doyle; "The campground is...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 301 and 302 are new buddy sites with full hookups. Site 008 was praised for its cleanliness and proximity to water stations.
Accessibility Features
ADA cabins and restrooms were noted. Accessibility features were praised, but no specific reviews from disabled users were present.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pet-friendly sites are available but perceived as less desirable by some users due to location or maintenance issues.
Last updated August 10, 2025