Shawnee State Park

4.58

121 reviews

132 STATE PARK ROAD, SCHELLSBURG, Pennsylvania, 15559, United States

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Pennsylvania Mountain Camping Pennsylvania Group Camping Pennsylvania +6 more

Quick Facts

1,168 ft

Price

$29 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

300 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Pennsylvania State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,168 ft

Price

$29 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

300 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Pennsylvania State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Shawnee State Park

$29.00 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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...

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

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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 121 reviews

111 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikinglake

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

132 STATE PARK ROAD, SCHELLSBURG, Pennsylvania, 15559, United States

Shawnee State Park

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.

Best Time to Camp at Shawnee State Park

Four 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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in PA

Peak season: swimming, kayaking and fishing busiest and most rewarding in summer months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Rolling hills and mature forests make fall foliage and hiking especially appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Trails, wildlife and rising water levels make spring good for hiking and kayaking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with cross-country skiing and quiet winter scenery, but limited water activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak camping season generally aligns with summer months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, with seasonal amenities such as kayaking depending on park scheduling.

About Shawnee State Park

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutDivided into pet-friendly and non-pet-friendly areas, with a mix of cabins, yurts, and standard campsites.

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.

AccessibilityADA accessible restrooms and cabins are noted, along with ADA sites in the campground.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with some large enough for hammocks and multiple setups.

PrivacyMost sites are wooded and provide good privacy, though some are more open and less secluded.

Total Campsites300 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites in pet-friendly loops for travelers with pets; cabins have amenities such as ceiling fans and porches.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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.

HikingNumerous trails are available, catering to various skill levels. Some trails are noted as flat and easy, suitable for families.

FishingThe lake supports fishing, with users mentioning catches like bass, bullheads, and catfish.

SwimmingSwimming is available at a designated beach area near the campground.

BikingOn-site biking trails are available, although specific details about their difficulty or terrain are not provided.

BoatingKayaking is popular on the electric-only lake. Some users wished for boats to be available later into the season.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities are present but not detailed in user reviews.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPossible sewage odors, uneven campsites, and proximity to an interstate may impact visitors. Wildlife such as fish and occasional maintenance odors are noted.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed with proper disposal of ashes; specific fire rules not detailed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services include Bedford Memorial Hospital (10 miles away), nearest police services and ranger station contact not explicitly provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are available; however, recycling specifics are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesClose to Shawnee Lake, which is a 451-acre electric-only water body ideal for kayaking and fishing.

Camp HostHosts and rangers are helpful and enforce park rules.

Weather at Shawnee State Park

Reviews

4.6

121 reviews

Top-Rated

Shawnee State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

Based on 121 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the lake's beauty, spacious sites, clean facilities, and good recreational options such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

Based on 121 reviews

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.

Based on 121 reviews

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.

Based on 121 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter activities like cross-country skiing are available. Summertime is ideal for kayaking and fishing due to high water-related activity levels.

Based on 121 reviews

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...

Based on 121 reviews

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.

Based on 121 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA cabins and restrooms were noted. Accessibility features were praised, but no specific reviews from disabled users were present.

Based on 121 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly sites are available but perceived as less desirable by some users due to location or maintenance issues.

Based on 121 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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