South Shore Recreation Area

Star0.41
7 reviews
South Shore Recreation Area

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Electric

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South Shore Recreation Area
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

0.41

Mixed Reviews

Based on 7 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomslake

"Reviewers are very positive about South Shore Recreation Area, describing it as beautiful, relaxing, and a great spot for day use by families and groups. People highlight the lake views, room to spread out, and clean facilities, with only a few comments about limited amenities, occasional cleanliness issues, and a very steep boat ramp."

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About South Shore Recreation Area

Nestled along the peaceful southern shores of Cowanesque Lake, just five miles west of Lawrenceville on State Route 49, South Shore Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of water-based adventures and woodland exploration. Here, the shimmering lake meets miles of hiking trails—including a segment of the renowned Mid State Trail—while three accessible group shelters provide ideal gathering spots for making memories with family and friends.
The facility provides three group shelters (Iroquois, Oneida, Mohawk) for group use; other specific camping types are not described in the provided information.
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape unfolds in gentle waves of rolling hills and open meadows that define Pennsylvania's aptly named Endless Mountains region. Where forest meets field and shoreline meets sky, the recreation area offers a tapestry of habitats to explore—from shaded woodland paths to sun-drenched lake edges where wildlife thrives. Perched on the ancient Allegheny Plateau within the greater Appalachian Mountains, this corner of the lake presents ever-changing vistas that shift with the seasons, from spring wildflowers carpeting the fields to autumn's brilliant display across the surrounding ridges.
Geological RegionEndless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAll three group shelters are described as fully accessible.
Total Campsitesnull campsites
Recommended CampsitesThree group shelters: Iroquois and Oneida Shelters have electric and water hookups; Mohawk Shelter has water hookups only. All three shelters are fully accessible and accommodate groups of up to 100 people in lakeside settings.

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site
Group shelters accommodate up to 100 people.
Groups
  • Three group shelters are available lakeside
  • Iroquois and Oneida have electric and water hookups, Mohawk has water hookups only, and each shelter accommodates up to 100 people and is fully accessible.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThree lakeside group shelters (Iroquois, Oneida, Mohawk) — Iroquois and Oneida have electric and water hookups; Mohawk has water only. Multiple hiking trails circle the lake, and the Mid State Trail passes through the recreation area.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Cowanesque Lake and the surrounding lands support a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and hunting. Trails circle the lake and the area provides shoreline and tailrace access for anglers.
Hiking
Many miles of hiking trails circle the lake, including the Mid State Trail which travels through the recreation area and links trails at Cowanesque and nearby Hammond Lake, extending through Pennsylvania from Maryland to New York.
Fishing
Fishing is available on Cowanesque Lake and nearby streams; the North and South Tailrace areas provide access for fishing below the dam and a variety of native fish inhabit the waters.
Boating
The area is noted as a great location for boating on Cowanesque Lake and is easily accessible from surrounding routes.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsThe lakeshore and surrounding fields and forests are used for hunting (large and small game species), and fishing access is provided below the dam at the North and South Tailrace areas.

Weather at South Shore Recreation Area

28
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 80%
Wind: 16 mph
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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresLocated on the south side of Cowanesque Lake; North and South Tailrace areas provide fishing access below the dam.

Campground Map

South Shore Recreation Area
Driving directionsFrom US 15 South, take the Lawrenceville Exit. At the bottom of the ramp, turn right onto State Route 49. Recreation Area will be on the right approximately 5 miles. From US 15 North, take the Lawrenceville exit. At the bottom of the ramp turn left. Recreation area will be on the right approximately 5 miles.
Easily accessible from US Route 15 via the Lawrenceville exit and located along State Route 49.
Nearby places
Lawrenceville — approximately 5 miles

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.4
7 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
South Shore Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers are very positive about South Shore Recreation Area, describing it as beautiful, relaxing, and a great spot for day use by families and groups. People highlight the lake views, room to spread out, and clean facilities, with only a few comments about limited amenities, occasional cleanliness issues, and a very steep boat ramp.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors consistently praise the beautiful lake views, pretty surroundings, and relaxing atmosphere. The area is noted as great for kayaking, boating, swimming, fishing, and soaking up the sun, with...
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Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers note that the recreation area has minimal built-up amenities—mainly a pavilion, restrooms, and a boat launch—so it can feel basic if you expect more. Cleanliness at the Iroquois...
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Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several comments imply this is best suited for simple day use—picnics, kayaking, swimming, boating, and fishing—rather than expecting a full-service campground. One reviewer advises to “bring a...
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Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Beautiful location, plenty of tables, bathrooms were nearby and clean.” “All that's there is a pavilion, restrooms and boat launch.” “The view of the lake is great and roads for walking are nice,...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The Iroquois site in the Day Use loop is mentioned multiple times. Positive reviews say it is clean, close to restrooms and a playground, with plenty of parking and many tables, making it convenient...
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Based on 7 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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