Shawnee State Park in Bedford County, Pennsylvania features the beautiful 451-acre Shawnee Lake, 200 campsites, Shawnee Lodge on a private island, and 16 miles of trails in scenic ridge-and-valley terrain!
451-Acre Shawnee Lake
| Lake Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 💧 Size | 451 acres |
| 🏊 Swimming | Beach area |
| 🚤 Boating | Electric motors allowed |
| 🎣 Fishing | Bass, panfish, trout |
Shawnee Lodge – Island Retreat
| Lodge Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Location | Private island in lake! |
| 🛏️ Capacity | 8 people, 4 bedrooms |
| 🍳 Amenities | Modern kitchen, 2 stories |
| 📅 Availability | Year-round |
200 Campsites + Cottages
| Camping Type | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Campsites | ~200 (some with full hookups) |
| 🏠 Cottages | 3 cottages (sleep 5) |
| 📅 Season | Mid-April – late December |
| 🐕 Pets | Allowed at designated sites |
16 Miles of Trails
| Trail | Details |
|---|---|
| 🥾 Lake Shore Trail | 3.4mi, historic buildings |
| 🥾 Forbes Trail | 3.8mi, historic road remnant |
| 🚴 MTB | Select trails open |
| ❄️ Winter | Snowmobiling on some trails |
FAQ
Wildlife & Nature
Shawnee SP — 3,983 acres in Bedford County — centers on Shawnee Lake (451 acres). The park’s lake, forest, and mountain ridges support black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. Bald eagles nest near the lake. Brook trout inhabit the feeder streams. Timber rattlesnakes inhabit the ridges.
Nearby Attractions
Schellsburg — adjacent. Bedford — 10 miles south — has the historic downtown and covered bridges. Blue Knob SP — 10 miles north — has PA’s second-highest peak. Flight 93 Memorial — 30 miles northwest.
What’s special about Shawnee Lodge?
It’s on a private island! This two-story house sits on its own island in Shawnee Lake, sleeping 8 in 4 bedrooms with a modern kitchen. Available year-round—perfect for family reunions!
Can I swim in the lake?
Yes! A designated beach area is available for swimming during summer season.
Where is this park located?
Bedford County, Pennsylvania—about 10 miles west of Bedford. Access via US 30, State Route 31, or State Route 96 (Shawnee Road).
🏝️ Island Lodge Escape
Visit PA DCNR website.
Things to Do
Pennsylvania parks feature deep hardwood forests, river gorges, and expansive lakes. Activities include hiking the Appalachian Trail, boating and sailing, fly fishing for trout, whitewater rafting, camping, mountain biking, and exploring old-growth forest remnants.
Best Time to Visit
Fall is magnificent with one of the best foliage displays in the country. Summer is busiest for lake swimming. Spring brings high water great for paddling. Winter offers snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
Visitor Tips
Free admission at all state parks. Camping reservable 11 months in advance. Ohiopyle and Ricketts Glen are most popular — wear sturdy, grippy footwear on wet waterfall trails.
Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks
Shawnee State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Pennsylvania. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Pennsylvania guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Gallitzin State Forest (a short drive away) and Blue Knob State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Pennsylvania state parks online at pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Shawnee State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; no universal maximum length — inquire at the park office (electronic fences/shock collars not accepted as control)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and designated beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs allowed in a limited number of designated cabins, cottages and yurts (pilot program); maximum two dogs per unit; dogs must be house-trained and current on rabies vaccination
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No standard statewide pet fee; fees may be assessed for damage in dog-friendly lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two non-caged pets per campsite; pets prohibited in buildings; pet food may not be left outside camping units
Are dogs allowed at Shawnee State Park?
Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via pa.gov. More: Pennsylvania state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Shawnee State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
