Shawnee State Park
Ohio

Shawnee State Park

Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Picnicking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting
  • Disc Golf
  • RV
  • Nature Center
  • Cabins
  • Beach
  • Winter Sports
  • Biking
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

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 InfoDetails
💧 Size451 acres
🏊 SwimmingBeach area
🚤 BoatingElectric motors allowed
🎣 FishingBass, panfish, trout

Shawnee Lodge – Island Retreat

Lodge FeatureDetails
🏠 LocationPrivate island in lake!
🛏️ Capacity8 people, 4 bedrooms
🍳 AmenitiesModern kitchen, 2 stories
📅 AvailabilityYear-round

200 Campsites + Cottages

Camping TypeDetails
Campsites~200 (some with full hookups)
🏠 Cottages3 cottages (sleep 5)
📅 SeasonMid-April – late December
🐕 PetsAllowed at designated sites

16 Miles of Trails

TrailDetails
🥾 Lake Shore Trail3.4mi, historic buildings
🥾 Forbes Trail3.8mi, historic road remnant
🚴 MTBSelect trails open
❄️ WinterSnowmobiling on some trails

FAQ

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.

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: February 20, 2026

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