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Pennsylvania
219

Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Southwest Region
Shawnee State Park
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Shawnee State Park Fall Day at the Lake © Jim Baker
This photo was taken October 2011.
Shawnee State Park Path on Lake Side Trail © Jim Baker
This photo was taken October 2011.
Shawnee State Park Bobcat © Jim Baker
This photo was taken on the back side of the dam. October 2011.
Shawnee State Park View of the Lake © Jim Baker
This photo was taken October 2011.
Shawnee State Park Kingfisher © Jim Baker
This picture was taken in October 2011.
Shawnee State Park Flying Free © Jim Baker
This photo was taken October 2011.
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SHAWNEE STATE PARK
SHAWNEE STATE PARK
132 State Park Road
Schellsburg, Pennsylvania   15559

Phone: 814-733-4218
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: park email button icon
Shawnee State Park is 3,983 acres of Pennsylvania?s scenic Ridge and Valley Province. Ten miles west of historic Bedford along US 30, Shawnee has fine recreational facilities that are convenient and fit into the natural environment. A focal point of the park is the 451-acre Shawnee Lake.
History of the Area
Shawnee State Park is named for American Indians who lived for a short time in the vicinity of the park during their westward migration from the Potomac in the early 1700s.

General Forbes camped his army within the boundaries of the park while building the Forbes Road in the campaign of 1758 against the French at Fort Duquesne, Pittsburgh. One can still walk remnants of the Forbes Trail within the park.

The white barn, buildings and houses now surrounded by a lake of water were once surrounded by a sea of grass. These buildings belonged to John Bowman?s ?Water Brooks Farm.? John Bowman was president and chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh and was the driving force behind the building of the Cathedral of Learning.
Lodge
Centrally located on an island in the middle of the park, this three-story house offers year-round accommodations with panoramic views of Shawnee Lake and the surrounding countryside. The lodge is ADA accessible and has a modern eat-in-kitchen, one bathroom, living room, sitting room, four bedrooms that sleep eight, porch and yard with firering and picnic table.
Camping
Camping: modern sites, some with electric

The 293 sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and accommodate either tents or trailers. 65 sites have electric hookups. Two campsites are ADA accessible. There is a sanitary dump station and centrally located washhouses with flush toilets, showers and laundry tubs. A camp store sells wood, charcoal and other camping supplies and is open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. The camping season begins the second Friday in April and ends in late December.

Organized Group Tenting:

An 80-person capacity rustic tenting area with composting toilets and a hand-pumped well is available April through December for organized youth and adult groups. Advance reservations are required.
Swimming
The sand and turf beach has modern bathhouses with flush toilets and showers. The beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming when lifeguards are off-duty.
Boating
Boating: electric motors only

The 451-acre Shawnee Lake has three boat launch areas and 183 boat mooring spaces. A boat dock is ADA accessible. The boat concession rents paddleboats, canoes and rowboats during the summer.

Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy year-round fishing in a 451-acre lake. Species include largemouth bass, catfish, and various types of panfish.

In winter months, ice-fishing is permitted when conditions allow it.

Two ADA accessible piers are available for those with mobility issues to fish from.

Boat rentals offer another way to access deeper waters where larger species may be found.

The park also participates in the Big Bass Program which sets minimum sizes for harvestable bass.


Location
Shawnee State Park is located near Bedford, Windber

Picnicking
Picnic tables, charcoal grills, water fountains and restrooms are scattered around the park. Five picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. A picnic pavilion is ADA accessible.
Bicycling
In the heart of Bedford County, a variety of cycling options await. Be aware that some trails are challenging.

The park offers 16 miles of biking routes for all skill levels but remember to wear safety gear always.

Cycling enthusiasts can explore three main bike paths: Lakeshore Trail, Field Loop and Log Cabin Road Loop.

Lakeshore trail is an easy ride along the lake's edge while Field loop provides more hilly terrain - proceed with caution!

Log Cabin Road Loop presents steep climbs and descents; it's recommended only for experienced cyclists due its demanding nature.

Mountain bikers should note that off-road riding isn't permitted in order to protect natural resources within this area.

Always check weather conditions before setting out as certain areas may become slippery or muddy after rainfall.

Remember too, helmets are required by law when bicycling on Pennsylvania state lands if you're under age 12.

Lastly, be respectful towards other users sharing these pathways - slow down around pedestrians and equestrians!
Trails
Bicycling: 7.5 miles of trails

The 3.4-mile Lakeshore Trail is easy biking and includes a small section of shared road. All other designated bicycling trails are moderate difficulty.
Birding
The park offers birdwatching opportunities with over 200 species recorded, including waterfowl and migratory birds. Bird checklists are available.
Area Attractions
For more information, contact: Bedford County Visitors Bureau, 800-765-3331.

Bedford County offers many points of interest. Days can be spent sampling the past heritage and the present culture through its mountains and rolling agricultural fields.

US 30, the Lincoln Highway, roughly follows the Forbes Trail that was the main highway between Fort Bedford and Fort Ligonier in the 1700s. Original inns and other examples of a unique Bedford architectural style can be seen along the road and in small settlements such as Schellsburg.

The City of Bedford Historic District includes the oldest courthouse in use in Pennsylvania and the Espy House where President George Washington headquartered in 1794 to review his troops on their way to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion in Western Pennsylvania. A walking tour of 51 buildings in the historic district is available in the Bedford County Travel Guide.

Old Bedford Village, on old US 220 just north of Bedford, is a complex of historical buildings which were collected from all over the county. Arranged in the manner of a typical colonial settlement, the buildings were reconstructed and contain demonstrations of the early American crafts which were found in colonial Bedford. Craftsmen clothed in authentic garb explain their craft.

For downhill skiers, Blue Knob Ski Area, in Blue Knob State Park, is one of the best ski resorts in Pennsylvania and is 25 miles from Shawnee State Park. Cross-country skiers will find a variety of interesting terrain for their sport.

Bedford County is well known by sportsmen for its beautiful trout streams and abundant deer and other wild game. For the non-hunter, Bedford offers great wildlife observation opportunities.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 18 Great park, avoid the boat rentals by Honor camper
park review stars; one to five The park was beautiful, clean, and well maintained. However, avoid the boat rental concession. Only 2 of 10 or so paddle boats were operational and then our boat ended up sinking. A black eye on an otherwise nice park.
July 28 Great for kids by Jane
park review stars; one to five Swimming much better without lifeguards. Camping area needs more playground equip. and more Yurts! Love the Yurt!!
July 27 one of our favorite parks by ron, jackie fetzko
park review stars; one to five Mike Hanlon was one of the Rangers and he was wonderful...looking up information for us and answering all our many questions. He represents Shawnee well.
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Area Campgrounds
Nature's Getaway RV Park
147 Sleepy Hollow Road
Schellsburg, PA
814-733-4380
Choice Camping Court
209 Choice Campground Road
Manns Choice, PA
814-623-5586
Friendship Village Campground
348 Friendship Village Road
Bedford, PA
814-623-1677
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Shawnee Bait & Sporting Goods
1541 Market St
Schellsburg, PA
(814) 733-4000
Ed's Bait
1411 Shawnee Rd
Schellsburg, PA
(814) 733-4887
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

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Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania State Parks

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