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Shawnee
Overview
Overview
Shawnee State Park in Schellsburg offers a quintessential Pennsylvania outdoor experience centered around a massive lake and the rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands. It is a destination where nature takes center stage, providing a tranquil escape for those looking to disconnect from the hustle of daily life. With its expansive water views and lush forest canopy, the park serves as a year-round recreational hub for campers and day-trip visitors seeking the beauty of the Allegheny Mountains.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled in the scenic Ridge and Valley Province of Bedford County, the park is conveniently located along Route 30, making it easily accessible for long-haul RVers. The landscape is defined by the 451-acre Shawnee Lake, which is surrounded by over 3,000 acres of protected forests and open fields. This prime location offers a sense of secluded wilderness while remaining close to the historical charm and amenities of nearby Bedford, Pennsylvania.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Shawnee State Park features nearly 300 sites, accommodating everything from small pop-ups to larger motorhomes. Many sites are equipped with electric hookups, while all campers have access to modern bathhouses. Key features of the park include:
- Designated swimming beach with a seasonal snack bar.
- Multiple boat launches for electric-powered watercraft and kayak rentals.
- Well-maintained modern restrooms with warm showers and flush toilets.
The facility also provides a sanitary dump station and potable water, ensuring a comfortable stay for self-contained RV travelers.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the park boundaries, visitors can explore Old Bedford Village, a living history museum that offers a glimpse into colonial life. History buffs will also find the Flight 93 National Memorial within a scenic 30-minute drive. On-site, guests can enjoy over 15 miles of hiking trails, excellent fishing opportunities for bass and walleye, and a challenging disc golf course that winds through the park's diverse terrain.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families who enjoy a mix of water activities and woodland exploration. It is particularly well-suited for travelers seeking a traditional state park vibe focused on natural conservation rather than a commercial resort experience. If you value quiet evenings by the campfire and days spent paddling on calm waters, Shawnee State Park provides the perfect backdrop for your next Pennsylvania road trip.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Greg
Very spacious sites nice walking trails Full hookups Girls working the registers at the check in were not that friendly other than. That it would have been a five star
Rupam Chakraborty
Pretty decent state park, though not the best in PA, views are nice from the picnic areas.
Patricia Alexander
This was a nice state park. We went camping and stayed in a tent overnight in C loop, site 150. We had a 10-person tent, and the site was flat and large enough. It was down hill of the rest rooms, and right at the turn into C loop. We parked the minivan at the site, but we had to park on a fairly steep slope, which made me a little nervous, so I backed in, and all was well. While there are other, better sites in C loop, this wasn't too bad, either. Also, Shawnee had good proximity to Old Bedford Village, if you're visiting it.
Benny Rutherford
Although there aren't a lot of hiking trails here, hikers will find the few trails offer a variety of scenes along with some interesting wildlife. Birds, insects and the occasional deer. Walking along the Ohio River gives hikers some views not found in some other State Parks. We saw barges traversing it & kudos are due their captain(s) because it's something unseen in NW Ohio where we're from. It's a laid back park with plenty of roomy sites, which are very well maintained. Portsmouth sports a wall along its outskirts dedicated to their famous local athletes. Among them is one devoted to Chuck Ealey who played for the University of Toledo Rockets in the mid to late 60s. Amazingly, Chuck had never lost a game from his high school days into college. Even more amazing was his college record reflected his perfection by way of also not losing one game. Toledo's record with Ealey was 35 - 0; regular games along with bowl games. He wasn't inducted into college's HOF until 2002. A travesty if ever there was one. A very nice relaxing park. Stay here & suffer no disappointments.
Renee Grove
Beautiful park with breathtaking views. Perfect place to kayak (note: since it is a State park you will need to have a launch permit and life jacket and they do regularly patrol the water.) There are many great picnicking areas. We were there over Labor Day weekend and it was not packed at all. The bathrooms were clean. The campground looks very nice as well - we will be coming back here to camp so I’ll update my review accordingly.