Shawnee State Park Campground

Shawnee State Park Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (814) 733-4218

Address 132 State Park Rd, Schellsburg, PA 15559, USA

Website https://pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/shawnee-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=PA&parkId=880313

Hours

Shawnee State Park Campground Location & Map

Pennsylvania Bedford County Schellsburg State Park Road

Shawnee State Park Campground About

For those in Pennsylvania yearning for an authentic and enriching outdoor experience, Shawnee State Park Campground in Schellsburg offers a truly remarkable escape. This well-maintained state park is a jewel in Pennsylvania's extensive park system, providing a diverse range of camping options and recreational activities set against a backdrop of natural beauty. Whether you're a seasoned RVer, a dedicated tent camper, or someone looking for the comfort of a cabin, Shawnee State Park Campground caters to all preferences, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

Visitors consistently praise the park's commitment to upkeep, noting its "very nicely maintained" facilities and grounds. The ease of check-in, coupled with the helpfulness of the park rangers, ensures a smooth and welcoming start to your stay. Campers appreciate the thoughtful design of the sites, often featuring ample shade from trees and generous lot sizes, providing a sense of privacy and connection with nature. Many RV sites are noted as "easy to back into with a camper," simplifying the arrival process for those with larger vehicles. Even tent campers, despite a few slanted sites, have hundreds of options to choose from, guaranteeing a suitable spot for every setup.

Beyond the excellent camping facilities, Shawnee State Park Campground is a hub of activity. The presence of a playground, a inviting beach, and an extensive network of trails ensures that there's always something to do, whether you're looking for active recreation or peaceful contemplation. The park's dedication to engaging its visitors is evident in the planned activities every weekend, offering organized fun and educational programs for all ages. And, importantly, the "clean bathrooms" are a consistent highlight in visitor reviews, underscoring the park's commitment to providing comfortable and hygienic amenities.

Location and Accessibility

Shawnee State Park Campground is conveniently located at 132 State Park Rd, Schellsburg, PA 15559, USA. Situated in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, the park is easily accessible for residents across the state, making it a popular choice for both weekend getaways and longer vacations. The town of Schellsburg itself, a charming borough, provides a quiet setting while still being within reasonable driving distance of larger towns and major roadways, ensuring a smooth journey to the campground.

The park's location offers more than just convenience; it places visitors in the heart of Pennsylvania's scenic Ridge and Valley Province. This geographic setting means campers are surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and the expansive Shawnee Lake, which is a central feature of the park. The address is straightforward to navigate, and once inside the park, clear signage guides visitors to the campground area. Being a state park, access is generally well-maintained, contributing to a hassle-free arrival experience for all types of vehicles, from passenger cars to large RVs.

Services Offered

Diverse Campsite Options: Shawnee State Park Campground offers approximately 226 campsites designed for tents, trailers, and RVs. These include Modern Electric sites (94), Modern Non-Electric sites (86), and Full Hookup sites (16).
Camping Cottages & Yurts: For those seeking a blend of rustic charm and comfort, the park features three camping cottages and two yurts. Cottages sleep five and have wooden walls/floors, electric lights/outlets, electric heat, bunk beds, a porch, picnic table, and fire ring. Yurts also sleep five and include additional amenities like a four-burner electric range, microwave, refrigerator, and skylight.
Group Camping Areas: There are two Great Gathering Friends and Family two-unit full-hookup sites that can accommodate up to 15 people each, allowing two full-hookup camping units and tents. Additionally, four rustic organized group tenting sites can accommodate up to 20 campers each.
Clean Restrooms and Shower Houses: The campground boasts centrally located shower houses with flush toilets and hot showers, consistently praised for their cleanliness. Large utility sinks for dishwashing are also available.
Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient sanitary dump station is available for RV campers.
Camp Store: A camp store sells essential camping supplies, including wood and charcoal, typically open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day.
Laundry Facilities: Some shower houses include laundry facilities, adding a layer of convenience for campers, especially during longer stays.
Boat Rentals: Rentals for paddle boats, canoes, and rowboats are available for use on Shawnee Lake, typically during the summer months.

Features / Highlights

Shawnee Lake: The centerpiece of the park is the 451-acre Shawnee Lake, offering opportunities for fishing, boating (electric motors only), and swimming at the designated beach area. Three boat launches are available.
Extensive Trail Network: Over 16 miles of trails wind through the park, catering to various difficulty levels. Popular trails include Lake Shore Trail (3.4 miles, easy, multi-use gravel path), Colvin Trail (0.4 miles, easy loop), Felton Trail (2.0 miles, more difficult, multi-use), and the more challenging Field Trail (2.0 miles) and Lost Antler Trail (0.8 miles). Some trails are suitable for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in season.
Swimming Beach: A well-maintained beach area provides a fantastic spot for swimming and relaxing by the lake, especially during warmer months.
Playgrounds: The campground features playgrounds, providing dedicated spaces for children to play and burn off energy.
Planned Weekend Activities: During peak season, the park often hosts ranger-led nature walks and evening programs, focusing on the park's natural and historical resources, offering educational and engaging experiences for all ages.
Disc Golf Course: A nine-hole disc golf course is available in the main day-use area, open year-round, offering a fun recreational option.
Pet-Friendly Sections: Pets are permitted at designated campsites (loops B and G, and specific sites in Loop A) for a fee, making it possible for furry family members to join the adventure.
Wildlife Viewing: The park is practically overflowing with wildlife, making it an excellent spot for nature observation and wildlife photography.
Winter Recreation: In the off-season, when Shawnee Lake freezes, it becomes a perfect spot for ice skating and ice fishing. Sledding is also popular on the park's hills after snowfall.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a Pennsylvania State Park campground, Shawnee State Park operates under the standardized pricing and reservation system set by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Specific promotional codes or seasonal discounts, like those sometimes offered by private campgrounds, are less common. However, the value offered by a state park is inherently a "special offer" in itself. The fees are typically very reasonable for the quality of amenities and the vast array of recreational opportunities provided.

It is important to note that state parks often have specific policies regarding minimum stays, especially during peak seasons (e.g., a two-night minimum stay for Saturdays during summer). While not a discount, understanding these policies can help in planning an efficient and cost-effective trip. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, reservation policies, and any potential special programs or events that might indirectly offer value (like free educational programs), it is always best to visit the official Pennsylvania DCNR website or contact Shawnee State Park directly. Any available senior citizen or military discounts would also typically be detailed through official state park channels.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, check availability, or inquire about specific details regarding Shawnee State Park Campground, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 132 State Park Rd, Schellsburg, PA 15559, USA

Phone: (814) 733-4218

Mobile Phone: +1 814-733-4218

Given the popularity of state parks, especially during warmer months and holidays, it is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance. The Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center handles bookings, and direct contact with the park office can provide additional insights into conditions or specific site recommendations.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents across Pennsylvania, Shawnee State Park Campground represents an ideal and highly suitable destination for experiencing the great outdoors. Its convenient location in Schellsburg, within easy driving distance for many, means less time traveling and more time enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities. As a state park, it offers an inherently valuable experience, providing well-maintained facilities and a safe environment at accessible prices, which is a significant draw for local families and individuals seeking affordable escapes.

The sheer variety of camping options—from rustic tent sites with ample shade to modern RV sites with full hookups, and even cozy cabins and yurts—ensures that every Pennsylvanian can find a comfortable way to connect with nature, regardless of their preferred style of camping. The consistent praise for the park's cleanliness, including its bathrooms, adds to the overall comfort and enjoyment of a stay.

Beyond just camping, Shawnee State Park is a vibrant hub of activity. The expansive Shawnee Lake provides endless opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming at the beach, perfect for hot summer days. The extensive network of hiking and multi-use trails caters to all fitness levels, inviting exploration of the park's diverse landscapes. Furthermore, the regularly planned weekend activities and educational programs offered by the park rangers provide structured fun and learning experiences that are perfect for families with children. Even furry family members can join the adventure at designated pet-friendly sites. Shawnee State Park Campground truly offers a comprehensive, family-friendly, and value-packed outdoor experience right in the heart of Pennsylvania, making it a perfect choice for locals looking to unwind, explore, and create lasting memories in their home state.

Customer Reviews

4.0

118 reviews

Phil Goldblum

Apr 18, 2025

Very nicely maintained state park. Great camping and day use facilities.

James Marland

Jun 02, 2023

Easy check in. Nice rangers helped us find out site. The sites have trees and shade! Larger sized lots too from what I can tell. Most lots like easy to back into with a camper. A few of the tent sites look like they are slanted, but there are over 300 sites to choose from. There is a playground, a beach, and trails. They had activities planned every weekend. The bathrooms were clean. We are staying in one of the cabins. Mattress seems fine. Will be sleeping in it tonight. The cabin was well made and had a ceiling fan. The cabin had a porch with a nice table. There is also a nice wooden table inside. The cabin had heat, but we won’t be using it unless it drops too low at night. So far a delightful experience.

Punchy O'Guts

Jul 24, 2024

My first time at Shawnee at site 182, and it’s pleasant, but not without issues. The good: 1. There is ice and wood available at all hours, but you need cash for the ice ($2). The wood is in some kind of vending machine that takes cards and $5 and $1 bills only (no change). You can’t buy kindling, so you have to walk around and find sticks. 2. It’s pretty quiet throughout the week (not sure about the weekend). 3. Bathrooms and showers are clean and have a sink to do dishes, but the bathroom locations are sparse throughout the campground. 4. It’s pretty big, which is cool for folks who wants to ride bikes or skate in the campground. 5. The lake isn’t too far away and there is a beach with a swimming area and an inexpensive place to rent boats. The beach, however, has bizarre fencing a where the sand meets the water with gates to go through to enter the water. Why? I cannot find a single reason this is needed. The not so great: 1. If you’re camping in a tent, well, it’s rough. Most sites are on an incline, so you don’t have a flat space to put your tent. Also, the ground is full of jagged and sharp rocks, so sleeping on the ground is perilous. Bring a cot and not a blowup mattress. I think whomever created the sites did not have tent campers in mind. 2. Many folks have mentioned the smell, and they are correct. It’s a sewagey smell, but it’s not constant. 3. Many sites do not have electricity. 4. Many sites do not have much shade or trees to hang hammocks. 5. The park rangers wear bulletproof vests. I’ve never seen a park ranger wear those in any of the state parks I’ve visited across the country. It makes me feel unsafe. If the park rangers need to wear them, what is going on here? 6. There’s no camp store to get last minute needs. 7. If you like hiking and are looking for good trails, they are not here. If you like taking a pleasant walk, you can walk around the lake, which is paved (I think the whole loop), so it’s accessible for folks in wheelchairs and with difficulty walking. 8. The campground map is not very helpful and the signage around the camp is also not helpful. It was difficult to find the Lost Antler trail because the map wasn’t clear and the one sign was off the road behind a campsite. 9. At the lake, there are maps to the hospital. A curious choice, considering most people have a phone which will tell them where the hospital is and how to get there. In conclusion, I will not come back unless I have a camper or RV.

Daniel Farrell (Sr)

Apr 24, 2025

Great location off of RT 30 and RT 31. Choice lots for RVs. Electric and access to potable water and dump station. Both Verizon an T-Mobile 5G 300-600mbs for streaming.

Ryan Svolto

Jul 03, 2023

Mostly flat gravel pads. I was on a pull-through with tons of additional space after parking. Very large park with a lake and water rentals. The bathrooms were clean but a little dated. The staff were very friendly. I hit my fair share of low branches inside the park but they were only twigs, no damage done. Enjoy!