Shawnee State Park: A Guide to Exploring the Area

Pennsylvania is very geographically diverse and showcases some of the nation's most bewitching and underrated outdoor panoramas. From mountainsides, and lakes to vistas, forests, and beaches-Pennsylvania has something for everyone. Shawnee State Park, just south of Schillsburg and resting on Lake Shawnee, is a serene outdoor park with a wide variety of activities for you and your guests to enjoy. 

Nature’s Gateway RV Park

If you’re passing through or staying a while, consider booking a peaceful stay at the area’s best RV Park and Campground. Located close to Shawnee State Park and many other accommodations, Nature’s Getaway RV Park is perfect for all types of travelers. More on that later!

To start your vacation on the right foot, here is a comprehensive guide to exploring Shawnee State Park:

Park Details

Hours of Operation: Shawnee State Park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset. Be sure to contact the Shawnee State Park office for specific hours of operation.

Size: 3,983 acres

Area: Sprawls across the Scenic Ridge and Valley Province. Located on beautiful Shawnee Lake

Getting There: You can take US 30 and PA 96 to reach Shawnee State Park. It is conveniently located between major cities like Baltimore and Pittsburg and also our Nation’s Capital, Washington D.C.

Popular Recreation

No matter what time of year you visit, Shawnee State Park welcomes you with a multitude of activities for you and your family. Grab your fishing pole, binoculars, or ice skates, and plan your visit with these helpful tips.

Hiking Trails

Shawnee State Park is an outdoor-lovers paradise with over 16 miles of trails and hiking opportunities ranging from easy to very difficult. Use caution when choosing a trail and come prepared with the right shoes and adequate hydration.

Colvin Trail

• 0.4 mile 
• Easiest Difficulty 

Colvin Trail is marked as a loop trail meaning you start and end at the same point. To access the trail, park at the Colvin Day Use Area and be alert while crossing Route 96 as cars drive very fast. Colvin Covered Bridge is located at the end of the trail and provides a scenic view. This trail also has modern restrooms and picnic tables for you to use. 

Lost Antler Trail

• 0.8 mile 
• Medium Difficulty hiking   

Lost Antler Trail is moderate in difficulty compared to other hikes and is also a loop trail. The trail has both uphill sections and level hiking and parking is available at the entrance of the campground near the contact station.

Pigeon Hills Trail

• 1.7 miles 
• Hardest  Difficulty 

If you’re the type that likes to test your athletic abilities, check out the Pigeon Hills Trail. This multi-use trail is located on the eastern, outer edge of the park. Categorized as a connector trail, Pigeon Hills Trail will begin and end in connection with another trail. 

This trail is not suitable for everyone and shouldn’t be utilized by those with no hiking experience or limited athletic ability. This trail also permits mountain biking and snowmobiling.

Wildlife Watching 

Shawnee State Park provides diverse habitats for observing various animals. The 451-acre lake and surrounding woods are home to many intriguing species of fish, birds, and other wildlife.

In the spring and fall, Shawnee Lake provides a haven for many migratory birds and many are quite active in the morning and evening, perfect for bird watching. To see some fish, ducks, and geese, walk around the rim of Lake Shawnee and the Lake Shore Trail. You can also check out the Field Trail; a perfect spot to wildlife watch and visitors can observe natural habitats.

Swimming & Boating

Spend the day fishing, swimming, or boating and enjoy the majesty of Lake Shawnee. The Park has specific rules about boating such as operating electric motors only and maintaining a slow speed with no wakes. The Lake also has handicap-accessible docks with ramps for easy access. 

There are three boat launch areas and 146 dry-boat mooring spaces easy boat storage out of the water. Check the area-specific boat registration for non-powered and motorboats and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply. If you don’t own a boat but would still love to be on the water, consider renting a kayak, canoe, paddleboat, or rowboat from the Park’s concession.

Fishing

If you’re a diehard angler or want to spend your days relaxing in the sun, try fishing on Lake Shawnee. The Lake is stocked with many warm-water game fish including common species like small and large-mouth bass, bullhead, northern pike, catfish, muskellunge, and walleye.

Wintertime Recreation

Even when the temperature drops and snow starts to fall, you can experience Shawnee State Park. Visiting in the winter is a special way to view the frigid sights not seen during the year and appreciate the crisp outdoor landscape.

Keep an eye out for unique animals like the white-tailed deer, snowy owl, ermine, and snowshoe hair that are most active during the frosty seasons. Remember, ice thickness isn’t generally measured by Park officials, and you will need to test the ice’s strength before recreation.

Ice Skating

Want to perfect your axel and toe jump? Ice skating is a thrilling activity for all skill levels and Lake Shawnee permits ice skating by the Colvin Boat Launch.

Sledding

Grab your coats, boots, and sleds, and prepare for a thrilling afternoon on the slopes. Visitors are encouraged to sled down the hills near Picnic Area #2.

Ice Fishing

Have you ever tried ice fishing? Ice fishing takes skill and patience and many participants enjoy it for the social aspect. Whether ice fishing provides some peaceful alone time or a competition with your friends, it's a unique way to enjoy nature. Common species caught through the ice are yellow perch, northern pike, walleye, and pickerel. 

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is a fun way to play in the snow and is less stressful on your body than other sports. If you want to snowmobile, you must register beforehand and use the 11-mile trail network on the park's eastern side. This is the only permitted trail for snowmobiling.

Recreational Sports

Biking

Going for a bike ride is another relaxing activity you can enjoy at Shawnee State Park. Remember to wear a helmet if you’re under age 12 (by Pennsylvania State Law). Watch out for designated hiking-only trails as these prohibit bike use. 

There are a total of 7.5 miles of bike trails at the Park and the biking trails are marked for easy viewing. For an easy bike ride, opt for the beginner-friendly Lakeshore Trail which measures 3.4 miles and doesn’t have uphill inclines.

Disc Golf

Frisbee golf, or “frolf” as some people call it, is a leisurely sport you can play on your own or with others. Shawnee State Park has a nine-hole, three-par course in the main area and features an up-and-over-the-hill challenge and nicely spaced holes.

Unique Experiences at Shawnee State Park

Geocaching

Geocaching is known as the world’s largest treasure hunt and provides a unique opportunity to explore the landscape at Shawnee State Park. Geocaching is a global outdoor treasure hunt where participants try and locate hidden containers, or “caches”. Participants use GPS-enabled devices to find the caches set up by people around the world.

Nature’s Getaway RV Park

Every day is a chance to connect with Mother Nature and what better way than while staying at a hidden paradise tucked away in Pennsylvania? Nature’s Getaway RV Park was established by outdoor enthusiasts and camping lovers who wanted to provide a peaceful place to stay. Our quiet and serene campground is the perfect stop, located in a sleepy, wooded area in the heart of nature.

Located close to Shawnee State Park and many other attractions like Coral Caverns, Nature’s Getaway RV Park is perfect for all types of travelers. Whether you're just passing through or a reflective soul needing an escape, our RV park is your key to discovering a world of relaxation in the great outdoors. 

Book your stay with Nature’s Getaway RV Park today!