Black Moshannon State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily sunrise – sunset
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed
- Camping
- 76 campsitesAlso cabins, yurts
- Official site
- pa.gov(814) 342-5960
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Alert ATV and UTV use on Casanova RoadAs of 5/16/20 ATV and UTV use is permitted on Casanova Road ending at the intersection of Route 504 and Casanova Road. Please note that ATVs and UTVs… (more)
As of 5/16/20 ATV and UTV use is permitted on Casanova Road ending at the intersection of Route 504 and Casanova Road. Please note that ATVs and UTVs are NOT permitted inside the campground, cabin area, or on any other roads or parking lots that are not specifically designated for ATV/UTV use. Thank you.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
In Centre County, about 13 miles northwest of State College, Black Moshannon State Park covers about 3,960 acres.
Popular activities here are snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and winter sports. Its trail network totals roughly 20 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals. For overnight stays there are 76 campsites across 3 camping areas (RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, and group camping). The park says there are no showers. There are also cabins and yurts for rent.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | sunrise – sunset | — |
Official wording
The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. The park office is open specific hours. The beach, overnight areas, and other areas are open specific seasons and hours. Contact the park office for facility seasons and hours.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (Aspira), Pennsylvania State Parks contract
- Phone
- 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed
Pets are permitted on designated sites. Dogs are permitted in Cranberry Cottage #22. A maximum of two dogs are permitted for a fee. Modern cabins #17, #18, and #19 are pet friendly. No pets are permitted in any rustic cabin. No pets allowed.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camping Black Moshannon State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ The 73 campsites each have a picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern holder. Most sites can accommodate either a tent or a trailer.
Many sites have electrical hookups. Some sites have full service hook up, which includes sewer, water, and electricity.
Pets are permitted on designated sites.
Some campsites are ADA accessible.
The campground features:
• Washhouses with flush toilets
• Showers
• Water stations
• Coin-operated laundry machines
• Sanitary dump station
The camping season begins the second Friday in April and ends after deer season in | 73 | Many sites have electrical hookups. Some sites have full service hook up, which includes sewer, water, and electricity.Showers | — |
| Backpacking The Allegheny Front Trail is a 40-mile loop trail that encircles the park in Moshannon State Forest. Several park trails are trailheads.
Backpack camping is only permitted in the Moshannon State Forest sections of the trail. | — | — | |
| Organized Group Tenting Three rustic group tenting area sites are able to be reserved for adult or youth groups. Each site has a maximum capacity of 20 occupants and maximum capacity for the area is 60 people. Flush toilets are available nearby, but no shower facilities. | 3 | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping
Black Moshannon State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ The 73 campsites each have a picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern holder. Most sites can accommodate either a tent or a trailer.
Many sites have electrical hookups. Some sites have full service hook up, which includes sewer, water, and electricity.
Pets are permitted on designated sites.
Some campsites are ADA accessible.
The campground features:
- Washhouses with flush toilets
- Showers
- Water stations
- Coin-operated laundry machines
- Sanitary dump station
The camping season begins the second Friday in April and ends after deer season in mid-December.
GPS DD: Lat. 40.91878 Long. -78.06863
Backpacking
The Allegheny Front Trail is a 40-mile loop trail that encircles the park in Moshannon State Forest. Several park trails are trailheads.
Backpack camping is only permitted in the Moshannon State Forest sections of the trail.
Organized Group Tenting
Three rustic group tenting area sites are able to be reserved for adult or youth groups. Each site has a maximum capacity of 20 occupants and maximum capacity for the area is 60 people. Flush toilets are available nearby, but no shower facilities.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Deluxe Camping Cottages: 2 units
- Modern and Rustic Cabins
- Modern Cabins: 7 units
- Rustic Cabins: 13 units
- Winterberry Lodge
Deluxe Camping Cottages
♿ Two deluxe cottages are available from April until the end of deer season in mid-December.
Deluxe cottages have minimal furnishings:
- Kitchen stove top
- Refrigerator
- Microwave oven
- Electric heat
- Lighting
- Bunk beds
- Table and chairs
There is no running water in these deluxe cottages, however, there is a restroom and shower facility for shared use. Coin-operated laundry machines are available at the restroom/shower facility.
Renters must supply their own bed linens, towels, dishes, pots/pans, and dinnerware
Dogs are permitted in Cranberry Cottage #22. A maximum of two dogs are permitted for a fee.
Modern and Rustic Cabins
13 rustic, 7 modern
Modern Cabins
♿ Seven modern cabins are available year round. The are complete with:
Read more from the park
- Electric heat
- Bedrooms
- Living/dining room
- Kitchen with stove/oven, refrigerator, microwave, sink, and coffee pot
- Shower
- Air conditioning
Cabins are available for weekly rental in summer and for a two-night minimum during other seasons.
Modern cabins #16 and #19 are ADA accessible.
Modern cabins #17, #18, and #19 are pet friendly.
Rustic Cabins
♿ Thirteen rustic cabins are available for rent from April until the end of deer season in mid-December.
The cabins have minimal furnishings:
- Kitchen stove/oven and microwave
- Table and chairs
- Refrigerator
- Electric lights
- Wood burning stove
- Bunk beds
- Electric heat
There is no running water in the rustic cabins, however, there is a restroom and shower facility for shared use. Coin-operated laundry machines available at restroom/shower facility
Rustic cabin #14 is ADA accessible.
No pets are permitted in any rustic cabin.
GPS DD: Lat. 40.91321 Long. -78.0662
Winterberry Lodge
The lodge is available for rent year round and has modern conveniences like:
- Heat
- Gas fireplace
- Full kitchen
- Bathroom with showers
- Air conditioning
- Uncovered outdoor deck with patio furniture
- An outdoor area with a picnic table, fire ring and lantern holder
The lodge sleeps twelve people.
Guests should bring all essentials like sheets and linens (dishes are provided).
No pets allowed.
During the summer season, the lodge must be rented for a one-week period, beginning on a Friday. For the rest of the year, the cabin must be rented for a minimum of two days, up to a maximum of 14 consecutive days.
Alcoholic beverages are permitted in this overnight facility and associated curtilage only. Alcohol possession and consumption is restricted to the holder of the reservation permit and invited guests age 21 and older. Responsible and legal alcohol consumption is required, and violations are grounds for removal from the state park without refund.
Note that alcohol possession and consumption in all other overnight facilities and all other areas of state parks is prohibited.
Things to do
SwimmingFishingWinter sportsBoatingHorseback ridingHuntingBikingMountain bikingSnowmobilingCross-country skiingHikingPicnickingCamping
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allegheny Front Trail | 3.38 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended Trailhead amenities: none This trail encircles the park, traversing 41.5 miles of the Allegheny Plateau, some rocky and rugged, on the way to five mountain trout streams and eleven vistas in Moshannon State Forest. The Allegheny Front Trail is ideal for backpacking or a day hike on any segment.HikingBackpackingCross-country skiing recommendedSnowshoeing recommended |
| Blueberry Trail | 0.35 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: picnic tables, benches Get a taste of the Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area on this short loop. Parking is available at the Mid-State Airport and the entire loop trail is 1 mile. The trail's abundant berries attract a variety of wildlife and bird species.Hiking |
| Bog Trail | 0.3 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: picnic tables, benches ♿This trail is ADA accessible. Use Boating Area 3 for ADA access. Take the ADA accessible boardwalk to explore a wetland dominated by sphagnum moss and leatherleaf and accented by sedges, rushes, carnivorous plants, and lilies. Observe waterfowl and other wildlife along the trail. Wayside panels tell the surprising story of bogs and other park wetlands. To make the trail a loop, walk Westside Road back to the trailhead (0.5miles).Hiking |
| Hay Road Trail | 1.1 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended Trailhead amenities: none Once used by farmers who harvested marsh grasses, this grassy, old road eases through a mature, mixed oak forest with a black cherry understory.HikingCross-country skiing recommendedSnowshoeing recommended |
| Indian Trail | 1 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended Trailhead amenities: none This trail leads travelers through changing scenery of open oak woods, pines, clearings, and an unusual grove of hawthorns.HikingCross-country skiing recommendedSnowshoeing recommended |
| Lake Loop Trail | 0.7 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches This flat loop connects two bridges for an easy walk along the lake’s northern shoreline. The trail offers a visit to the dam and the beach.Hiking |
| Moss-Hanne Trail | 7.7 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended Trailhead amenities: none On its way through the Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area, this trail travels through pine plantations, hemlock bottomlands, wetland edges, hardwood forests, grassy openings, blueberry patches (ripens between mid-June and mid-August), and beaver ponds. Two boardwalk sections allow exploration of a big marsh and an alder swamp. Waterproof footwear is recommended since some sections of trail are often wet.HikingCross-country skiing recommendedSnowshoeing recommended |
| Seneca Trail | 0.8 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended Trailhead amenities: none This trail weaves through a typical second growth forest of oak and cherry, which shades stumps of pine that were logged out over a century ago.HikingCross-country skiing recommendedSnowshoeing recommended |
| Shingle Mill Trail | 2 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This 3.67-mile trail ventures from the parking area near the dam into Moshannin State Forest, following beautiful Black Moshannon Creek. The trail continues north of the Huckleberry Road bridge and connects to the Allegheny Front Trail.Hiking |
| Ski Slope Trail | 3.1 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches Begin at the beach parking lot for a trek up the mountain. Enjoy the views from the highest point in the park, including an old ski slope. At the PA 504 crossing, try to decipher the old Philadelphia-Erie Turnpike mile marker.HikingMountain bikingSnowmobiling |
| Sleepy Hollow Trail | 1.2 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables, benches Explore a hemlock-birch forest and woodlands of cherry and oak. This trail is recommended for spring wildflowers. Look for evidence of a 1984 selective timber cut. Harvested trees were killed by years of gypsy moth defoliation. New growth provides good food and cover for turkey, deer, and songbirds.HikingMountain biking |
| Snowmobile Trail | 1.1 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches This trail connects to gravel roads and trails open to snowmobiles, horses, and mountain bikes on surrounding Moshannon State Forest land. This grassy, old road travels through an oak woods with an open understory. The trail begins at the Beach Parking Lot, which is plowed in the winter.HikingMountain bikingSnowmobilingCross-country skiing recommendedSnowshoeing recommended |
| Star Mill Trail | 2.1 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended Trailhead amenities: picnic tables With fine views of the lake and opportunities to see wildlife, this trail travels through pines, a climax forest of beech and hemlock, and an uncommon stand of balsam fir.HikingMountain bikingCross-country skiing recommendedSnowshoeing recommended |
| Tent Hill Trail | 0.2 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none Begin near Campsite 22. This trail drops down to the lake shoreline and connects the campground with Lake Loop Trail.Hiking |
Trail descriptions from the park
20 miles of trails
The trails pass though all of the varied habitats of the park.
Seneca, Indian, Bog, and Hay Road trails and a short section of the Moss-Hanne Trail are connected, making them suitable for loop hikes.
Black Moshannon State Park Map
Swimming
♿ An ADA accessible sand beach is open from mid-May to mid-September, 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
A beach wheelchair is available upon request.
Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.
GPS DD: Lat. 40.91622 Long. -78.05909
Smoke-Free Beach
Smoking is prohibited on the beach and in the swimming area. For visitors who smoke and still want to use the beach, designated areas adjacent to the beach are provided. The restriction includes:
- Cigarettes
- Pipes
- Cigars
- E-cigarettes, and other handheld, lighted smoking devices
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Nature center or museum
- Amphitheater
- Group facilities
- Showers: not available (stated by the park)
Water
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramp
- Marina or boat slips
- Boat, canoe or kayak rentals
- Fishing pier
Camping
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Sewer hookups
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Yurts
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Black Moshannon State Park offers a range of accessibility accommodations to ensure all visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Upper Loop Site 26
Camping site 26 is a modern electric site in the Upper Loop. The 25-foot driveway is paved. No pets are allowed.
Upper Loop Site 27
Camping site 27 is a modern electric site in the Upper Loop. The 25-foot driveway is paved with a slight grade. No pets are allowed.
Upper Loop Site 28
Camping site 28 is a modern electric site in the Upper Loop. The 25-foot driveway is paved with a slight grade. No pets are allowed.
Upper Loop 30
Camping site 30 is a full-hookup site in the Upper Loop. The 30-foot driveway is paved with a slight grade. Domestic pets are allowed.
Read more from the park
Upper Loop 31
Camping site 31 is a full-hookup site in the Upper Loop. The 25-foot driveway is paved. Domestic pets are allowed.
Winterberry Lodge
Winterberry Lodge is a unique house that can fit up to 12 people. A paved pathway leads to the entrance.
Cranberry Cottage
Cranberry Cottage is a deluxe cottage with a paved driveway and ramp leading to the entrance. Domestic pets are allowed.
Blueberry Cottage
Blueberry Cottage is a deluxe cottage with a paved driveway and ramp leading to the entrance. Pets are not allowed.
Rustic Cabin 14
Rustic Cabin 14 has a paved driveway and accessible entrance. Pets are not allowed.
Modern Cabin 16
Modern Cabin 16 has a paved driveway and accessible entrance. Pets are not allowed.
Modern Cabin 19
Modern Cabin 19 has a paved driveway. Domestic pets are allowed.
Pavilion 1
Pavilion 1 can accommodate up to 46 people at 8 picnic tables. Domestic pets are allowed.
Pavilion 2
Pavilion 2 can accommodate up to 70 people at 9 picnic tables. Domestic pets are allowed.
Pavilion 3
Pavilion 3 can accommodate up to 70 people at 9 picnic tables. Domestic pets are allowed.
Pavilion 5
Pavilion 5 can accommodate up to 66 people at 9 picnic tables. Domestic pets are allowed.
Water Access
The launch at Boating Area #1 is accessible.
Fishing Access
An accessible fishing pier is located on the western shore of Black Moshannon Lake.
Hiking
Bog Trail
0.3 mile | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: picnic tables, benches
Take the ADA accessible boardwalk to explore a wetland dominated by sphagnum moss and leatherleaf and accented by sedges, rushes, carnivorous plants, and lilies. Observe waterfowl and other wildlife along the trail. Wayside panels tell the surprising story of bogs and other park wetlands. To make the trail a loop, walk Westside Road back to the trailhead (0.5miles).
Hunting
This park offers accessible hunting options. Visitors holding a DCNR Mobility Device Permit can contact the park office for more information about accessible hunting locations within the park.
DCNR permits visitors with a DCNR Mobility Device Permit to use powered mobility devices on designated state park and forest lands, including administrative roads and trails not normally open to standard motorized vehicles.
Visitors interested in a DCNR Mobility Device Permit can fill out an application and submit it at any state park or forest office.
Swimming and Beaches
An ADA accessible sand beach is open from mid-May to mid-September, 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
A beach wheelchair is available upon request.
Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.
GPS DD: Lat. 40.91622 Long. -78.05909
Loaner Equipment
The public can borrow fishing rods, reels, and an equipped tackle box to try fishing. Check in at the park office.
- A valid ID must be provided by at least one adult in the group.
- Equipment is loaned on a first-come, first-served basis and can only be used within the park.
- Park staff may be available to give brief instructions upon request.
- All equipment must be returned at the agreed-upon place and by the agreed-upon time.
- Gear will be supplied, but bring your own bait with you.
- Those 16 years or older need to have a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License.
- Know what you can and can’t keep. All fishing regulations must be followed.
Colorblind Viewfinder
A viewfinders fit with an EnChroma color blind lens is located at the accessible fishing pier off Westside Road.
The lenses are designed to enhance the color vision of those with a red-green color vision deficiency. Any park visitor can use the viewfinder to experience the colorful beauty of nature and to view foliage more vividly.
Communication Board
A communication board, a large visual aid that uses pictures and words to help non-verbal individuals express their needs, thoughts, and feelings, is located at the playground.
Take the ADA accessible boardwalk on Bog Trail to explore a wetland dominated by sphagnum moss and leatherleaf and accented by sedges, rushes, carnivorous plants, and lilies. Observe waterfowl and other wildlife along the trail. Wayside panels tell the surprising story of bogs and other park wetlands.
Theaters and Amphitheaters
An accessible amphitheater is located in the lower campground near the restrooms and playground.
Environmental Education and Visitor Centers
The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) used for park programming, Friends of Black Moshannon meetings, and other events is ADA accessible.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 4216 Beaver Road
Philipsburg, PA 16866-9519 - Nearest town
- State College — about 13 mi northwest (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 40.9122, -78.0569
- Phone
- (814) 342-5960
- blackmoshannonsp@pa.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
From Northeast: Take I-80 West to Milesburg Exit 158, then keep right to Alt. US 220 South toward Milesburg/State College for 6 miles. Turn right onto PA 504 West for 12 miles to the park. From Northwest: Take I-80 East to Kylertown Exit 133. Turn left onto PA 53 for 0.8 mile (through traffic light). At the park sign, turn right onto Main Street. Follow Main Street for five miles, where Main Street will take a hard left and over a bridge. Continue to the stop sign and turn left onto Casanova Road. Follow Casanova Road 9 miles to the park. From Southeast: Take US 322 West to Exit 68 (Greys Woods/Waddle). On the ramp stay right toward Waddle, then continue 6 miles. Bear right onto the ramp for Alt. US 220 North and then travel for 5 miles. Then turn left at the park sign in the village of Julian to take Beaver Road for 8 miles to the park. From Southwest: From Philipsburg, follow US 322 east. Turn left onto PA 504 and travel 8 miles to the park. From South: Take I-99 North to Exit 61 at Port Matilda. Turn right at end of ramp. In 1/2 mile, turn left at traffic light, then 8 miles on Alt. US 220 (Eagle Valley Road). Then turn left at the park sign in the village of Julian to take Beaver Road for 8 miles to park. GPS DD: Lat. 40.9122 Long. -78.05690
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Pennsylvania State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Sep 3, 2026
- DCNR Find a Park: content-fragment JSON feed used by the pa.gov park finder
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology