Cowans Gap State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily sunrise – sunset
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed, with restrictions
- Camping
- 201 campsitesAlso cabins
- Official site
- pa.gov(717) 485-3948
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
In Fulton County, about 15 miles west of Chambersburg, Cowans Gap State Park covers about 1,114 acres.
The park supports cross-country skiing, winter sports, hunting in season, canoeing and kayaking, and boating. The official site lists about 13 miles of trails. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals. For overnight stays there are 201 campsites across 2 camping areas (RV sites, tent sites, and group camping). The park says there are no showers. Roofed lodging includes cabins.
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 | — |
| Daily | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | — |
Official wording
The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. The park office is usually open weekdays year round from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. except on some holidays. The park office has extended hours and weekend hours in the summer season through mid-October. The beach, food and boat rental concession, and overnight camping and cabin 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, with restrictions
Not allowed in or on: the swimming area and the sand beach.
Pets are permitted on designated campsites. Up to two dogs are permitted in designated cabins for an additional fee. Dogs are prohibited in the swimming area and the sand beach.
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 Season: The camping area is open from mid-April until mid-December. Cowans Gap State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ Cowans Gap has 201 campsites in two areas. The camping area is open from mid-April until mid-December. The campsites can accommodate campers from a small tent to a large motor home. Seven walk-in tent sites are adjacent to Camping Area B.
The campground has a sanitary dump station and modern restrooms with flush toilets and warm showers.
Pets are permitted on designated campsites.
An overnight courtesy boat mooring area is provided for registered campers during their stay at the park. | 201 | Showers | — |
| Organized Group Tenting This camping area holds organized groups of up to 40 people from mid-April to mid-October.
The restroom has flush toilets but no showers . | — | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping
Cowans Gap State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ Cowans Gap has 201 campsites in two areas. The camping area is open from mid-April until mid-December. The campsites can accommodate campers from a small tent to a large motor home. Seven walk-in tent sites are adjacent to Camping Area B.
The campground has a sanitary dump station and modern restrooms with flush toilets and warm showers.
Pets are permitted on designated campsites.
An overnight courtesy boat mooring area is provided for registered campers during their stay at the park.
Organized Group Tenting
This camping area holds organized groups of up to 40 people from mid-April to mid-October.
The restroom has flush toilets but no showers .
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Rustic Cabins: 10 units
Rustic Cabins
♿ Ten rustic cabins are available during the spring, summer, and fall.
The three-room cabins have a four-person overnight capacity and contain:
- Indoor fireplace
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Microwave
- Ceiling fan
- Two sets of single bunk beds
There is no indoor plumbing in the cabins. A water faucet is outside. A central restroom has showers and flush toilets.
Up to two dogs are permitted in designated cabins for an additional fee.
The cabins are on the National Register of Historic Places because they were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s.
Things to do
Winter sportsCross-country skiingHikingPicnickingBoatingFishingHuntingSwimmingCampingCanoeing and kayaking
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameron Trail | 0.5 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This very steep, boundary trail is on the south end of the park and ends atop Cove Mountain. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built this trail for firefighting access to Buchanan State Forest.Hiking |
| Doe Trail | 0.2 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, equestrian, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: none This short trail connects the Equestrian Parking Lot with Logging Road Trail above Camping Area B.HikingEquestrianCross-country skiing recommended |
| Geyer Trail | 0.6 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This rather steep park boundary trail passes through areas of dense mountain laurel and briar. The trail begins off Aughwick Road where it climbs Tuscarora Mountain to connect to the Tuscarora Trail.Hiking |
| Horse Trail | 0.5 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, equestrian Trailhead amenities: picnic tables This short trail connects the Equestrian Parking Lot with Standing Stone Trail/Knobsville Road Trail.HikingEquestrian |
| Horseshoe Trail | 0.72 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This very steep and very rugged trail passes over loose stones on steep slopes and can be accessed from Tuscarora Trail. From there, hikers will climb up Cove Mountain where they can access the scenic overlook on Standing Stone Trail.Hiking |
| Knobsville Road Trail | 1.6 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none This trail overlaps with Standing Stone Trail to take hikers up Cove Mountain, where Standing Stone Trail continues along the ridge. This trail passes by an old landslide and historic CCC site as it takes hikers to a stunning overlook on top of the mountain. It can be accessed off Lakeside Trail or Parking Lot #4.HikingEquestrian |
| Lakeside Trail | 1.45 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches This scenic, nearly-level trail can be accessed from multiple areas in the park, and takes visitors around Cowans Gap Lake. Area of the trail are gravel and some areas are paved. This is the most popular trail in the park, and provides scenic views of the lake, wildlife viewing opportunities, and serves as a hub for many of the different hiking paths that extend from its central location. Enjoy views of unique CCC pavilions and a spillway as you wHikingBikingCross-country skiing recommended |
| North Logging Road Trail | 0.9 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none This trail follows an old logging road and serves as a great connector trail for making a loop hike when traversing the other trails on the Cove Mountain side of the park. Access via Horseshoe and Knobsville Road Trails is steep -- Doe Trail offers a more accessible option to hikers opting to walk this trail.HikingMountain bikingEquestrian |
| One Mile Trail | 0.7 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This mountain laurel shaded trail begins along Aughwick Road just above the Park Office, and then winds along the bottom of Tuscarora Mountain to join the Three Mile Trail. Hikers can then follow Three Mile Trail or continue along One Mile Trail, ending at Aughwick Road.Hiking |
| Plessinger Trail | 1.1 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This rocky, streamside trail meanders alongside Aughwick Creek and is a great access trail for anglers and a pleasant walk for wildlife watchers.Hiking |
| South Logging Road Trail | 0.7 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none This old logging road now serves as a trail that can be hiked and used as a great connector between other trails on the Cove Mountain side of the park. At the intersection with Cameron Trail, the trail continues onto forestry land.HikingMountain bikingEquestrian |
| Standing Stone Trail | 2.5 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking Trailhead amenities: none A portion of this 80-mile long trail travels through the park before heading north to Greenwood Furnace State Park. The section within Cowans Gap State Park passes a historical CCC incinerator and vistas overlooking the Cowans Gap Lake and lower Path Valley. Backpacking and thru-hiking are permitted on the Standing Stone Trail, but not on parts of the trail within the boundaries of the park. Overnight parking is permitted for hikers but they must check in at the Park Office prior to departure.HikingBackpacking |
| Three Mile Trail | 1.2 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches This trail begins along Aughwick Road across from the upper end of Camping Area A. The trail wanders through mountain laurel on the side of Tuscarora Mountain, and it is a nice trail to walk in June when the mountain laurel is in bloom. Be aware, there is a short, 200-foot section of very steep trail.Hiking |
| Tuscarora Trail | 2.4 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches A small section of the Tuscarora Trail travels through Cowans Gap State Park. In the park, the trail goes through the day-use area around Cowans Gap Lake and the rest climbs along the Tuscarora Mountain, which offers a variety of terrain, multiple vistas, and unusual rock outcroppings and rock fields. Backpacking and thru-hiking are permitted on this trail but not within the boundaries of the park. Overnight parking is permitted for hikers but they must check in at the Park OHikingBackpacking |
Trail descriptions from the park
13 miles of trails
Trails vary in difficulty from flat to very steep. Hikers should be in good physical condition, wear sturdy boots, and use caution due to slippery/wet conditions and steep trail sections.
Cowans Gap State Park Map
Swimming
The 500-foot sand beach is open from May to late September, from 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
Please read and follow posted rules for swimming. Swim at your own risk.
Dogs are prohibited in the swimming area and the sand beach.
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
- Other handheld, lighted smoking devices
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- 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
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
✓ 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
Cowans Gap State Park offers a range of accessibility accommodations to ensure all visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Area A - Site 002
Area A, Site 002 is a modern electric campsite with 30-amp service, a paved back-in driveway that’s 30 feet long, and a maximum vehicle length of 30 feet. Domestic pets are allowed.
Area A - Site 004
Area A, Site 004 is a modern electric campsite with 30-amp service, a paved back-in driveway that’s 32 feet long, and a maximum vehicle length of 32 feet. Domestic pets are allowed.
Area A - Site 006
Area A, Site 006 is a modern electric campsite with 30-amp service, a paved back-in driveway that’s 38 feet long, and a maximum vehicle length of 38 feet. Domestic pets are allowed.
Read more from the park
Area A - Site 007
Area A, Site 007 is a modern electric campsite with 30-amp service, a paved back-in driveway that’s 22 feet long, and a maximum vehicle length of 22 feet. Domestic pets are allowed.
Area A - Site 109
Area A, Site 109 is a modern electric campsite with 30-amp service, a gravel back-in driveway that’s 58 feet long, and a maximum vehicle length of 40 feet.
Area B - Site 184
Area B, Site 184 is a modern electric campsite with 30-amp service, a gravel pull-through driveway that’s 42 feet long, and a maximum vehicle length of 40 feet. Domestic pets are allowed.
Area B - Site 185
Area B, Site 185 is a modern electric campsite with 50-amp service, a paved back-in driveway that’s 65 feet long, and a maximum vehicle length of 50 feet. Domestic pets are allowed.
Rustic Cabin G
Rustic Cabin G can accommodate up to 4 people. Visitors are reminded to bring their own linens, dishes, pots, and pans.
Accessible Picnic Tables
Accessible picnic tables are located in the main day use area at two locations on the north and south side of the concession stand and beach. There is a paved path from Parking Lot #3 that leads to a paved picnic area.
Pavilion 1
Pavilion 1 is located beside Parking Lot #3 in the main day use area. It can accommodate up to 50 people with 8 picnic tables.
Fishing Access
There are two accessible fishing piers at Cowans Gap.
North east side of the lake, just north of the beach area.
South west side of the lake near the boat launch.
Hunting
Areas of the park provide accessible hunting on drivable trails such as Knobsville and North and South Logging Road Trails. 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 500-foot sand beach is open from May to late September, from 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
There is a paved path that leads from the beach house down into the lake. There is railing on the lake portion of the path.
Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.
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 near parking lot #3.
Theaters and Amphitheaters
An accessible amphitheater is located west of the Nature Center in the main day use area. There are 2 ADA parking spaces for the amphitheater with a crushed gravel trail to the seating area.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 6235 Aughwick Road
Fort Loudon, PA 17224-9801 - Nearest town
- Chambersburg — about 15 mi west (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 39.9948, -77.9249
- Phone
- (717) 485-3948
- cowansgapsp@pa.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
The park is north of US 30 between Chambersburg and McConnellsburg. • From the west: I-76 to Exit 180, Fort Littleton, then US 522 north to Burnt Cabins and follow signs to the park. • From the east: I-76 to Exit 189, Willow Hill, then PA 75 south to Richmond Furnace and follow signs to the park. • From the south: US 30 to PA 75 north at Fort Loudon to Richmond Furnace and follow signs to the park. GPS DD: Lat. 39.99478 Long. -77.9249
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