cowans gap state park

Breath taking views, well kept hiking trails and a glimpse at some PA wildlife added to our winter vacation. The lake wasnt frozen so we caught a school of rainbow trout wading by the bridge and a family of ducks swimming by the shore. The trails were clearly marked and easy to navigate. There are several spots perfect for the seasoned and novice photographer. We had a great time exploring nature together.

This was a great camping trip. Beautiful scenery, easy access. We had no trouble finding a spot for our 40' fifth wheel. Very quiet and the sites are well maintained. Most are quite deep and lots of space between sites. We went during the week so it was quiet. A beautiful beach area and walking paths.

Wow what a beautiful place. We paid to reserve our camp sites. We had a great time. There's swimming, fishing, hiking trails and a concession stand. Camp site has showers and electric. If you day trip its free!

A very beautiful, clean, and pleasant place. Watery is very clear, and good place to swim. This place is nice to spend a day or half with family and friends, and can have barbecue, trail, and relax.

Hot tip: Don't Google Cowan's Gap and type the address into your GPS.This was a great trip for my family. We spent the whole day at the beach area. The kids (2.5-11) played all day without a single complaint. We cooked out with the grills, used the paddle boats, my wife and I took a stroll around the trail, and we left with my 2 year old crying that she didn't want to go home.The scenery is great, there's a concession stand, boat rentals, and plenty of dumpsters to throw away your trash.My aunt said it's impossible to find a parking spot on the weekend, but during the week it's a bit less crowded.We're planning on going back to camp, and also just for day trips!

This place is not only extremely scenic but also clean, friendly and free! Yep, no entrance fee. We like to spend half the day sunning at the lakeside and then getting a large soft serve ice cream for $2.25 and going for the 1.5 mile loop hike around the lake. There is a large building with changing rooms and showers.

We took the lakeside trail with our 3 year old and had a great hike. It is one of the prettiest trails I have been on. We had fun swimming in the lake and all the visitors were friendly. Cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen at a state park. Very mellow place with lots of room to run around and play for the kiddos!

My family rented two of the rustic cabins for a weekend of fishing and hiking. First, the park itself is delightful. The trails were well-marked, there is very little litter or trash, the park rangers were wonderful and helpful...everything was spot-on for a weekend getting away from the world. The boys in our group did a lot of fishing and caught quite a few fish, if that's what you're into.As mentioned, we stayed in two rustic cabins. Each cabin was the same. There is a pretty large common room with a stove and oven, a table with 4 chairs, and 2 more chairs. Then there are two bedrooms, each with a set of bunk beds and a bench. The cabin was much cleaner than expected. No running water, but there is a pump outside. The bathhouse, which is a bit of a hike from some of the cabins, is waaaaaaay nicer than I expected. I think there were 4 or 5 toilets, and 3 or 4 showers. I was able to take a hot shower with good water pressure...pretty awesome after a day of hiking.The beds were surprisingly comfortable. As stated, nothing is provided so bring your own bedding, pillows, cookware, etc.There was firewood provided but you have to split it yourself, and we didn't have an ax.

Cowan's Gap is a beautiful state park located on the spine of Tuscarora Mountain in South Central Pennsylvania. There are picnic tables and pavilions, hiking trails, camp grounds and a food facility, situated all around a lovely lake. There is a small beach with a lifeguard in season, and fishing and small boats available. It is an easy drive from anywhere in South Central PA, and offers singles, couples, families and groups a delightful day's outing, and longer-term stays to campers. Dogs are allowed on leash. There is an interesting museum nearby. The park is officially open from mid-May to September, but can be accessed anytime, weather permitting. In winter the road is closed. This is a peaceful and special place, well worth a visit... and many more!

Snowflakes began to gracefully fall as we arrived at Cowans Gap, creating a very beautiful photo op. Though there is very little to do in reference to the lake in the winter months, we could still possibly go hiking and camping if we had the opportunity. Ps: The bathrooms are closed during the off-season, so plan accordingly.

This is the jewel of PA. State Parks. Located not far from Chambersburg, Pa, and relatively close to the Pa. Turnpike this is a great place to stay. This year the weather was not as great as it usually is in October, but we survived. You can rent rustic cabins, tent sites, or trailer sites. The staff is very cooperative and the park is maintained in an excellent manner. We have been going there for twenty years and have never had a problem. The lake is great for fishing and there are many hiking trails.

We stayed over labor day weekend. Every site was filled, yet the park was almost dead quiet. I suspect that the alcohol prohibition in the campground might have something to do with it, but whatever it was, I enjoyed it! The sites are not very private, but they are roomy and in good condition. They have a wonderful sandy beach and clear lake. The water wasn't warm, but it wasn't freezing cold either. There is a snack bar/camp store. The prices were reasonable, considering it's out in the middle of nowhere. The one complaint I had was the firewood they sold me was green. The firewood seller on the road into the park was also selling green wood. Other than that, it was a great weekdend! While there is a fee for camping, there is no admission fee to the park if you are close and just want to use the beach and pinic facilities.

this is my fav state park to go to!!! the water is so clear for a lake & the concession stand has decent food/snacks at good prices. lots of trails and you can rent paddle boats by the hour. it just is so gorgeous there!!!

We stayed in one of the cabins and found the cabin and the park to be very nice. The cabins are rustic, so there's no indoor plumbing, but that wasn't a problem at all. You just need to plan ahead for the bathroom runs. Speaking of which, the restrooms/showers were clean and modern. The showers were a challenge like most campgrounds, but that's par for the course. The park is nicely wooded and seemed generally quiet. The lake and beach were both very nice and great for our five year old. The concession stand was well run, but the hours, including the boat rentals, were very unpredictable. They close on a whim it seems like, but were very friendly and helpful. We plan to go back again.

If you are looking to get away from the madness of city life, I highly recommend this park. It has a small lake with paddle boats and great hiking trails. One in particular, The Horseshoe, is rather challenging.There are plenty of picnic tables and a decent concession stand.It is a wonderfully peaceful place to visit for the day