Part of Pennsylvania's Buchanan State Forest, Cowans Gap State Park Campground sits atop mountain terrain 4.5 miles from Fort Loudon. The Bureau of State Parks manages this seasonal facility, which operates from the second Friday in April through deer season in December. Two distinct camping areas serve different needs—Loop A accommodates both RVs and tents across sites 1-81, while the smaller Loop B offers sites closer to the lake.
Campers consistently note the campground's mountain setting and proximity to the 42-acre lake. Sites vary considerably in terrain, with some reviewers mentioning uneven ground that challenges RV setup. The paved tent sites require alternative anchoring methods since stakes cannot penetrate the surface. Loop B receives praise for feeling less crowded, though Michael L. notes "we could hear traffic on the road throughout the day/night." Cell service remains limited to nonexistent throughout most of the park, with only occasional signal near the lake area.
The lake anchors recreational activities, featuring a swimming beach, boat launches, and rental options for kayaks and pedal boats. Multiple hiking trails wind through the area, including connections to the Allegheny Trail system. Shelly S. describes "several trails to enjoy with easy to very strenuous climbs." A 1.5-mile level trail circles the lake, while more challenging routes lead to mountain overlooks. The park allows fishing and offers seasonal programming including stargazing events.
Access requires navigating winding mountain roads that some reviewers describe as challenging, particularly the downhill exit route. The campground lacks a camp store, requiring advance preparation for supplies. Firewood sells for $5 per bundle through a resident vendor. Bathhouses maintain high cleanliness standards, though shower facilities may be distant from some sites. Sites 1-30 allow pets with no vaccination requirements.
For campers seeking additional options in the region, Bear Valley Roadside Sites provides a more primitive alternative within the same state forest system.
Description
Cowans Gap State Park is a diverse landscape nestled within the scenic Allens Valley of Fulton County. Campers come to enjoy the park’s 1,085 acres which offer a large lake, a full-size campground, provincial lodges, and many climbing trails throughout. Aside from the attractions, Buchanan State Forest encompasses the park, offering up fun and beauty regardless of the season. Open every day of the year, the park is a great place to visit for day-trip recreation. That said, if planning to camp here you’ll want to prepare in advance as campsite availability changes by the season.
One of the unique offerings that Cowans Gap features is a number of environmental educational programs for the local public. These programs serve to help the pubic, especially the youth, foster a sense of responsibility for the nature that surrounds them every day. There are guided walks, hands-on activities, and even evening programs for those up to it.
Aside from the educational opportunities, Cowans Gap is also right in the center of over 71,000+ acres of protected land thanks to Buchanan State Forest. There are 19 tracts of forest which occupy the acreage, showcasing numerous ravines, gulches, and brooks as well as groves of pine, hemlock, and maple.
Subsequently, this wild and rugged backdrop attracts hikers, campers, fishers, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over. A number of state game lands located nearby are also popular visiting places for season hunters looking to bag an elk or other large game.
Within the campground itself, there’s a variety of fun activities to get in on. During the winter, the park lake freezes making it perfect for ice-fishing and other winter fun. There’s also a maintained skating rink, so you can even come and ice-skate or play a quick game of hockey.
It’s during the warmer months however that Cowans Gap state park really starts to shine. Once the lake unfreezes, campers flock for kayaking, canoeing, and pedal boating. The campground itself starts to bustle as children and families visit the local volleyball courts, and check out the nearby trails on Horseback. The lake offers a sandy beach area to recreate, as well as a pier for fishers to get easier access to deep water.
Campsites are fully serviced here, and spacious enough to accommodate most families. There are restrooms available throughout the park, and a full-service concession stand for firewood and other conveniences. There are also cabins available for rental, but like most parks be sure to plan ahead as they tend to fill up quick.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCowans Gap State Park Campground is located in Pennsylvania
Directions
The park is north of US 30 between Chambersburg and McConnellsburg. To reach the park from the west take Exit 180, Fort Littleton, of I-76, then US 522 north to Burnt Cabins and follow signs to the park. From the east take Exit 189, Willow Hill, of I-76, then PA 75 south to Richmond Furnace and follow signs to the park. From US 30W take PA 75 north at Fort Loudon to Richmond Furnace and follow signs to the park. From US 30E take Aughwick Road 7 miles north to the park entrance.
Address
6235 AUGHWICK RD
Fort Loudon, PA 17224
Coordinates
39.98789006 N
77.93196474 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 33 min from Chambersburg, PA
- 41 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 2 min from Gettysburg, PA
- 1 hr 6 min from Altoona, PA
