Cowans Gap State Park

Cowans Gap State Park is a 1,085-acre park in the beautiful Allens Valley of Fulton County. A 42-acre lake, large campground, rustic cabins and many hiking trails are prime attractions. State forest land surrounds the park, providing additional land for recreation and natural beauty in all seasons.

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 30 take PA 75 north at Fort Loudon to Richmond Furnace and follow signs to the park.

Recreational Opportunities

Picnicking: Picnic areas are along the eastern side of Cowans Gap Lake. Picnic areas are mostly shaded with several CCC-era stone fireplaces and charcoal grills scattered throughout. Four picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Pavilions 2, 3 and 4 are stone and have a fireplace. 

Fishing: The 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake offers excellent trout fishing and also has bass, perch and panfish. There is an ADA accessible fishing pier. The South Branch of Little Aughwick Creek offers good trout fishing.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site. 

Swimming: The 500-foot sand beach is open from late May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming. Swim at your own risk.

Food and Refreshment Concession: The concession is in the day use area and serves many snacks and sandwiches. It also has ice, charcoal and other camper supplies. The concession is open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. 

Hunting and Firearms: About 630 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey and squirrel. The park land borders Buchanan State Forest, which is open to hunting, trapping and dog training.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as ground hogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.

For complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site. 

Boating: electric motors only

There are two boat launches and 46 mooring spaces on 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake. A boating concession in the day use area rents rowboats, kayaks and paddle boats and is open daily in the summer.

Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site. 

Hiking: 11 miles of trails

Trails vary in difficulty from flat to very steep. Explore Trails for more information.

Stay the Night

Camping: modern sites, some with electric

Cowans Gap has 201 campsites in two areas. The camping area has a sanitary dump station and modern comfort stations with flush toilets and hot showers. 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. An overnight courtesy boat mooring area is provided for registered campers during their stay at the park. The camping area is open from the second Friday of April until the day following deer season in December. Pets are permitted on designated sites.

Explore the campground map.
Explore camping for more information. 

Make a reservation

Free Camping for Campground Hosts: two host positions in the modern campground

The campground host sites amenities include 50-amp electric service with water hookup at one site. Hosts are required to assist park personnel 40 hours per week, five (5) days a week; provide information to visitors; post all sites daily with permits; and clean fire rings. Contact the park office for additional information and availability. 

Cabins: Ten rustic cabins are available during the spring, summer and fall. The three-room cabins have a four-person overnight capacity and contain a refrigerator, stove, inside fireplace and two bunk beds. There is no indoor plumbing in the cabins. A water faucet is outside. A central comfort station has showers and flush toilets.

Explore the cabin map. 

Organized Group Tenting: This camping area holds organized groups of up to forty people. The area has a modern restroom with flush toilets and is open from the second Friday of April to the third Sunday in October.

Explore organized group tenting for more information.

Winter Activities

Explore the Winter Report for current snow and ice depths. 

Ice Fishing: The 42-acre Cowans Gap Lake is open for ice fishing except for the ice skating area. Ice thickness is monitored only in the ice skating area. For your safety, be sure the ice is four inches thick and carry safety equipment. 

Ice Skating: A section of the lake by the beach is available exclusively for ice skating. Ice thickness is monitored in the beach area. 

Cross-country Skiing: Closed park roads and some of the hiking trails are suitable for cross-country skiing.

Environmental Education and Interpretation

The park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office. Programs are offered April to November. Contact the park office for more detailed information.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.
Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Access for People with Disabilities

The park facilities for use by people with disabilities include picnic areas, campground, cabins, parking and a fishing pier. Restrooms in these areas are designated with the symbol for accessibility. A special vehicle permit is issued at the park office to give access to areas of the park not open to vehicles.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

Nearby Attractions

For information on nearby attractions, please contact the Fulton County Tourist Promotion Agency. www.fultoncountypa.com and

The Alleghenies www.thealleghenies.com.

Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park is the birthplace of James Buchanan, 15th President of the United States and the only Pennsylvanian to ever occupy the office of president. The park is in the foothills of the Tuscarora Mountains on the western side of the Cumberland Valley, seven miles north of US 30.

The 75,000-acre Buchanan State Forest is adjacent to Cowans Gap and has hiking, fishing, hunting and general recreation. 717-485-3148

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital:
Fulton County Medical Center
214 Peach Orchard Road
McConnellsburg, PA 17233

For More Information Contact

Cowans Gap State Park
6235 Aughwick Road
Fort Loudon, PA 17224-9801
717-485-3948
Manager: Stephen Behe

E-mail: cowansgapsp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.