Pennsylvania State Parks

Cowans Gap State Park

Adventure awaits at Cowans Gap State Park in south central Pennsylvania.

6235 Aughwick Road
Fort Loudon, PA 17224
717-485-3948
cowansgapsp@pa.gov

Kayakers paddling on the water with a deep green hill in the background

Important Park Alerts & Advisories

Before you head out to explore Cowans Gap State Park, please take a moment to review the latest alerts and advisories. These updates are crucial for your safety and may impact your plans. Stay informed about trail closures, weather warnings, and other important information to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Review Alerts & Advisories

Overview

Cowans Gap State Park is a 1,085-acre park in the beautiful Allens Valley of Fulton County. A 42-acre lake, two campgrounds, rustic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) cabins, and many trails are prime attractions. State forest land surrounds the park, providing additional options for recreation and natural beauty in all seasons.

Park History (opens in a new tab)

Plan Your Visit

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.

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

Find Park Maps and Guides (opens in a new tab)

Call 911 and contact a park employee to summon medical, fire, or safety professionals.

Call or text 988 to contact a crisis center counselor during a mental health or substance abuse crisis.

Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards and at the park office.

Nearest Hospital

Fulton County Medical Center(opens in a new tab)
214 Peach Orchard Road
McConnellsburg, PA 17233
717-485-3155

♿ This symbol indicates facilities and activities that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible for people with disabilities. Screen reader users will hear this symbol as "wheelchair."

Park facilities available for use by people with disabilities include:

Picnic areas
Campground
Cabins
Parking
Fishing pier
Restrooms

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.

The park offers a wide variety of environmental education and recreation programs from April to November. Participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources through:

Hands-on activities
Guided walks
Evening programs

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and organized groups. Call the park office to schedule a group program. A variety of professional development workshops are offered for teachers.

Contact the park office or explore the calendar of events(opens in a new tab) for more information on programs and other learning experiences.