
South Shore Recreation Area
Cowanesque Lake, Pennsylvania
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As of October 2026, South Shore Recreation Area is a campground in Pennsylvania with 3 campsites. South Shore Recreation Area is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks South Shore Recreation Area for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- South Shore Recreation Area is located at 41.9744ยฐ N, 77.2089ยฐ W.
- people allowed on each site
- 100
South Shore Recreation Area reservations and next available dates
October 2026
Stay and booking rules
- Mid-stay changes allowed
- Maximum stay: 14 nights
- Military discount available
- Book up to: 12 Months
Published by Recreation.gov for South Shore Recreation Area, read on September 29, 2026.
Campsites at South Shore Recreation Area
- Group 3
- Accessible 3
- Hookups 2
Amenities
- potable water
At a glance: Setting: Mountain.
Things to do: fishing, boating, hiking, photography.
All sites at South Shore Recreation Area, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the Day Use loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps | Hookups | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iroquois | Group | 100 | Electric, Water | Accessible |
| Mohawk | Group | 100 | - | Accessible |
| Oneida | Group | 100 | Electric, Water | Accessible |
About South Shore Recreation Area
Overview
South Shore Recreation Area is located on the south side of the Cowanesque Lake along State Route 49, just five miles west of Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. The area is easily accessible from Route 15 and offers a great location for boating, picnicking and fishing.
Recreation
Cowanesque Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities including boating and fishing. A variety of native fish inhabits the area's streams and lakes. The North and South Tailrace areas provide access for fishing below the dam.
The fields and forests around the lake are popular destinations for hunters looking for large and small game species that inhabit the eastern hardwood forests.
Many miles of hiking trails circle the lake, including the Mid State Trail, which travels through the recreation area. It links the trails at Cowanesque and nearby Hammond Lake into a long path that extends all the way through Pennsylvania from Maryland to New York.
Facilities
The recreation area offers three group shelters. The Iroquois and Oneida Shelters have electric and water hookups; the Mohawk Shelter has water hookups only. All three sites are fully accessible and comfortably accommodate groups of up to 100 people in a lovely lakeside setting.
Natural Features
Cowanesque Lake is situated in the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains. The surrounding land paints a scenic picture of rolling terrain and open fields.
Rules and notices at South Shore Recreation Area
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check South Shore Recreation Area on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Dumpster receptacle for the Iroquois, Mohawk, and Oneida Shelters is located at the Mohawk Shelter parking lot.
Follow all applicable rules and regulations
South Shore Recreation Area FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at South Shore Recreation Area?
South Shore Recreation Area is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.
How do I find last-minute availability at South Shore Recreation Area?
Cancellations happen frequently at South Shore Recreation Area, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does South Shore Recreation Area have?
South Shore Recreation Area has 3 campsites.
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