Cowans Gap State Park — Attraction in Todd Township

What a great state park. We used the organized group camping section which is near camping area A. We went swimming in the lake with clear water and a nice sandy bottom. A few in our group rented some boats. We did the standing stone trail and horseshoe trail from the lakeside trail and up the horseshoe trail which is very steep. The views from the top make it worthwhile. The camping area A bath houses have a nice private shower area but you have to hold the button in about every 7 to 10 seconds to keep the water going, and you cannot control the temperature, it was warm enough to take a shower. The bathroom (no shower) at the organized group camping section was older and in need of updates but was better than some I've seen.

As a travel trailer camper as well I noticed going through camping section A at some of the sites had steep entrances and exits off the road which could cause problems for some trailers and motorhomes.

We visited the interpretive center. We found some very informative exhibits inside and spoke with George who had great knowledge of the area. While camping there we also use the concessionaire to get ice and found them to be friendly. They where fairly well stocked and might save you a trip to the dollar store which is about the closest place to get forgotten items. We found that AT&t had slightly better service than Verizon across our group while in The group camping area. When Verizon had better service around the beach area parking lot, enough to make a phone call and send a text anyway. The only time we had 4 or 5G service was the top of the ridge on the standing stone trail. All in all a great State Park off the beaten path with enough to do to keep you busy and not worry about cell...

Cowan's Gap State Park in Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania, is a very well equipped park offering guests a variety of activities and amenities to choose from. Whether you are staying for the day or camping for a week, the park is well suited for both. The beach area is clean, large enough to feel comfortably distanced, and offers a great view of the lake and surrounding hillside. There are bathrooms, showers, and a snack bar onsite. There is a nature center with fun free programs for children. Snag yourself an apple from the nearby apple trees. The large pavilion has a fully functional fire place. If not reserved, light up a fire and play some board games on a rainy day. Camp sites are a plenty for both tent campers and RVers. No full hook ups unfortunately but there is electricity. Bath houses are very very nice. Need something while camping? Amazon orders can be sent to the park office. Just contact the office ahead of time to let them know. Cell service is not good in the camping areas. You can pick up better service at the beach area. The town of Fort Loudon is about 15 minutes away and offers convenience stores, a small restaurant, and a bait and tackle shop. Cowan's Gap State Park earns four mosquitoes...

The power tripping park ranger kicked us out of the lake and park for floating 2 feet outside the swim area rope with our rafts. After hearing the rule over the loud speaker- no swimming beyond the ropes - we immediately came back in. We are from MO and didn't know about the rule, plus tecnically we weren't swimming. That should have been the end of it but Ranger Sleigher forced us out of the water with his whistle and harrased my 9 year old and I in front of a packed beach. He informed my daughter that I put her in danger and she shouldn't believe me if I tell her she is safe past the ropes. This was over the line in my opinion - he has no right to abuse his power by telling a child not to trust their mother. My kid is an excellent swimmer. Being on one side of the rope in a lake with no motor boats makes NO difference in her safety level. Especially because the state wasted money on some authorirarian, aggressive, egotistical person instead of a LIFEGUARD. Which would make more sense if our safety was truly a concern. When I refused to cower in response to him he kicked us out making my kid burst into tears. Thanks for a terrible introduction to PA state parks Ranger Sleigher...we wont be back at...