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.
How to Get There
From US 15 South, take the Lawrenceville Exit. At the bottom of the ramp, turn right onto State Route 49. Recreation Area will be on the right approxmately 5 miles. From US 15 North, take the Lawrenceville exit. At the bottom of the ramp turn left. Recreation area will be on the right approximately 5 miles.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SOUTH SHORE RECREATION AREA
Heading to SOUTH SHORE RECREATION AREA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SOUTH SHORE RECREATION AREA?
No central reservation system listed for SOUTH SHORE RECREATION AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234689) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SOUTH SHORE RECREATION AREA?
From US 15 South, take the Lawrenceville Exit. At the bottom of the ramp, turn right onto State Route 49. Recreation Area will be on the right approxmately 5 miles. From US 15 North, take the Lawrenceville exit. At the bottom of the ramp turn left. Recreation area will be on the right approximately 5 miles.
How do I contact SOUTH SHORE RECREATION AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 570-835-5281 or email: cowanesquelakeweb@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
