Canoeing and Camping at the Black Moshannon State Park

Black Moshannon State Park
Located in Center County, and surrounded by more than 43,000 acres of the Moshannon State Forest, Black Moshannon State Park contains a natural environment of 3,394 acres of lake, forests, and wetlands. One of the most popular natural features of Black Moshannon State Park is the Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area which is accessible by trails and boardwalks.

The Black Moshannon Lake is 250 acres in size, and fed by mountain springs and streams. Black Moshannon got its name because as the mountain fed water flows through the bogs of the Black Moshannon, it becomes colored black by plant tannins. The features of the park provide opportunity for camping, trout fishing, biking and flatwater paddling.

Canoeing at Black Moshannon State Park
The Black Moshannon Lake is 250 acres of flatwater paddling opportunity. The lake has three boat launches, and mooring areas for pontoon and motorboats. Many of the picnic areas are located near the waters edge. Boat rentals are available in the summer season. Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display a boat registration from any state or a launching or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks.

Camping at Black Moshannon
One of the greatest pleasures of Black Moshannon State Park is the camping opportunity. The park has 80 campsites with a fire ring and picnic table. Most campsites will accommodate either a tent or a trailer. A sanitary dump station and washhouses, flush toilets, showers and laundry tubs are nearby. Electrical hookups are provided at most campsites.

Cabins
The park's 13 rustic cabins are available from April until the end of deer season in late December. The cabins contain a kitchen stove, refrigerator, electric lights, a wood-burning stove and bunk beds. The park also has six modern cabins that have electric heat, bedrooms, living and dining room, kitchen and bath.

Fishing at Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon Lake provides opportunity for warm water fishing. The nearby Black Moshannon Creek, provides opportunity for trout fishing. Other nearby trout streams including Six Mile and Black Bear runs.

Swimming
A sand beach is open from May to September. Lifeguards are on duty daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

Biking at Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon State Park and the surrounding Moshannon State Forest offers miles of dirt roads that are excellent for walking and biking. The roads run through areas rich in historic and scenic interest and provide biking opportunity of up to twenty miles.

Environmental Education
Black Moshannon State Park invites families, individuals, schools and special request groups to participate in the park's environmental interpretive program. Through the programs you will gain an understanding of aquatic ecosystems, wetlands and human influences.

Although campsites are available on a first come basis, it is advisable to reserve your campsite in advance. You can reserve a campsite online by clicking here. Or you can call 888-PA-PARKS.

For more information on visit the Black Moshannon State Park Website.