Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Pennsylvania
119

Pennsylvania State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Central Region
Black Moshannon State Park
start slideshow
Black Moshannon State Park © Bonny Turayev
Black Moshannon State Park © Bonny Turayev
Black Moshannon State Park © Bonny Turayev
Black Moshannon State Park © Bonny Turayev
Black Moshannon State Park © Bonny Turayev
Black Moshannon State Park © Bonny Turayev
Black Moshannon State Park © Bonny Turayev
Black Moshannon State Park © Bonny Turayev
Black Moshannon State Park © Bonny Turayev
Black Moshannon State Park © Bonny Turayev
Black Moshannon State Park © Bonny Turayev
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
BLACK MOSHANNON STATE PARK
BLACK MOSHANNON STATE PARK
4216 Beaver Rd
Philipsburg, Pennsylvania   16866
(lat:40.9018 lon:-78.0638) map location

Phone: (814) 342-5960
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: park email button icon
Perched on the top of the Allegheny Plateau, Black Moshannon State Park features the Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area. Trails and a boardwalk help people explore the birds and plants of the bog and surrounding forests. Stay overnight to extend your stay so you can explore the beautiful forests on the hiking trails.

Black Moshannon State Park covers 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands that provide recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors. The park conserves unique, natural environments and is in Centre County on PA Route 504, nine miles east of Philipsburg. More than 43,000 acres of the Moshannon State Forest surround the park and help create a remote and wild setting.

According to local tradition, American Indians called this watershed "Moss-Hanne," meaning "moose stream," thus the origin of the park's name. Appropriately, the "black" in the park name describes the tea-colored waters. The 250-acre Black Moshannon Lake is fed by clear springs and small streams which flow through the bogs that stretch in most directions from its shores. As the clear water flows through sphagnum moss and other wetland plants, it becomes colored by plant tannins. In a sense, the bog vegetation acts like a giant teabag to color the water.
Cabins
From the second Friday in April until the end of deer season in late December, the park rents 13 rustic cabins. The cabins have minimal furnishings, kitchen stove, refrigerator, electric lights, a wood-burning stove and bunk beds. Six modern cabins are available year-round and have electric heat, bedrooms, living/dining room, kitchen and bath. Renters of rustic and modern cabins must supply their own bed linens, towels, dishes, pots, pans and dinnerware. Cabins are available for weekly rental in summer and on a daily basis during other seasons.
Camping
The 80 campsites each have a picnic table and a fire ring. Most can accommodate either a tent or a trailer. The area features a sanitary dump station and washhouses with flush toilets, showers and laundry tubs. Most sites have electrical hookups. The camping season begins the second Friday in April and ends after deer season in late December.
Swimming
A sand beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming when lifeguards are off-duty.
Boating
Ninety mooring spaces and three boat launch areas are provided. Boat rentals are available in the summer season. Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a 250-acre lake, home to species like largemouth bass, yellow perch and brook trout. Ice-fishing is also available during winter months. Boat rentals are offered for convenience on the water. The park's streams offer excellent opportunities for catching native brown trout as well.


Location
Black Moshannon State Park is located near Bellefonte, State College and University Park

Picnicking
There are 250 picnic tables provided in four picnic areas. Eight picnic pavilions may be reserved for a fee, or when unreserved, may be used on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 20 miles of trails, suitable for all skill levels. Be mindful of uneven terrain.

The Moss-Hanne Trail offers a challenging ride with its length and varied landscape. Ensure you're prepared physically.

Star Mill trail is an easier option at just 1.8 miles long but still requires attention due to occasional obstacles.

Snowmobile trails also permit biking outside winter months; however, they may be rough or muddy in places so proceed carefully.

Remember that some paths are shared-use - respect other users by maintaining appropriate speeds and yielding when necessary.

Always wear protective gear while riding as safety should never be compromised even on the most serene routes.

Check local weather forecasts before setting out since conditions can change rapidly affecting visibility and path stability significantly.

Lastly, always adhere strictly to park rules regarding conservation efforts ensuring these beautiful landscapes remain intact for future visitors' enjoyment too!
Nature Programs
Families, individuals, schools and special request groups participate in the park's environmental interpretive program. Bog walks and stream studies provide understanding of aquatic ecosystems, wetlands and human influences. Obtain program schedules at the park office.
Birding
The park offers over 200 species of birds for observation. There are three designated birding trails available. The Moss-Hanne Trail is a popular spot, especially during migration seasons. Birdwatchers can also explore the Star Mill and Hay Road Trails to see different habitats and bird types.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
January 22 Spooky by Utah
park review stars; one to five Stayed here late April in our trailer.Only two trailers in the park that night.Love this park.We will return
July 21 hidden gem by stroze
park review stars; one to five We loved camping at Black Moshannon. The lake is beautiful and very different than then green waters of many PA lakes we visit. It reminded us of lakes in upstate NY and VT, and we even saw a few loons. We stayed on a chilly and rainy weekend in the spring. The campground restrooms are clean and well maintained. Fishing was much better than expected, with catches of largemouth, crappie and pickerel. Definitely hope to return. Bring a canoe or kayak or rent one if you visit.
July 14 one of the best by brian
park review stars; one to five clean sites lots of activities for kids great fishing black moshannon festival[third week in july] is incredible fun
write a review
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Black Moshannon State Park covers 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands that provide recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors. The park conserves unique, natural environments and is located in Centre County on PA Route 504, nine miles east of Philipsburg. More than 43,000 acres of the Moshannon State Forest surround the park and help create a remote and wild setting.

state route ranger badge
Pennsylvania
119

Pennsylvania State Parks

X