Cowans Gap State Park

6235 Aughwick Rd, Fort Loudon, PA 17224

1,085-acre park in Fulton County's Allens Valley around a 42-acre lake. 500-foot sand beach open late May–late September, 8 AM to sunset. Lifeguards 11 AM–7 PM Memorial Day weekend–Labor Day. Two campgrounds, rustic CCC-era cabins, and miles of trails.

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Skip the beach today.

Thunderstorms · NWS alert active · 47% rain

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. West wind around 8 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 7pm and 8pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Some of the storms could be severe. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. West wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Weather

  • 84°F air — ideal beach weather
  • 47% rain — rain likely at some point

Safety

  • Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
  • NWS alert active — flood watch issued july 18 at 4:11pm edt until july 19 at 12:00am edt by nws state college pa
skip
50 Sunbathe
16 Walk
8 Fish
30 Photo

Best for sunbathing today

Weather alert in effect

Flood Watch issued July 18 at 4:11PM EDT until July 19 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS State College PA

Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued July 18 at 1:03PM EDT until July 18 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS State College PA

Air Temp
84°F
Light Rain and Smoke and Fog/Mist
Wind
8 mph
W
Rain
47%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
6 High
Peaks 12 PM · burn in ~33m
Burn-free before 11 AM & after 02 PM
Tomorrow
79°F
Mostly Sunny
Water Temp
Next High Tide
11:05 PM
1.7 ft · in 2.1h
Sunrise
5:57 AM
Sunset
8:37 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Today Jul 18
84°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

47%
36
Sun Jul 19
79°

Mostly Sunny

0%
86
Mon Jul 20
80°

Mostly Sunny

2%
87
Tue Jul 21
82°

Showers And Thunderstorms

76%
21
Wed Jul 22
78°

Chance Rain Showers

36%
62
Thu Jul 23
76°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Sunny

15%
81
Fri Jul 24
80°

Sunny

5%
86
  • optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 47% rain chance

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Solunar theory: fish activity peaks at moon transits (major) and moonrise/moonset (minor). All times local.

Minor
10:20 PM - 11:20 PM
Major
3:40 AM - 5:40 AM
Minor
10:20 AM - 11:20 AM
Major
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Parking

State park lot.

Dogs

Dogs permitted on leash in designated areas; not on swim beach.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

6235 Aughwick Rd, Fort Loudon, PA 17224

lifeguardsbeachbathhousecampingCCC cabinsboat rentalstrailsfishing
Is it safe to swim at Cowans Gap State Park today?

Cowans Gap State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Cowans Gap State Park dog-friendly?

Dogs permitted on leash in designated areas; not on swim beach.

Is there an entry fee at Cowans Gap State Park?

Entry to Cowans Gap State Park is free.

Are there lifeguards at Cowans Gap State Park?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Cowans Gap State Park during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Cowans Gap State Park?

Amenities at Cowans Gap State Park include lifeguards, beach, bathhouse, camping, CCC cabins, boat rentals, trails, fishing.

When is the water warmest at Cowans Gap State Park?

Inland lakes peak in July and August at 75-80°F and hold warmth longer than tidal beaches. Swimming comfortable from mid-June through September.

Where is Cowans Gap State Park located?

Cowans Gap State Park is in Fulton County, PA, at 6235 Aughwick Rd, Fort Loudon, PA 17224.

Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS

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