Boating at Black Moshannon State Park
Electric motors only
The 250-acre Black Moshannon Lake has 87 mooring spaces and four boat launch/mooring areas.
Boat rentals are available during the summer season.
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. Boating Area #1 is ADA accessible.
Iceboating
Most of the lake is open for iceboating. A state park launch permit is required for iceboats.
Ice thickness is not monitored for this activity.
Be Safe on the Ice
Test ice thickness with an auger before recreating. Four inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for a single person. Seven inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for small group. Ice should be six inches thick for iceboating.
Always carry safety equipment and know how to use it.
Spread out. Crowds can put too much weight onto one area.
Be aware of changes in ice thickness across a body of water. Perimeter ice is weaker due to shifting, expansion and sunlight reflecting off of the bottom.
Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks. These structures absorb heat, weakening the surrounding ice.
Avoid areas with multiple or intersecting cracks, and standing water over ice.
Venturing out on ice alone is not advisable. Take a friend along for fun and for safety.
Wear a PFD (life jacket).
Check the weather and plan accordingly. Several days with temperatures above freezing will weaken the ice.
Boating Regulations
The use of gas powered motors is prohibited.
Motorboats must display a current boat registration. Non-powered boats must display one of the following:
- Boat registration
- Launch permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania state parks -- available at most state park offices
- Launch permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and rules apply.