Pymatuning State Park

Hiking   -  Picnicking   -  Sightseeing   -  Swimming   -  Boating   -  Fishing   -  Hunting   -  Education   -  Disc Golf   -  Cross-country Skiing   -  Sledding   -  Snowmobiling   -  Ice Fishing   -  Iceboating   -  Organized Group Tenting   -  Cabins   -  Camping

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Picnicking: Picnic tables are available in many areas. Jamestown and Linesville beaches have ADA accessible picnic sites complete with grill and table. There are 11 picnic pavilions that may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets in day use areas must be kept on a leash or safely restrained and are prohibited in swimming areas and some overnight areas.

Make a reservation.

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Swimming: Four public beaches, Linesville, Tuttle, Jamestown One and Two, and the beach for campers in Jamestown Campground are open the weekend before Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather and conditions permitting. Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.

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Sightseeing: Anywhere along the lake, beautiful vistas of this large body of water can be enjoyed. Some of the more unique sights include the dam, the Linesville “spillway,’’ the fish hatchery, the two causeways across the lake and the Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Learning Center. The spillway is perhaps one of the best known locations because the fish are so plentiful that the “ducks walk on the fishes’ backs” to compete for the food fed by the visitors.

Also, Pymatuning is the only known place in Pennsylvania where bald eagles have nested continuously, even throughout the years of their population decline. Today, park visitors get thrills from spotting eagles in the park.

Spillway Concession: Where the "ducks walk on the fishes backs." 300,000 visitors come each year to feed the fish and view the wildlife in this area. Located two miles south of Lineville on the Hartstown Road, concession has refreshments, souvenirs, and fish food for sale. Generally open weekends mid-April to Memorial Day then seven days per week through Labor Day and weekends again in September. Although fish feeding and wildlife viewing is the main attraction, the scenery and sunsets are gorgeous on this causeway between the lake. For more information, contact the park office at 724-932-3142

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Boating: maximum 20 hp motors permitted
The 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir has many boat launches along the shores, including an ADA accessible launch in the Jamestown Marina and Manning Boat Launch.

The three Pennsylvania boat marinas have boat mooring and rent pontoon boats, motorboats, rowboats, canoes and kayaks, and have a store that has bait, tackle and snacks.

Motorboats must display a current boat registration. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks, available at most state park offices; launching permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Jamestown Watercraft Concession: This facility is located within the 203-slip Jamestown Marina where moorings are administered by Pymatuning State Park. Located in the south end of the park two miles west of Jamestown, PA, a new three-lane launch ramp compliments this facility, which is generally open late March through late October. A variety of rental boats, snacks, bait, tackle and a good selection of fishing gear are available. For more information contact the concessionaire at 724-932-3267.

Espyville Marina Concession: A 184-slip marina accommodates yearly moorings April 1 through October 31 in addition to having a variety of rental watercraft available to lease by the hour, day, or even week. Complimenting the moorings and watercraft rentals, this facility has refreshments, bait, tackle, and a good selection of fishing gear for sale. Located on the northeast side of the 2.5-mile causeway, which bridges the state of Pennsylvania with Ohio, it is easily accessible from PA 285. An 850-foot breakwall doubles as an accessible fishing pier and attracts fisherman as well as boaters and sightseers to this beautiful marina. For more information contact the concessionaire at 724-927-2003.

Linesville Marina Concessionaire: A 170-slip marina accommodates yearly moorings April 1 through October 31, in addition to having a variety of rental watercraft available to lease by the hour, day, or even week. This facility also has snacks, bait, tackle, firewood and a good selection of fishing gear. Located at the “end of the road” two miles west of Linesville off of West Erie Street Extension, it is complimented by other state park facilities including a beach, campground, and cabin area. A 280-foot accessible fishing pier adjacent to this marina is a popular fishing spot in the spring, summer, and early fall. For more information contact the concessionaire at 814-683-4339.

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Fishing: The 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir is a warm-water fishery. Common species are walleye, muskellunge, carp, crappie, perch, bluegill and largemouth and smallmouth bass. Ice fishing during the winter months is also popular. When fishing by boat, fishing licenses issued by either Ohio or Pennsylvania are honored anywhere on the lake. When fishing from the shore, only Ohio licensed fishermen can fish from the Ohio shore and Pennsylvania licensed fishermen from the Pennsylvania shore. There is ADA accessible fishing access in the Jamestown Day Use Area and an ADA accessible fishing pier at the Espyville and Linesville marinas and the Shenango River.

Complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Visit the U. S. Geological Survey Web site for the water level of the Shenango River at Pymatuning Dam. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/uv/?site_no=03101500&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,00010

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Hunting and Firearms: About 10,300 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel and waterfowl.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.

Complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.

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Hiking: 7 miles of trails
There are trails near Tuttle and Jamestown campgrounds, and the abandoned railroad grade on the Spillway is a flat, wide trail.

Disc Golfing: An 18-hole, par 66, disc golf course is located in the Jamestown Day Use Area near the park office. Score cards are available at the 1st and 10th hole tees which are along the road leading to Pavilion 4 and Beach 2. The course is set up in two loops (Front 9 and Back 9) starting and ending at Pavilion 4.

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Stay the Night

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Camping: flush toilets, warm showers, some electric hook-ups
There are two camping areas that are generally open from mid-April through mid-October. Contact the park for specific dates. All campgrounds are near swimming, boating, fishing and hiking and have a sanitary dump station. The maximum stay in all camping areas is fourteen days during the summer season and 21 days during the off-season. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

In the northern part of the park, Linesville Campground has modern facilities, including showers, flush toilets and ADA accessible campsites. About half of the campsites have electricity.

Explore the Linesville Campground Map.

Temporarily Closed: Across the reservoir from Linesville Campground, Tuttle Campground has modern facilities, including showers and flush toilets. About half of the campsites have electricity. Pets are permitted on selected sites. There is a boat launch, playground, camp store and an amphitheater. The Walking Trail is a loop that begins near the camp store.

On the south shore of Pymatuning Reservoir, Jamestown Campground modern facilities, including showers and flush toilets. About half of the campsites have electricity. There is a boat launch, beach, amphitheater and a playground. Pets are permitted on designated sites.

Explore the Jamestown Campground Map.

The Jamestown Campground Campstore and Laundry Concession has a variety of camping supplies including washers and dryers, food, ice, firewood, and an unmatched assortment of “penny” candy for the kids. The campstore is generally open Memorial Day through Labor Day. For additional information contact the concessionaire at 724-932-3782

Explore camping for more information.

Make a reservation.

 

Free Camping for Campground Hosts: six host positions – three in Jamestown Campground, one in Linesville Campground
The campground hosts are required to assist park personnel for 40 hours per week with a four-week minimum stay. Contact the park office for additional information and availability.The host sites have the following amenities:

• Jamestown Campground – 50/30-amp electric service
• Linesville Campground – 50-amp electric service

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Modern Cabins: Twenty modern rental cabins by the Jamestown Day Use Area are available for year-round use. Five ADA accessible, modern rental cabins by the Linesville Campground are open from mid-April to late-October. Cabins have a furnished living area, kitchen/dining area, toilet/shower room and two or three bedrooms. Occupants must bring linens, towels, cookware and tableware.

Explore the cabin map.

Explore cabins for more information.

Make a reservation.

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Organized Group Tenting: This rustic area can serve groups up to 400 people and is in the Jamestown area.

Explore organized group tenting for more information.

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Winter Activities

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Explore the Winter Report for the current snow and ice depths.

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Cross-country Skiing: Most open areas of the park are open to cross-country skiing.

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Sledding: The slopes of the dam are good for sledding.

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Snowmobiling: Fries Road Trail by Tuttle Campground and the abandoned railroad grade by the spillway provide five miles of trails for snowmobiles. In the Jamestown area, there are additional trails and open fields.

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Ice Fishing: Walleye, perch and crappie are the fish most often caught through the ice of the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir.

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Iceboating: Iceboating is permitted everywhere on the lake.

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Environmental Education and Interpretation

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Pymatuning State Park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office. Programs are offered year-round. For more information contact the park office.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.

Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

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Wind Turbine: The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) installed small-scale wind turbines to show how alternative energy can reduce pollution and lessen our dependence on fossil fuels.

For hundreds of years, traditional windmills harnessed wind energy to pump water or grind grain. Today's modern equivalent – the wind turbine – uses wind energy to generate electricity which has far less impact on the environment than energy generation based on fossil fuels.

Using non-renewable fossil fuels like coal and natural gas to generate energy releases many pollutants into the atmosphere. These pollutants, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, mercury and particulates, cause smog, acid precipitation and contribute to global warming which threatens our health and the environment.

To see how much energy is generated by the park's small-scale wind turbine, and how much energy is used daily, weekly and monthly visit the wind turbine page.

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Access for People with Disabilities

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If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

 

Natural areas have unique scenic, geologic or ecological value and are set aside for scientific observation and to protect outstanding examples of natural interest and beauty. Pymatuning has two natural areas in the northern part of the lake. The 725-acre Blackjack Swamp has unique natural communities, in addition to Clark Island which has 161 acres of mature hardwood and white pine forest. Visitors are welcome to explore these undeveloped natural areas.

Explore natural areas for more information.

Early Inhabitants

In the distant past, beyond the period of legend and history, the great swamp that became Pymatuning Reservoir was occupied by the “Mound Builders.” These farmers buried their important dead in large mounds and had an impressive trade network involving goods from all over North America. It is not known what happened to these mysterious people.

The Erie Nation are the first recorded inhabitants of the Pymatuning area. They were ruled by a queen noted for her cunning strategy and crooked dealings.

The Seneca Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy conquered the Erie and used the large swamp for hunting grounds. The name “Pymatuning” is derived from the Iroquois, probably from the Seneca, and means “the Crooked-mouthed Man’s Dwelling Place,” with “crooked-mouthed” referring to deceit rather than facial disfigurement.

History of Pymatuning Reservoir

“All human accomplishments begin with a dream.” The Honorable Gifford Pinchot, then governor of Pennsylvania, delivered these stirring words as part of his address at the dedication of Pymatuning Dam on August 17, 1934. Pinchot was fulfilling a Pennsylvania dream that began in 1868 when the General Assembly provided a survey and an estimate of the cost to drain the Pymatuning swamp to create farmlands. The swamp was not drained because it would cripple the industries downstream in the Beaver and Shenango valleys.

A severe flood in 1913 spurred the legislature to action. The Pymatuning Act, signed the same year, appropriated $100,000 to initiate building a dam. The Pymatuning Act states that the primary purpose of the Pymatuning Reservoir shall be for the conservation of waters entering the Pymatuning Swamp and for regulating the flow of water in the Shenango and Beaver rivers. A secondary purpose is to use the dam and lake as a reservoir to impound flood water during periods of excessive runoff from the 158 square miles of drainage area above the dam.

In the next 18 years, public and private organizations raised the $3,717,739 needed to build the dam. On October 6, 1931, 7,000 men began work, turning the dream into reality, and three years later Governor Pinchot gave his inspiring words at the dedication of the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir.
 

Keep in Touch

Add yourself to the DCNR's online community to receive info on this park, or parks in general.

Volunteering

Like to spend time in the outdoors, meet friendly people and help make Pennsylvania State Parks great? Volunteering at a park might be for you.

Becoming a Conservation Volunteer is easy.

• Sign up to be a Conservation Volunteer
  OR
• Contact your local state park directly and ask for the Conservation Volunteer coordinator - you'll be hooked up with an interesting and appropriate project in Pennsylvania's natural resources.
   

Scouts and organized groups can earn free camping by completing service projects.

Join a Friends Group

The Pymatuning Lake Association is a non-profit group that works to further the goals of Pymatuning State Park. www.pymatuninglake.com

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Believing that each generation is responsible for leaving behind a better legacy of good conservation, the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (PPFF) was created in 1999 to give supporters and users of Pennsylvania's parks and forests a positive way to contribute to the conservation of our publicly-owned properties. The Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation welcomes the support of individuals and businesses who share a commitment to conserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural, scenic, and recreational areas of this commonwealth. www.paparksandforests.org

Make a Donation

To a park - find this park's address below

To a park's friends group - see above

To a park or the Bureau of State Parks - Pennsylvania Parks and Forestry Foundation www.paparksandforests.org

Through a purchase at a park gift shop

Thank you for your support!

Education Programs

We love when young people ask us how to get involved!

DiscoverE has programs for young people ages 4 to 17, provided by Pennsylvania State Park educators. By combining recreation and education, we hope to motivate children to learn more and return often, leading to a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment and conservation leadership. 

In Watershed Education, teachers and students assess water quality of a local stream on a quarterly basis and develop strategies to solve local water quality problems. 

ECO Camp - Exploring Careers Outdoors - is a week-long residential camp for a cross-section of high school youth from across Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Participate in action-packed, hands on activities and recreational adventures in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests that expose youth to conservation, recreation and careers in natural resources. Learn how people make a living working in the outdoors.

Explore education for more information on these and other programs.

Explore the Calendar of Events to find a program near you.

iConservePA

Do you take conservation personally? iConservePA is a Web site managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources whose vision is to inspire citizens to value their natural resources, engage in conservation practices and experience the outdoors. Take conservation personally.

Come Work with Us

Pennsylvania State Parks and the Department of Conservation and Natrual Resources offer a wide range of civil service and non-civil service jobs, from foresters, to rangers, to engineers, to educators, to botanists and so much more. Learn what is currently available.

Tell us What You Think

Contact this park with compliments, concerns and issues about the park.

Pymatuning State Park

Nearby Attractions

Information on nearby attractions is available from:

Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau www.visitcrawford.org
Jamestown, PA www.jamestownpa.com
Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau www.mercercountypa.org

Pymatuning State Park in Ohio has boating, fishing, swimming, camping, cottages and winter activities. www.dnr.state.oh.us/parks/pymatuning/tabid/781/Default.aspx

Maps and Downloadables

Below are many of the maps and publications for this park. You can read them or download them and might need special software (all free) to view the publications.

You must have the free Adobe Reader to view the maps and brochures that are in pdf format (.pdf).

Alternate versions of the text of the brochures are in rich text and text formats. Click on the files to view them. To download (.rtf) files:
For Windows users, right click on the link then left click on "Save target as" to download the file to your computer. For Mac users, hold down the "Options" button and click on the link, then select "Save" to download the file to your computer.

Recreational Guide

Pymatuning State Park Map (.pdf) (2,896 kb, 3/11)
Pymatuning State Park Recreational Guide (.pdf) (541 kb, 3/11)
    large print version of the guide text (.rtf)

Campground Map

Jamestown Campground Map (.pdf) (677 kb, 3/12)
    large print version of the brochure (.rtf)

Linesville Campground Map (.pdf) (680 kb, 3/12)
    large print version of the brochure (.rtf)

Cabin Map

Pymatuning State Park cabin map (.pdf) (495 kb, 3/12)

Directions Map

Pymatuning State Park Directions Map(.pdf) (372 kb, 3/11)

Common Birds Brochure

Common Birds of Pymatuning State Park (.pdf) (382 kb, 3/11)