Pymatuning State Park
Almost everything about Pymatuning State Park is huge. At 21,122 acres, it is one of the largest state parks in the Commonwealth. The 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir is the largest lake in the Commonwealth. In its three campgrounds, Pymatuning has the most campsites in the Pennsylvania state park system. More people visit Pymatuning than almost any other state park in Pennsylvania. But the biggest thing about Pymatuning is the fun you can have boating, fishing, swimming, camping and enjoying other recreational opportunities. In addition to the state park facilities, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission operate a fish hatchery and visitor center, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission has wildlife viewing areas and a learning center.
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Hiking - Picnicking - Sightseeing - Swimming - Boating - Fishing - Hunting - Education - Disc Golf - Cross-country Skiing - Sledding - Snowmobiling - Ice Fishing - Iceboating - Organized Group Tenting - Cabins - Camping
Make a reservation. 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.
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
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. Shenango River Water Trail: This is a canoe and kayak trail that follows the Shenango River from just below the Dam to Riverside Park in Greenville. The trip takes about 3.5 hours to cover the 9 river miles. Conditions are best when the river gage at the Dam is between 4.75 and 5.5. It is not recommended to use the river when the gage is over 5.75. The meandering river shoreline is mostly forested and provides close-up views of many species of ducks, birds of prey, and songbirds. Also be on the lookout for deer, beavers, and muskrats. 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
Complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.
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. Hiking: 7 miles of trails 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. Stay the Night
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. 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
Explore the cabin map. Explore cabins for more information.
Make a reservation. 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. Winter ActivitiesExplore the Winter Report for the current snow and ice depths. Cross-country Skiing: Most open areas of the park are open to cross-country skiing. Sledding: The slopes of the dam are good for sledding. 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. Ice Fishing: Walleye, perch and crappie are the fish most often caught through the ice of the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir. Iceboating: Iceboating is permitted everywhere on the lake. Environmental Education and InterpretationPymatuning 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. 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. 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. Access for People with Disabilities
In an EmergencyContact a park employee or dial 911. Nearest Hospitals To the South: To the West: To the East: 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 InhabitantsIn 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 TouchAdd yourself to the DCNR's online community to receive info on this park, or parks in general. Volunteering
Becoming a Conservation Volunteer is easy.
Scouts and organized groups can earn free camping by completing service projects. Join a Friends GroupThe 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
Make a DonationTo 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 ProgramsWe love when young people ask us how to get involved!
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
Come Work with UsPennsylvania 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 ThinkContact this park with compliments, concerns and issues about the park. Pymatuning State Park Nearby AttractionsInformation on nearby attractions is available from: Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau www.visitcrawford.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
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: Recreational GuidePymatuning State Park Map (.pdf) (2,896 kb, 3/11) Interactive GIS MapThe interactive map uses Geographic Information Systems to create a map that does not need to be downloaded and features driving directions, searchable park amenities and customizable maps. Please note that the background maps are maintained by a variety of public sources. Campground MapJamestown Campground Map (.pdf) (1,270 kb, 2/13) Linesville Campground Map (.pdf) (1,314 kb, 2/13) Cabin MapPymatuning State Park cabin map (.pdf) (495 kb, 3/12) Directions MapPymatuning State Park Directions Map(.pdf) (372 kb, 3/11) Common Birds BrochureCommon Birds of Pymatuning State Park (.pdf) (382 kb, 3/11)  The south shore of the park, including Jamestown Campground, boat launch, beach, cabins, picnic areas, group tenting and the park office, can be reached from US 322. The north shore of the park, including Linesville Campground, beach, picnic areas, boat launch, marina and cabins can be reached from US 6. The east shore of the park, Tuttle Campground, beach, picnic areas, boat launch and Espyville Marina can be reached from PA 285. DD: 41.499 N 80.468 W Driving Directions: The Interactive GIS Map has turn-by-turn driving directions to the park office from the Park information Window. Pymatuning State Park
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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.
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. 
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. 
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.