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Pymatuning State Park
Almost everything about Pymatuning State Park is huge. At 21,122 acres, it is the largest state park 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 Pa. state park system. More people visit Pymatuning than almost any other Pa. state park. 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 Pa. Fish and Boat Commission operates a fish hatchery and visitor center, and the Pa. Game Commission has wildlife viewing areas, and learning center. |
Explore
Directions - Weather - Recreation - Stay the Night - Winter Recreation - Winter Report - Environmental Education - Calendar of Events - Accessibility - History - Natural Areas - Nearby Attractions - Volunteers - Rules and Regs - In an Emergency - Contact Us - Downloadables and Maps
Park Advisories
| 8/5/2008 9:16:00 AM | Firewood Advisory: Invasive Beetles found in Firewood Threaten Forests! Before bringing firewood to a Pennsylvania State Park, please read the information in the linked page about a very real threat to forests in Pennsylvania and all of North America. Firewood Advisory |
| 6/23/2008 1:30:00 PM | Please be advised that the horsepower on Pymatuning Lake has been raised to 20HP as of June 13, 2008. |
Directions
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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. |
Recreational Opportunities
Hiking - Picnicking - Sightseeing - Swimming - Boating - Fishing - Hunting - Cross-country Skiing - Sledding - Snowmobiling - Ice Fishing - Iceboating - Organized Group Tenting - Cabins - Camping
 Boating: 20 hp motors permitted |
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.
For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit 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.
Picnicking: Picnic tables are available in many areas. Jamestown and Linesville beaches have ADA accessible picnic sites complete with grill and table. There are ten 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
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 PA 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.
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
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. Fishing licenses issued by either Ohio or Pennsylvania are honored anywhere on the lake, but only Ohio licensed fishermen can fish from the Ohio shore and Pennsylvania licensed fishermen from the Pennsylvania shore. There is accessible fishing access in the Jamestown Day Use Area and, an accessible fishing pier at the Espyville and Linesville marinas and the Shenango River.
For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.
Go to 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
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. Linesville and the Jamestown beaches have ADA accessible walkways to the water. Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming. |
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. Contact the park office for accessible hunting information.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Wildlife Management Area has controlled shooting during the annual waterfowl season. Special areas are also established for duck hunting. Public hunting is available in many areas surrounding the controlled shooting section. A propagation area comprising 2,500 acres of water provides a protected location for migratory waterfowl during their flights north and south.
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply.
Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. The park is used by other visitors during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment 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 must be kept in the owner's car, trailer or camp.
For complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.
Hiking: 7 miles
There are trails near Tuttle and Jamestown campgrounds, and the abandoned railroad grade on the Spillway is a flat, wide trail.
Stay the Night
Camping: modern restrooms with showers
There are three 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.
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 has modern facilities, including showers and flush toilets. About half of the campsites have electricity. There is a boat launch, beach, amphitheater and a playground.
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 the campground maps.
Pets are allowed in designated campsites. Explore pets in campgrounds for more information.
Explore camping for more information.
Make a reservation
Free Camping for Campground Hosts: six host positions – three in Jamestown Campground, two in Tuttle Campground, one in Linesville CampgroundThe 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
- Tuttle Campground – 30-amp electric service
- Linesville Campground – 50-amp electric service
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
Organized Group Tenting: This rustic area can serve groups up to 400 people and is in the Jamestown area.
Winter Recreation
Explore the Winter Report for the current snow and ice depths.
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.
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.
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.
Environmental Education and Interpretation
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.
Natural Areas
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. |
Access for People with Disabilities
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks:
888-PA-PARKS (voice)
888-537-7294 (TTY)
711 (AT&T Relay Services)
Nearby Attractions
For more information on nearby attractions contact:
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 Pymatuning State Park in Ohio has boating, fishing, swimming, camping, cottages and winter activities.
In an Emergency
Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.
Nearest Hospitals:
To the South:
UPMC Horizon: Greenville
110 North Main Street
Greenville, PA 16125
724-588-2100
To the West:
St. Joseph Emergency and Diagnostic Center
476 South Main Street
Andover, OH 44003
440-293-6111
To the East:
Meadville Medical Center
751 Liberty Street
Meadville, PA 16335
814-333-5000
For More Information Contact
Pymatuning State Park
2660 Williamsfield Road
Jamestown, PA 16134
724-932-3141
Manager: Pete Houghton
E-mail: pymatuningsp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer
Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.
