Pymatuning State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Pennsylvania.
Nestled in the northwestern corner of the state and spanning the border with Ohio, about 30 minutes from Meadville, the park sprawls for some 16,892 acres. This puts it right up there with the largest state parks in the commonwealth.
Centered around the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir, which happens to be the state’s largest lake, it is the place to come if you enjoy boating, fishing or swimming. It is also a very good spot for hiking, with several easy rated trails showcasing its spectacular landscape.
Other activities like hunting, disc golfing and winter activities like sledding and cross country skiing are regularly partaken in too. While there are several campgrounds and camping options located within the park for those who want to enjoy an extended stay at it.
Activities
From swimming and fishing to camping and hiking, Pymatuning State Park offers plenty of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.
Outlined below is a selection of some of the more popular recreational outdoor activities you can partake in while you are there.
Boating at Pymatuning State Park
As you would expect given the size of the lake, boating is a major pastime at Pymatuning State Park.
Open all year round, the park accommodates several boating options, including motorized and non-motorized, for those who have brought their own vessels with them.
For those who don’t have their own boat, rentals can be picked up from the Jamestown Watercraft Concession at the marina. There you will find plenty of options available, including pontoon boats, fishing boats and kayaks.
Additionally, water skiing and tubing are also regularly partaken in, and there are several boat launches to get you onto the water.
Swimming at Pymatuning State Park
Around the shoreline of the lake there are three public beaches that make fantastic places to relax, sunbathe and swim.
These beaches – Main Beach, Linesville, Main Beach and Beach Two (which is in the Jamestown Campground) remain open from the weekend just before Memorial Day, all the way to Labor Day, depending on conditions and weather.
None of these beaches are lifeguarded, so you will have to swim at your own risk. But on a hot and humid summer’s day, they do provide a welcome way to cool off from the intensity of the heat.
Fishing at Pymatuning State Park
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Pymatuning State Park.
Well stocked with walleye, muskellunge, crappie, perch, and bass, anglers can cast a line all through the year and there are several fishing access areas around the lake where you can do so.
One of the best places to fish is the Spillway, which is located near the dam at the southern end of the lake. The Spillway is known for its abundance of carp and attracts large crowds of visitors who come to feed the fish and watch the frenzy of activity in the water.
To fish at Pymatuning State Park, visitors must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, which you can buy online or at local retailers.
Additionally, there are several rules and regulations that must be followed, including size and creel limits, as well as restrictions on the use of certain types of bait.
Hiking at Pymatuning State Park
Hiking at Pymatuning State Park is a popular activity for visitors who want to explore the natural beauty of the park’s forests and lakeside scenery.
Overall, the park has over 7 miles of easy rated trails that wind through wooded areas, wetlands, and open fields, offering hikers a variety of landscapes to enjoy.
Here are some of the best trails at Pymatuning State Park:
- Tamarack Trail Length: 1.2 miles. Degree of Difficulty: easy
- Ackerman Trail Length: 1.9 miles. Degree of Difficulty: easy
- Spillway Trail Length: 3.25 miles. Degree of Difficulty: easy
Pets
Pets are more than welcome to join you at the Pymatuning State Park, although strict rules and regulations have been put in place that relate to their presence.
They include your four legged friend being well behaved at all times and not disturbing other guests or the park’s flora and fauna.
Additionally, dogs are supposed to be leashed at all times during their visit and are not allow in certain areas of the park.
For a full rundown of the park’s pet policy it is worth contacting the main office.
Camping
Camping is a very popular activity at the park for those who want to spend more than just a day exploring and enjoying its natural beauty.
Overall, the park has several campgrounds that offer a variety of camping options that range from primitive tent sites to modern RV sites with full hookups.
One of the busiest campgrounds at the park is the Jamestown Campground which accommodates 20 cabins and a number of campsites. There you will also find hot showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities, as well as picnic areas and playgrounds for children.
For those looking for a more secluded camping experience, the Linesville Campground is a smaller, more rustic option that offers primitive tent sites and a handful of cabins. The campground is located near the lake and has several fishing access areas for those who want to cast a line.
In addition to these campgrounds, Pymatuning State Park also has several group campsites that can accommodate larger groups of campers. These campsites are ideal for family reunions, youth groups, and other large gatherings.
Park Location
Pymatuning State Park
2660 Williamsfield Rd
Jamestown, PA 16134
Phone: 724.932.3142
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Pymatuning State Park:
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