🎣 68-Acre Trout Lake in the Allegheny Foothills — Swimming Beach, Yurts, and Ice Fishing — An 805-acre park with a stocked trout lake, sandy beach, 80+ campsites, yurts, cottages, and connections to the Allegheny National Forest — Warren County, Pennsylvania
Chapman State Park (originally named Chapman Dam State Park) is a hidden gem in Pennsylvania’s Allegheny foothills — 805 acres of rolling forest surrounding a 68-acre lake created by a dam on the West Branch of Tionesta Creek. The lake is stocked annually with trout and supports excellent year-round fishing, while the sandy swimming beach and woodland campground make it a perfect family base for exploring the adjacent Allegheny National Forest.
What sets Chapman apart is its versatility: it’s a four-season park with summer swimming and camping, fall foliage hiking, winter ice fishing and cross-country skiing, and spring trout runs. The campground offers traditional tent and RV sites alongside yurts and furnished cottages — rare amenities for a Pennsylvania state park.
What to Do
| Activity | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trout Fishing | 68-acre Chapman Lake | Brook, brown trout stocked annually |
| Swimming | Sandy beach on lake | Late May–mid September |
| Camping | 80+ sites | Tent, RV, electric hookups |
| Yurts/Cottages | Furnished lodging | Year-round availability |
| Boating | Electric motors + non-powered | Canoe/kayak rentals (seasonal) |
| Hiking | Multi-mile trail network | Connects to Allegheny National Forest |
| Ice Fishing | Winter on Chapman Lake | Perch, trout through the ice |
| XC Skiing | Winter trails | Groomed when conditions allow |
Fishing Guide
| Species | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brook Trout | Spring–Fall | Stocked, native in tributary streams |
| Brown Trout | Spring–Fall | Annual stocking |
| Largemouth Bass | May–Oct | Structure fishing, coves |
| Yellow Perch | Year-round | Popular ice fishing target |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 68–82°F | Swimming, camping, boating, family trips |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 42–65°F | Spectacular Allegheny foliage, trout |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 15–32°F | Ice fishing, XC skiing, yurt stays |
| Spring (Apr–May) | 40–62°F | Trout stocking, wildflowers, solitude |
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day Use | FREE | No entrance fee |
| Campsite | $15–$25/night | 80+ sites, some electric |
| Yurt/Cottage | $50–$85/night | Furnished, year-round |
| Day Trip | $0 | Beach + trails + fishing — free |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the trout fishing good?
Yes. Chapman Lake is stocked annually with brook and brown trout. The lake also holds largemouth bass, perch, bluegill, and sunfish. Ice fishing is popular in winter.
How close is the Allegheny National Forest?
Adjacent. The park borders the Allegheny National Forest and state game lands. Trails connect directly from the park into the national forest.
Are yurts available in winter?
Yes. Yurts and cottages are available year-round, making Chapman one of the few PA state parks with winter lodging options.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Chapman State Park is a short drive away, and Drake Well Museum and Park is within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Pennsylvania state parks online at pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🎣 Allegheny Trout Lake
68-acre stocked trout lake, sandy beach, yurts, and four-season recreation in the Allegheny foothills — a hidden gem in Pennsylvania’s northwest.
Wildlife & Nature
Chapman Dam SP — in Warren County, Pennsylvania — provides camping and fishing on a 68-acre lake in the Allegheny Plateau. The park’s hemlock-beech forest supports white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Beavers maintain lodges on the inlet. Great blue herons fish the lake. Brook trout inhabit the cold streams.
Nearby Attractions
Clarendon — adjacent. Allegheny National Forest — surrounding — has the Kinzua Bridge. Warren — 10 miles west — has the county seat. Tionesta — 20 miles south — has Hearts Content (old-growth forest).
Park Location
Top Tours & Activities Near Erie
from $29
from $426
from $625