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Pymatuning State Park
Nearby Parks:
Pymatuning State Park
Maurice K Goddard State Park
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| State Park Contact Information: |
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Pymatuning State Park
2660 Williamsfield Road
Jamestown, Pennsylvania 16134
Phone: 724-932-3141
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: pymatuningsp@state.pa.us
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| Adopt-A-Park Contacts: |
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Photography: add your photos
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| State Park Reservations: |
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Reservations: 
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| State Park Overview: |
| Pymatuning is one of the largest state parks in the Commonwealth. The large lake provides excellent fishing throughout the year. Pymatuning Lake is especially lovely in late spring evenings when the sunset gilds the water and colorful sailboats appear to slide across a lake of gold. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| 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. Blackjack Swamp consists of 725 acres and provides habitat for unique natural communities. In the northern part of the lake is Clark Island which has 161 acres of mature hardwood and white pine forest. Visitors are welcome to explore these undeveloped natural areas. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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memories
as a child our family camped in pymatuning state park. i shall never forget it! it was beautiful. if i am not mistaken i saw my first coral snake sunning on a rock! loved it!!!
(name not given)
10-Feb-2009
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One of the cleanest campsite in PA!!!
Most peaceful, quietest, and one of the nicest campsite in PA!! Fishing is great too!!
Written by Garry Cushanick
25-Feb-2009
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| Camping: |
| With 657, class A, campsites in three areas, Pymatuning is one of the largest camping areas in the Commonwealth. Approximately half of the campsites have electric hookups. Modern tent and trailer camping areas are available in the Jamestown, Tuttle and Linesville campgrounds. In addition, an organized group camping area is available for groups of up to 400 people. Campsite permits may be obtained at the contact stations in the three camping areas. Reservations can be made and are recommended for Jamestown and Tuttle campgrounds as well as the organized group camping area. Reservations may be made by calling 888-PA-PARKS. |
| Picnicking: |
| Picnic tables and charcoal fireplaces are available in many areas. There are eleven picnic pavilions throughout the park 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 not exceeding six feet in length. Pets are not permitted in swimming or overnight areas. |
| Boating: |
| Non-powered boats and boats to 10 horsepower are permitted. Boats with a motor in excess of 10 horsepower are permitted provided the motor is not used. 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.
There are three Pennsylvania boat marinas where floatboats, motorboats, rowboats, canoes and motors can be rented.
Ice boating is a popular winter sport. |
| Swimming: |
| Four beaches are generally open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In addition, a beach for campers is in the Jamestown Camping Area. Three of the beaches, Tuttle, Jamestown No. 1 and Linesville, have bathhouses with sanitary facilities and food concession stands or food vending machines. You are responsible for your family's safety. |
| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Fishing:
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. Common species of fish in the lake include walleye, muskellunge, carp, crappie, perch, bluegill, and largemouth and smallmouth bass. Ice fishing during the winter months is also popular. An accessible fishing pier is located at the Espyville Marina and the Shenago River.
Hunting and Firearms:
Of special interest to hunters is the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Wildlife Management Area where controlled shooting is available during the annual waterfowl season. Special areas are also established for duck hunting. Some 20,000 Canada geese and many more ducks are in the area each fall. 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.
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| History of the Area: |
| "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. |
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...vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental, etc read more.... |
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| Related Links: |
| Pymatuning State Park Map - Pymatuning State Park Map. For Interactive "Map Blaster" Map; click on map. | | Sightseeing - Pymatuning Lake. PA Sightseeing and Picnicking. 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... |
| Nature Programs: |
| 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 detailed information contact the park office. |
| Area Campgrounds | | Brookdale Family Campground
25164 Highway 27
Meadville, PA
(814) 789-3251
| Playland Camping Park
24773 Playland Dr
Meadville, PA
(814) 425-7313
| French Creek Campground
23498 Highway 285
Cochranton, PA
(814) 425-7361
| Runamuck Campground & RV Store
8896 Highway 6
Conneaut Lake, PA
(814) 382-8185
| Farma Parks Inc
139 Bean Rd
Hadley, PA
(724) 253-4599
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| | Area Fishing Related Businesses | | Poff's Place
10672 Perry Dr
Espyville, PA
(724) 927-2462
| Overton's Outdoors
1354 State Hwy 285
Espyville, PA
(724) 927-9741
| Hunting & Fishing Club of Crawford County Inc
905 Market St
Meadville, PA
(814) 333-2582
| Ben's Bait & Grub
16408 Highway 86
Saegertown, PA
(814) 763-5012
| Conneaut Lake Tackle
110 Water St
Conneaut Lake, PA
(814) 382-6095
| Gateway Bait & Tackle
6517 State Route 85
Andover, OH
(440) 293-7227
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| | Area Resorts and Lodging | | Pymatuning Valley Resort
7652 Pymatuning Lake Rd
Williamsfield, OH
(440) 293-7744
| Conneaut Lake Resort Rentals
12213 Midway Dr
Conneaut Lake, PA
(814) 382-8414
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| Directions: |
| Pymatuning State Park is located in southwestern Crawford County. The park office is located near the Crawford-Mercer County line about 1.5 miles north of Jamestown, Pennsylvania. Approximately three-fourths of the reservoir area is located in Crawford County and the remaining one-fourth is located in Ashtabula County, Ohio. |
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