Chapman State Park, a Pennsylvania State Park located near Warren

CHAPMAN STATE PARK

CHAPMAN STATE PARK
4790 Chapman Dam Road
Clarendon, Pennsylvania 16313

Phone: 814-723-0250
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757

Email:

The 805-acre Chapman State Park includes the 68-acre Chapman Lake on the West Branch of Tionesta Creek. Adjacent to state game lands and Allegheny National Forest, Chapman is an oasis of recreational facilities in a vast area of wilderness.

History of the Area

The park honors Dr. Leroy E. Chapman (1881-1967) of Warren. Dr. Chapman was a State Senator from 1929 to 1963 and was very active in civic affairs. Many community groups were instrumental in creating this popular state park. The first land for the park was acquired in 1949. A dam was constructed near the old earthen dam of the Bucher Mill Log Pond, which dates back to Bucher?s Mill that was built about 1849. Chapman State Park opened in 1951.

Camping

This beautiful woodland campground has 83 campsites, rustic restrooms, water at convenient hydrants and a sanitary dump station. The area is open from mid-April to mid-December. Winter access cannot be guaranteed. Conditions should be checked by calling the park office.

Swimming

A sand beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming when lifeguards are off-duty. Children nine years of age and younger must be accompanied by a responsible person.

A concession stand, operated by Bollinger Enterprises, Inc., is in the beach area. The concession offers beverages, snacks, ice cream treats, fire wood, ice, and an assortment of beach supplies. It also rents canoes, paddle boats and kayaks.

Boating

Boating: electric motors only

The 68-acre Chapman Lake has a boat launch and 41 seasonal mooring spaces on the western side, and mooring for registered campers on the eastern shoreline. A boat rental concession is in the beach area.

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.

Although most hiking trails are not open to bicycles, all roads in the park and in the adjacent state game land and Allegheny National Forest are open to bicycles.

Hiking and Backpacking: 12 miles of trails

In addition to the trails at the park, Chapman is the trailhead for backpacking trails on adjoining public lands. Map and trail information is available in the park office. Free parking is available at the park for those who would rather not leave their vehicles along public roadways.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

August 12 My favorite PA state park. Awesome Place by Brenda (Kay) Wassell

I have camped here since I was a kid. Love the trails,beach, camping, ect.. just down right relaxing. scenery is beautiful. The wildlife is abountant.

June 25 One of our favorite parks by Jeremy

We got Married there. Stay there at least once a month, from Spring to Fall. Great Family State Park. We love the walk in tent sites. Just a great place to relax.

May 15 Beach is great! by Kim and Jeremy

A great camping experience for all! The beach area and bath house are top notch! You can buy treats for the kids at the food stand and prices are very reasonable. The camping sites are well maintained and you are not right on top of one another. Looking forward to many many more years of camping, picnicing, and playing at Chapmans Dam.