Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Pymatuning
Overview
Pymatuning State Park in Jamestown, PA, offers a quintessential Pennsylvania outdoor experience. Spanning over 16,000 acres, this massive recreation area centers around the Pymatuning Reservoir, providing a haven for water enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you are looking for a quiet weekend getaway or a longer seasonal stay, the park balances its vast natural beauty with reliable infrastructure for RVers of all experience levels. It is widely considered one of the most visited state parks in the region due to its unique waterfront accessibility and diverse ecosystem.
Location & Surroundings
Located in Crawford County near the Ohio border, the Jamestown side of the park provides a serene, wooded environment that feels worlds away from urban stress. The Jamestown Campground is situated conveniently near the southern end of the lake, offering easy access to both the shoreline and local roads. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills and lush forests, making it a perfect spot for those who want to immerse themselves in the scenic Pennsylvania countryside and enjoy the fresh air of the northern plateau.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features several expansive camping areas, with the Jamestown Campground providing electric hookups that accommodate a variety of RV sizes. Travelers can expect well-maintained sites, along with essential facilities like modern restrooms, hot showers, and a convenient sanitary dump station for self-contained rigs. For recreation within the park boundaries, guests have access to multiple boat launches, designated swimming beaches with sandy shores, and several picnic pavilions that are perfect for afternoon gatherings under the canopy of mature trees.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
No trip to Pymatuning is complete without visiting the Linesville Spillway, located just a short drive away, where the fish are so thick that ducks are known to walk on their backs. Fishing is the primary draw here, with the reservoir being famous for walleye and muskellunge catches. Nature lovers can explore miles of shaded hiking trails, such as the multi-use Pymatuning Trail, or visit the nearby wildlife learning center to observe local species and learn about the region's unique conservation efforts.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for outdoor-loving families and avid anglers who want a traditional state park experience with a focus on lakeside living. It is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy water-based recreation, kayaking, and birdwatching, as bald eagles are frequently spotted nesting in the tall pines. If your travel style involves roasting marshmallows over a campfire, watching sunsets over the water, and enjoying a slower pace of life, Pymatuning will fit your needs perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Edwin Thompson
Beautiful state park with a walking path. Not sure how long the path goes for but the views are wonderful. About 1.5 hours away from the Pittsburgh area.
Carolyn Ramsey
Pymatuning State Park is a favoriteof ours! The kids love feeding the fish at the spillway. Unfortunately on our most recent visit, we got there too late in the day, around 2pm, so the fish didn't really seem interested in eating. Only a few would come to the surface at a time. We ended up feeding more birds than fish. If you're interested in going to the spillway you're better off to go in the morning when it first opens.
Candace J. Banks
It was a pretty park...BUT...we had issues from the moment we arrived. Our initial campsite was filthy (trash) and heavily flooded from recent rain. The campers next to the site were on our site when we arrived. It was awkward. The staff was reluctant to move us to a new site, but ultimately did move us. We went without power for much of our stay (so we ended up leaving a day early). It was frustrating that we didn't even have 110 power for much of our stay and the staff were kinda like, "Well there's nothing we can do." (We were one of 5 people in the park without power). Ultimately the two redeeming thing about the park is that they refunded us one night's stay (but we would have rathered to have what we paid for) and the front desk gal was nice. On our drive out there, we called the park and were given the wrong address (they told us to go to one of the sister parks...which cost us money (gas) and time). The park they sent us to was overgrown and the trees scratched up our 37 foot class A RV. Overall, staying at Pymatuning SP was a negative experience. We do not have plans to return.
Bob Stump
Beautiful PA and Ohio State Park! Lake is split between the two states. We kayaked two days, one day on each end of the lake. Very scenic so enjoy your stay. We stayed in a VRBO near Jamestown, Pa. Cute little town with a couple of good ice cream places. Priorities, right, after a long day on the water!!. And don't forget to spend an evening or two at Mentor Key! Great music, craft beer, wine and food. Enjoy!
Rabbit lover Rabbit lover
Lovely campgrounds, very quiet and pleasant by the water. A bit wet from the rain. I got my truck stuck. The Park Rangers were super helpful and kind to my Grandaughter. Bathrooms were clean and tidy. Nice warm shower. Stunning views of the sunsetting at the lake.