Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!

Shenango Lake - COE/Shenango Public Use Area

Overview

Shenango Lake - COE, specifically the Shenango Public Use Area, provides a serene escape along the shores of the Shenango River Lake in Transfer, Pennsylvania. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this destination is part of an expansive flood control project that has evolved into a premier recreational hub. The campground is well-known for its lush forest canopy and peaceful environment, offering a true connection to the outdoors without the commercial distractions of typical private resorts.

Location & Surroundings

Nestled in Mercer County, the park sits within a landscape characterized by rolling hills and dense woodlands. The 11,000-acre reservoir serves as the centerpiece, providing a sprawling blue horizon against the verdant Pennsylvania countryside. Its location in Transfer offers a secluded feel while remaining easily accessible from major routes, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the Shenango Valley region or traveling through Western Pennsylvania.

Amenities & Park Features

The Shenango Public Use Area is designed with the RV traveler in mind, offering many sites equipped with electric hookups. While individual sewer connections are not available, the park provides centrally located water spigots and a well-maintained RV dump station for convenience. Park features include:

  • Multiple playgrounds for family recreation.
  • Direct access to the Seth Holtzman Trail for hiking.
  • Boat launches for easy lake access.
  • Spacious, paved or gravel sites with picnic tables and fire rings.

Nearby Attractions & Things to Do

Beyond the campground, visitors can explore the charming nearby towns of Sharon and Hermitage. A trip to Daffin’s Candies, known as one of the world’s largest candy stores, is a local favorite. For those who enjoy history and architecture, the nearby Buhl Park offers beautiful gardens and walking paths. Of course, the lake itself is the primary draw, famous for its excellent crappie and bass fishing, as well as kayaking, sailing, and pontoon boating.

Who This Park Is Best For

This park is an ideal fit for nature-loving RVers who appreciate the value and scenic beauty typical of Army Corps of Engineers sites. It is perfect for fishing enthusiasts and boaters who want to be steps away from the water. If you prefer a rustic, quiet atmosphere where the sound of the wind through the trees replaces highway noise, this park will suit your travel style perfectly.

Amenities

- Recreational Facilities

• Lake
• Ramp
• Body Of Water (Shenango Lake)
• Horseshoes
• Playground

- Policies

• Pets Welcome
• Tent Camping Allowed

- Other Amenities & Services

• Restroom and Showers
• Laundry

- Facility

• Type (Public Corps)
• Partial Handicap Access

- On-Site Rentals

• 

- Sites

• Spaces Available (321)
• 30 Amp
• Dirt Sites (321)
• Electric (106)
• No Hookups (215)
• Max Amps (30)
• Fire Rings

User Reviews

tommy d

October 31, 2025

Great little RV spot! Ppl mind their own business & stay to themselves. Great Rangers. Very accommodating & helpful. Peaceful. Great hiking & fishing.

Ciara Neely

October 07, 2025

We love this place and come multiple times a year. However, the bathrooms this time were atrocious!!! No toilet paper in any stall, the shower wasn’t cleaned and it wasn’t draining at all. I’ve never had a complaint about this place. Also skunks are everywhere at night. They aren’t a bother but it seems like they aren’t afraid of people.

Kathy's Channel

September 16, 2025

Some very nice campsites. Extremely buggy. Restrooms and showers need update and cleaning. Sign on Restrooms door reads "Restrooms are only cleaned occasionally" 😳 9/16/25 Stopped here again on a trip west. Gives you what you need for an overnight visit.

Lori Gregory

September 15, 2025

Decent campground. Sites were very close together. There are over 300 campsites here but half of the loops were closed most campsites are primitive. A few had electricity. No full hookups. Not even the 8ish camp host sites had more than electricity and water. No sewer. The bathrooms were very dated and barely clean. There was even a sign on the door stating the bathrooms were only cleaned periodically.

helena moyer

June 08, 2025

The view and area is amazing. The problem I had was they cut the grass at 630 or 7 in the morning and it's really annoying to be woke up by that. Bathrooms were decent but showers could use a little work but overall good.

This park isn't directly bookable yet — explore nearby options via Campspot

Map for Shenango Lake - COE/Shenango Public Use Area

Contact information