Pymatuning State Park
Almost everything about Pymatuning State Park is big. At 16,892 acres, it is one of the largest state parks in the Commonwealth.
The 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir is the largest lake in the Commonwealth. Pymatuning is one of the most visited state parks in Pennsylvania.
Perhaps the biggest thing about Pymatuning is the fun you can have boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and enjoying other recreational opportunities.
In addition to the state park facilities, the
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission operates a fish hatchery and visitor center, and the
Pennsylvania Game Commission has wildlife viewing areas.
Seasons and Hours
The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk.
The park office is open specific hours. The beaches, overnight areas, and other areas are open specific seasons and hours. Contact the park office for facility seasons and hours.
Reservations
Make
online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday to Saturday.
Directions
The south shore of the park, including Jamestown Campground, boat launch, beach, cabins, picnic areas, group tenting, and the park office, can be reached from U.S. 322.
The north shore of the park, including Linesville Campground, beach, picnic areas, boat launch, marina, and cabins can be reached from U.S. 6.
The east shore of the park, including Tuttle Point, beach, picnic areas, boat launches, and Espyville Marina can be reached from Pennsylvania 285.
GPS Decimal Degrees: Lat. 41.49937 Long. -80.46784
Top 10 Things to Do at Pymatuning
- Watch for eagles at Wilson Launch
- Catch a walleye or a crappie from one of the many developed shoreline fishing areas
- Take a kayak or canoe trip on the Shenango River
- Feed the carp at the Spillway
- Rent a pontoon boat at Jamestown, Espyville, or Linesville marinas
- Explore the history of the swamp, reservoir, and dam at the Gatehouse
- Spend a weekend at the Jamestown or Linesville campground
- Visit the Fish and Boat Commission’s Linesville Fish Hatchery
- Watch the sunset from the Spillway Trail
- Stay the night in a modern cabin
Sightseeing
This activity or structure is ADA accessible.
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 Linesville “spillway,” the fish hatchery, and the two causeways across the lake.
The spillway is perhaps one of the best known locations because the fish are so plentiful that the “ducks walk on the fishes’ backs” to compete for the fish food tossed in by visitors.
Also, Pymatuning is the only known place in Pennsylvania where bald eagles have nested continuously, even throughout the years of their population decline. Today, park visitors get thrills from spotting eagles in the park.
Sunset Photography
Popular areas to photograph the sunsets at Pymatuning are the Spillway, Linesville Beach, the causeway, and Jamestown Main Beach.
While the setting sun makes beautiful photographs, wait a few minutes after complete sunset to capture the afterglow where you will often have brilliant oranges and yellows for those postcard shots.
Learn, Experience, Connect
Pymatuning State Park offers a wide variety of environmental education and recreation programs.
Through hands-on activities, guided walks, recreational experiences, and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.
Program topics include:
- History
- Wildlife
- Plants
- Nature photography
- Outdoor recreation
Kayaking along the shores gives the visitor a close-up view of songbirds, waterfowl, eagles, and glacial geology.
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 information about upcoming programs or to schedule a group program, contact the park office.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
A two-plug, electric-vehicle charging station is available for public use in the Jamestown Marina parking lot. Please move to another parking space once your vehicle has been charged.
Access for People with Disabilities
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.
In an Emergency
Call 911 and contact an employee.
Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards and at the park office.
Nearest Hospitals
To the South:
UPMC Horizon
110 North Main Street
Greenville, PA 16125
724-588-2100
To the East:
Meadville Medical Center
751 Liberty Street
Meadville, PA 16335
814-333-5000