Pymatuning State Park

About Pymatuning State Park

Pymatuning is one of the largest state parks in the Commonwealth and it is especially beautiful on late spring evenings when the sunset turns the water golden and colourful sailboats seem to glide like gold across the lake. The large lake offers excellent fishing opportunities all year round, but is particularly attractive in the summer months.

Pymatuning has two nature reserves, each of which has a unique landscape, geological and ecological value and is intended for use as part of the state park system and as a recreational area.

Blackjack Swamp covers 725 hectares and provides habitat for a unique natural community.

Visitors are welcome to explore this undeveloped natural area. Clark Island is located in the northern part of the lake, covering an area of 1,500 hectares, roughly the size of New York City.

Pinchot fulfilled a dream for Pennsylvania that began in 1868, when the General Assembly proposed a plan to drain the Pymatuning swamp to create farmland. The swamp should be drained because it would paralyze the downstream industries in the Beaver-Shenango Valley. Pinchot's moving words, and those of his friend and fellow Pennsylvania native William Pynchon, made their way into the heart of the swamp and its inhabitants.

A severe flood in 1913 prompted the Legislature to act, and the same year the Pymatuning Act signed $100,000 into building a dam.

Over the next 18 years, public and private organizations collected the $3,717,729 needed to build the dam, and on October 6, 1931, 7,000 men began work and realized their dream. Governor Pinchot spoke his inspiring words at the opening of the Pymatuning Reservoir, the first dam in the US on the Shenango River. The Pym atuning Law states that "the primary purpose of the Pemmings reservoir is to protect the water flowing from and out of the Shenangan beaver and its tributaries, and to regulate the water flowing into and out of the Pye swamp. A second purpose is to create a dam and a lake to absorb flood water.

All six cabins meet the American Disabilities Act accessibility standards, and all six cabins meet all the accessibility standards set out in the American Disability Act.

Each cottage has its own bathroom, kitchen and dining room, as well as a shower and shower cabin. Residents must bring bed linen, towels, cookware and crockery, as well as personal items such as toiletries, to their huts.

Pymatuning is one of the largest campsites in the Commonwealth and half of all campsites have electricity. Modern tent and trailer campsites are available at Jamestown, Tuttle and Linesville campsites.

Permission to camp can be obtained at the contact point at each of the three campsites, and reservations for Jamestown, Tuttle and Linesville campsites are recommended. Reservations are possible at all three locations and can be made by calling 888 - PA - PARKS. Reservations are also available for Pymatuning campsite and all other campsites in Pennsylvania.

All four beaches are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and all three beaches (Tuttle, Jamestown and Linesville) have sanitary and food concession stands, vending machines, picnic tables and other amenities. Campers on the beach are also begging at JamESTown campsite, but you are responsible for the safety of yourself and your family.

No boat engines More than 10 HP are allowed in the park, provided the engine is not used, and no non-motorized boats or boats with less than 20 HP (up to 10 HP is allowed). Also on the beach or on one of the four beaches no boat or motor with more than 10 HP is allowed.

Ice boating is a popular winter sport, and there are three marinas in Pennsylvania where you can rent a rowboat. All non-motorized boats must have one of the following boat licenses of the state: All motor boats must have a boat license and license plate in that state.

There are eleven picnic pavilions in the park, which can be reserved for up to 11 months against advance payment. Picnic tables and charcoal fireplaces are available in many areas, and in each gazebo there are picnics served first.

Pets are not allowed in the swimming and overnight areas, and pets in daytime areas may not be kept on a leash longer than 1.50 m. Pets are allowed in night areas but must be kept on a leash that does not exceed 1,500 m in length and not more than 2 m in length.

Pymatune State Park offers a variety of environmental education and interpretation programs. Participants acquire knowledge of the park's natural resources, such as guided hikes, waterfalls and wildlife, as well as information about the state's wildlife.

Programs are available all year round and group programs can be arranged by phone or at the park office, but must be arranged in advance. Curriculum - Environmental education programs are offered to schools and youth groups.

Pymatune State Park is located southwest of Crawford County, about three-quarters of the reservoir area is in Crawford County. The rest of the district is in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and about a third of it is in Cuyahoga County. For more information, please contact the parking office - located at Pymatsune County Fairgrounds, 515 W. Main St., Crawford, Ohio.