Millions of visitors annually enjoy Pymatuning State Park. Popular recreational activities include: boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing, sightseeing, camping, and hunting. The following provides a guide to these activities and a variety of winter sports.
Boating: Large numbers of anglers and pleasure boaters use Pymatuning Lake. Non-powered boats and boats to 10 horsepower are permitted. Boats with a motor in excess of 10 horsepower are permitted provided the motor is not used. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: 1) Pennsylvania State Park launch permit, 2) Pennsylvania State Park mooring permit or 3) a current Pennsylvania or Ohio boat registration. Motorized boats must display a current registration. Boats registered in states other than Ohio and Pennsylvania must display a Pennsylvania State Park launch permit in addition to their current registration. The permit is available at the Pennsylvania state park office. There are three Pennsylvania boat liveries where floatboats, rowboats, canoes and motors can be rented. Ice boating is a popular winter sport.
Fishing: Fishing licenses issued by either Ohio or Pennsylvania are honored anywhere on the lake, but only Ohio licensed fishermen can fish from the Ohio shore and Pennsylvania licensed fishermen from the Pennsylvania shore. Species of fish include walleye, muskellunge, carp, crappies, largemouth and smallmouth bass and many others. Ice fishing during the winter months is also a popular form of recreation.
Hunting: Of special interest to hunters is the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Goose Management Area where controlled shooting is available during the annual waterfowl season. Special areas are also established for duck hunting. Some 20,000 Canada Geese and many more ducks are in the area each fall. Public hunting is available in many areas surrounding the controlled shooting section.
A wildlife refuge comprising 2,500 acres of water area and 1,170 acres of land area furnish a protected location for migratory waterfowl during their flights north and south.
Campgrounds: With 657 family camping sites in three areas, Pymatuning is one of the largest camping areas in the Commonwealth. In addition, an organized group camping area is available for groups of up to 400 people. Family campsite permits may be obtained at the park office or contact stations in the three camping areas. Written reservations should be made for group camping areas. Telephone or in person reservations, for holiday weekends only, can be made for family camping.
Modern tent and trailer camping areas are available in the Jamestown and Tuttle campgrounds. There are 194 campsites with electrical hook-ups at Pymatuning, 62 are located at the Tuttle Campground and 132 are located at the Jamestown Campground.
Family Cabins: New, modern rental cabins are available for year-round use. Cabins have a furnished living area, kitchen/dining area, toilet/shower room and two or three bedrooms. Occupants must bring linens, towels, cookware and tableware.
A family cabin has recently been built to accommodate people with disabilities. This cabin meets Americans with Disability Act standards for accessibility.
Advance reservations are required. Additional information may be obtained at the park office.
Sightseeing and Picnicking: 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, the two causeways across the lake and the waterfowl museum. The "spillway" is perhaps one of the best known locations because the fish being fed are so crowded that the "ducks walk on the fishes' backs" to compete for the food fed by the visitors. A fish feeding station is available for disabled persons.
Picnic tables and charcoal fireplaces are available in many areas. There are eleven pavilions throughout the park which may be reserved in advance. Pets in day use areas must be kept on a leash 6 feet maximum. Pets are not permitted in swimming or overnight areas.
Swimming: Four protected bathing beaches are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In addition, a protected beach serving campers is located in the Jamestown Camping Area. Three of the beaches, Tuttle, Jamestown No. 1 and Linesville, provide modern bathhouses with sanitary facilities, warm showers and food concession stands or food vending machines. All of these beaches are protected by certified lifeguards who are on duty during hours of beach operation. You are responsible for your family's safety.
Winter Activities: Pymatuning State Park offers a wide variety of winter activities that include ice fishing, ice skating, sledding, ice boating, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to mention a few. In addition, Pymatuning hosts the Annual Winter Fun Days. A winter concession has refreshments available, as well as ice skates, and cross-country ski equipment for rent.
For more information on activities and the available concession services, contact the Pymatuning State Park Office near Jamestown. (724) 932-3141 or click on PA DCNR Official Web Site: