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Ohio
25

Ohio State Parks

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Ohio
Northeast Ohio Region
Pymatuning State Park
Pymatuning State Park © Darlene herbster
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PYMATUNING STATE PARK
PYMATUNING STATE PARK
6100 Pymatuning Lake Rd
Andover, Ohio   44003
(lat:41.5851 lon:-80.5413) map location

Phone: (440) 293-6329
Reservations: 866-644-6727
In a setting that highlights the mystery of an old swamp forest and the excitement of a water recreation area, Pymatuning State Park invites outdoor lovers of all ages to enjoy a relaxing lakeside vacation experience. In addition to being one of the finest walleye and muskellunge lakes in the country, Pymatuning offers excellent camping, swimming and boating opportunities as well.
Nature of the Area
Northeastern Ohio's "snow belt" region is the setting for spacious Pymatuning State Park. Located on the western shore of Pymatuning Reservoir, the park provides a wide variety of facilities for those who enjoy outdoor recreation.

The countryside around Pymatuning State Park was shaped by the action of the glaciers that covered the area more than 14,000 years ago. As the last ice melted away, a rolling terrain dotted with dozens of kettle lakes was revealed. Gradually, a great swamp forest developed, punctuated by bogs and wetlands and supporting stands of towering white pines. The rich wetland habitat was home to a great number of wild animals including bears and wolves. It was this abundance of resources that attracted Indians to the area; the word Pymatuning is taken from an Indian term translated as "the crooked-mouthed man's dwelling place."

The remaining ponds and marshes are a good food source for many types of animals, including the magnificent bald eagle. Several pairs of eagles nest on the Pennsylvania side of the reservoir, and a patient observer may spot one of these rare birds of prey in flight. In addition to eagles, the reservoir serves as a resting spot for numerous migrating waterfowl.
History of the Area
Settlement of the area by white immigrants from the east was slow to occur. The vast Pymatuning swamp and nearly impenetrable forest made travel difficult. The earliest Europeans to reside here were trappers in search of valuable beaver pelts. Later, the lush forest attracted lumbermen who especially prized the strong, straight trunks of the white pines that were used to construct masts for sailing ships. As more and more settlers came into northern Ohio, much of the wilderness character of the Pymatuning region was lost. Remnants of the original swamp still remain today, coaxing the modern day naturalist to explore this unique habitat.

In 1933, the dam which impounded Pymatuning Reservoir was constructed to regulate the flow of the Shenango and Beaver rivers. Land on the western shore of the reservoir was acquired by the state of Ohio in 1935, and in 1950 the Division of Parks and Recreation began developing Pymatuning State Park.
Passes
Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
GeneralLand, acres3,512
 Water, acres1,407
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trail, miles2
 Picnickingyes
 Picnic Shelters, #3
 Swimming Beach, feet350
 Beach Concessionyes
 Nature Centeryes
 Nature Programsyes
BoatingBoat Rentalyes
 Boating Limits10
 Launch Ramps, #5
CampingPrimitive, #21
 Electric Sites, #331
 Full Hookup Sites, #18
 Pets Permittedyes
 Flush Toiletsyes
 Dumpstationyes
 Showersyes
 Camp Commissaryyes
 Campground Beachyes
 Rent-A-Yurt, #3
WinterCross-Country Skiingyes
 Ice Boatingyes
 Ice Skatingyes
 Ice Fishingyes
AccommodationsFamily Cottages, #59
Cottages
Twenty-seven family cottages which sleep six are heated for year-round use. Thirty-three standard cottages are available May 1 - November 1, each of which sleep four. All cottages are furnished with linens, towels, and cooking/eating utensils. The family cottages have been renovated to include gas fireplaces, cable TV and microwave ovens. Reservations may be made up to one year in advance. A small beach is available for cottage guests.
Camping
Campers will find the large modern campground suitable for tents and trailer camping. Electric service is provided to most campsites. Heated showerhouses, flush toilets, laundry facilities and a nearby camp commissary are provided. Certain sites may be rented for the entire season. A small beach for campers is near the center of the campground.
Swimming
An excellent swimming beach is located just south of the causeway. Facilities include a bathhouse, showers, and a snack bar. A small public beach is in the cottage area also.
Boating
Five boat-launch ramps are situated around this 14,000 acre lake for convenient access. In addition, there are a number of boat rental concessions around the lake. A ten horsepower motor limit is in effect.
Fishing
Pymatuning State Park in Ohio offers a variety of fishing options for both novice and experienced anglers. The park's main attraction is Pymatuning Lake, which spans over 14,000 acres providing ample space for boat and shore fishing. Species that can be caught here include Walleye, Muskellunge (Muskie), Crappie, Perch, Bluegill and Largemouth Bass among others.

The lake also has several designated areas specifically designed to accommodate disabled individuals who enjoy the sport of fishing. Ice-fishing is another popular activity during winter months when conditions permit it.

In addition to this large body of water within the state park boundaries are two smaller ponds where Channel Catfish thrive - these locations offer an alternative option if you're looking for something different or prefer quieter surroundings.

Remember all Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission rules apply while engaging in any kind of angling activities at Pymatuning State Park; make sure you have your valid license with you before heading out on your adventure!


Location
Pymatuning State Park is located near Cortland, Greenville and Painesville

Picnicking
Picnic areas with tables and grills are located in many secluded and scenic areas along the lakeshore. Three picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can explore several trails within this natural haven. However, caution is advised due to varying terrain conditions.

The park offers a 14-mile paved bicycle trail that's perfect for leisurely rides or serious cycling workouts.

Be aware though; the path isn't entirely flat and has some challenging uphill sections which require moderate fitness levels.

For mountain bikers seeking adventure, there are off-road paths available too but these demand advanced skills as they're quite rugged in parts.

Remember always to wear protective gear when biking here since safety should be your top priority on any ride.

Also note: bicycles aren't allowed everywhere so stick only to designated areas and respect all signage/rules of use.
Trails
Several miles of well marked trails have been developed to give the nature enthusiast an opportunity to enjoy the area's abundant wild animal and plant life.
Birding
The park offers a variety of birding options, with over 300 species recorded. It is home to waterfowl and shorebirds due to its extensive wetlands and lake habitats. The Spillway area attracts numerous ducks, geese, gulls while the Linesville Fish Hatchery provides opportunities for viewing herons or egrets during summer months. During migration seasons (spring & fall), it becomes an important stopover site for various birds including warblers or sparrows in woodland areas; sandpipers or plovers along mudflats; terns on open waters etc., making it ideal for both casual observers as well as serious ornithologists.
Area Attractions
The Grand River, a state wild and scenic river managed by the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, is found north of the park off St. Rt. 322 and St. Rt. 6.

Within easy driving distance just across the Pennsylvania border, the Pennsylvania Fish Commission operates a fish hatchery and visitors' center near the town of Linesville. Not far from the hatchery is a waterfowl museum with displays featuring native waterfowl and a viewing area that allows visitors to observe the nests of the bald eagles residing there. Pennsylvania's Pymatuning State Park also invites visitors to enjoy its facilities on the eastern shore of the reservoir.

Do not forget to stop at the Pymatuning Spillway, famous as the place where "the ducks walk on the fish!" Each year, thousands of visitors stop to feed bread to the ducks and carp which crowd together in such numbers that the ducks stand on the carp to catch a tasty morsel.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 8 Guys 30 year mark BEAST FEST by Rev. Jones
park review stars; one to five This 2019 will mark the 30th year that all the men that grew up together and some went to school together will be camping at Pymatuning State Park. We are bringing in younger Nephews, and some Cousins to keep this alive for many years to come. What a great camp ground. Our moto is, If you go away hungry, it is your own fault. We cook all the fish we catch and smoke Briskets, many Racks of ribs. Also make Breakfast and lunch the entire time we are there. Just a great place to camp.
August 16 GREAT CAMPGROUND by RETIRED FOLKS
park review stars; one to five JUST A WONDERFUL PLACE TO CAMP. SITES WERE LARGE AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF. RANGERS WERE FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL IF NEEDED AND THEY KEPT THE GROUNDS CLEAN AND QUITE. GRANDCHILDREN HAD A WONDERFEUL TIME MAKING NEW FRIENDS AND PLAYING IN THE SMALL PLAYGROUND. FISHING WAS ABSOLUTELY GREAT IN THE PYMTUNING LAKE AND SEEMS LIKE THE LAKE WAS/IS WELL STOCKED WITH A BIG VARITY OF FISH.
April 27 My favorite State Park by Ron Duecker
park review stars; one to five I have camped at Pymatuning for nearly 40 years and love it! I am now nearing 80 years old and find it difficult to get out of a boat at any of the docks on the Ohio side because there is no verticle posts or rail that projects above the dock. I get on my hands and knees to get out of the boat but there is notthing to grab hold of for support so I can stand up. Are there any plans to install any type of suppoert along the edge of the dock to accommodate people like me? I have reservation for 11 days beginning June 8, 2011.
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Area Campgrounds
Bay Shore Campgrounds
7124 Pymatuning Lake Road
Andover, OH
440-293-7202
Holiday Camplands Association
4273 Pymatuning Lake Road
Andover, OH
440-293-7116
Andover / Pymatuning Lake KOA Holiday
7652 Pymatuning Lake Road
Williamsfield, OH
440-273-3431
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Overton's Outdoors
1354 State Hwy 285
Espyville, PA
(724) 927-9741
Hot Spot Bait Shop
1 Gibson St
Jamestown, PA
(724) 932-3630
Poff's Place
10672 Perry Dr
Espyville, PA
(724) 927-2462
Gateway Bait & Tackle
6517 State Route 85
Andover, OH
(440) 293-7227
Area Cabins and Lodges
Maple Groves Cabins
1583 Williamsfield Rd
Jamestown, PA
(724) 932-3576
Pymatuning Valley Resort
7652 Pymatuning Lake Rd
Williamsfield, OH
(440) 293-7744
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
6260 Pymatuning Lake Rd, Andover, Ohio 44003-1000

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Ohio
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Ohio State Parks

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