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Pennsylvania
209

Pennsylvania State Parks

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Pennsylvania
North-Central Region
Chapman State Park
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CHAPMAN STATE PARK
CHAPMAN STATE PARK
4790 Chapman Dam Road
Clarendon, Pennsylvania   16313

Phone: 814-723-0250
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: park email button icon
The 805-acre Chapman State Park includes the 68-acre Chapman Lake on the West Branch of Tionesta Creek. Adjacent to state game lands and Allegheny National Forest, Chapman is an oasis of recreational facilities in a vast area of wilderness.
History of the Area
The park honors Dr. Leroy E. Chapman (1881-1967) of Warren. Dr. Chapman was a State Senator from 1929 to 1963 and was very active in civic affairs. Many community groups were instrumental in creating this popular state park. The first land for the park was acquired in 1949. A dam was constructed near the old earthen dam of the Bucher Mill Log Pond, which dates back to Bucher?s Mill that was built about 1849. Chapman State Park opened in 1951.
Camping
This beautiful woodland campground has 83 campsites, rustic restrooms, water at convenient hydrants and a sanitary dump station. The area is open from mid-April to mid-December. Winter access cannot be guaranteed. Conditions should be checked by calling the park office.
Swimming
A sand beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Lifeguards are on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming when lifeguards are off-duty. Children nine years of age and younger must be accompanied by a responsible person.

A concession stand, operated by Bollinger Enterprises, Inc., is in the beach area. The concession offers beverages, snacks, ice cream treats, fire wood, ice, and an assortment of beach supplies. It also rents canoes, paddle boats and kayaks.
Boating
Boating: electric motors only

The 68-acre Chapman Lake has a boat launch and 41 seasonal mooring spaces on the western side, and mooring for registered campers on the eastern shoreline. A boat rental concession is in the beach area.

Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy year-round fishing in the 68-acre lake, teeming with northern pike, yellow perch and largemouth bass. The park also offers ice-fishing during winter months. Trout are stocked annually for a thrilling catch-and-release experience. Other species include bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish.


Location
Chapman State Park is located near Warren

Picnicking
The main picnic area is by the beach and overlooks the lake. Four picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can enjoy a 4.1-mile trail, but be mindful as it's shared with hikers and cross-country skiers.

The terrain is moderately challenging; beginners should proceed carefully due to occasional steep inclines and rocky patches.

Riders must stick to designated biking trails for safety reasons - off-trail cycling isn't permitted in the park area.

Remember that helmets are mandatory under Pennsylvania law for cyclists aged below 12 years old on public lands.

During winter months, some sections of the bike path may not be accessible because of snowfall or icy conditions.

It's advisable to check weather forecasts before planning your trip since adverse weather could make paths slippery or muddy.

Be aware: wildlife sightings are common so keep an eye out while riding through this scenic forested landscape!
Trails
Although most hiking trails are not open to bicycles, all roads in the park and in the adjacent state game land and Allegheny National Forest are open to bicycles.

Hiking and Backpacking: 12 miles of trails

In addition to the trails at the park, Chapman is the trailhead for backpacking trails on adjoining public lands. Map and trail information is available in the park office. Free parking is available at the park for those who would rather not leave their vehicles along public roadways.
Birding
Located in Pennsylvania, the park offers birdwatching opportunities with over 100 species of birds to observe. Birders can enjoy sightings from various trails and a designated wildlife viewing area. The site is also part of Audubon's Important Bird Area program due to its diverse habitats attracting migratory songbirds.
Nature Programs
An environmental interpretor is on staff for the summer season and offers movies, slide programs, guided walks, stream studies, children?s programs and other educational programs.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 12 My favorite PA state park. Awesome Place by Brenda (Kay) Wassell
park review stars; one to five I have camped here since I was a kid. Love the trails,beach, camping, ect.. just down right relaxing. scenery is beautiful. The wildlife is abountant.
June 25 One of our favorite parks by Jeremy
park review stars; one to five We got Married there. Stay there at least once a month, from Spring to Fall. Great Family State Park. We love the walk in tent sites. Just a great place to relax.
May 15 Beach is great! by Kim and Jeremy
park review stars; one to five A great camping experience for all! The beach area and bath house are top notch! You can buy treats for the kids at the food stand and prices are very reasonable. The camping sites are well maintained and you are not right on top of one another. Looking forward to many many more years of camping, picnicing, and playing at Chapmans Dam.
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Area Campgrounds
Whispering Winds Campground
277 Tollgate Road
Sheffield, PA
814-968-4377
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Page's Sporting Goods
2009 Pennsylvania Ave E
Warren, PA
(814) 726-7475
Kinzua-Wolf Run Marina
Route 59
Warren, PA
(814) 726-1650
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The park is off of US 6, in Warren County, near the town of Clarendon, and is adjacent to the Allegheny National Forest and State Game Land 29.

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Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania State Parks

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