Pennsylvania's Biggest State Park Is Nestled Between Pittsburgh And Lake Erie

Pennsylvania is hiding a big secret. Its largest — and one of its most popular — state parks is one you probably haven't heard of if you don't live in or around the Keystone State. Pymatuning State Park sits in Western Pennsylvania in between Pittsburgh and Lake Erie, and one-quarter of the park even spills into neighboring Ohio. Plus its lake is the largest in the state.  

Pymatuning used to be a huge swamp. It formed at the mouth of the Shenango River when glaciers retreated during the last Ice Age. The Mound Builders, the Woodland people, and the Lenni Lenape people were early inhabitants of the area. It wasn't until western expansion in 1868 that plans were made to drain the water and create farmland. A 1913 flood ravaged the area instead. A dam was eventually built along the river in 1934, creating the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir, which is now Pennsylvania's largest lake. The 16,892-acre state park soon followed in 1937. 

To reach Pymatuning State Park, you can fly to either Pittsburgh or Cleveland. Both airports receive nonstop flights from cities all over the country and are about 80 miles from Jamestown, along the state park's southern tip. Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) has the best track record for spring break travel, while flying to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) gives you a great excuse to visit Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Pymatuning State Park receives upwards of 3.5 million visitors each year. Since much of the state park is covered with water, most of those people come to enjoy the Pymatuning Reservoir. There are three marinas where you can dock sailboats and motorboats along the reservoir. You can also rent pontoon and fishing boats, as well as kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, from the Jamestown Marina and the Espyville Marina. Pymatuning Boat Rentals has boats and kayaks available, too.

If you are a fisherman, you can go fishing for walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and crappie in the reservoir. Since the fishing season lasts all year, you can even go ice fishing once the ice is thick enough in the winter. To go fishing on the Pymatuning Reservoir, you will need to purchase a fishing license for Pennsylvania or Ohio, depending from which shore you are casting. Licenses from either state are valid once you are out on the water. Meanwhile, kayakers can either paddle out to Stocker Island or down the Shenango River Water Trail. The latter is a nine-mile trail that runs south from the Pymatuning Dam to Riverside Park in the town of Greenville.

You can also get in the water, of course. There are small, public beaches along the edge of the reservoir. The sandy beaches have picnic and roped-off swimming areas, while bathrooms and concession stands are available from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Though the reservoir has plenty of activities to keep you occupied, you should check out the rest of Pymatuning State Park while you are there. There are nearly 20 miles of easy trails to help you do so. The Ackerman Trail follows an old rail line, and you might see turtles and nesting ospreys along this 1.9-mile bayside walk. The tree-lined Sugar Run Trail (1 mile) and Tamarack Trail (1.2 miles) are beloved by birdwatchers. Kids prefer the Spillway Trail, a paved, 3.25-mile route that runs over the Pymatuning Spillway — be sure to bring leftover bread to feed the ducks and carp that congregate here. While a longer trail, the almost 10-mile Snowmobile Trail is mostly used by, you guessed it, snowmobilers during the winter.

Pymatuning State Park also has a large range of accommodations, so you can extend your time along the reservoir. There are modern cabins in Jamestown and Linesville. The fully furnished cabins have stocked kitchens and two or three bedrooms. Both areas, as well as Tuttle and Pymatuning, also have campsites. The latter even has yurts. Plus, starting in April, 2026,, you will be able to go glamping in the state park when Timberline Glamping's safari-style tents open.

Also, since it is less than 20 miles away, you should visit Conneaut Lake while you are in the area. Pennsylvania's largest natural lake is also near a charming resort town. It looks like you've uncovered Pennsylvania's biggest secrets.