Chapman State Park Campground

For those residing in the Pennsylvania region who yearn for a true immersion into the "Wilds," Chapman State Park Campground serves as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and relaxation. This 862-acre park is a beloved sanctuary located in Pleasant Township, Warren County, serving as a gateway to the sprawling half-million-acre Allegheny National Forest. The centerpiece of the park is the 68-acre Chapman Lake, which was created by the damming of the West Branch of Tionesta Creek. This man-made marvel provides a stunning backdrop for the campground, offering residents a unique blend of lakeside beauty and deep-forest seclusion. Whether you are an avid angler, a dedicated hiker, or a family looking to introduce your children to the joys of the great outdoors, Chapman State Park provides a versatile and well-maintained environment for all types of campers.

The atmosphere at Chapman State Park is characterized by its peaceful, hidden-gem quality. Unlike more commercialized camping resorts, this state-run facility prioritizes the preservation of the natural landscape. The campground is heavily wooded, providing ample shade and a sense of privacy that is highly valued by local Pennsylvanians. The park is surrounded by State Game Lands 29 and the national forest, making it a thriving habitat for native wildlife such as white-tailed deer, American black bear, and wild turkey. This proximity to untamed wilderness allows campers to experience the sights and sounds of the forest from the comfort of their sites, creating memories of starlit nights and misty mornings that define the quintessential Pennsylvania camping experience.

Location and accessibility are among the primary reasons local travelers choose Chapman State Park. The campground is located at 4790 Chapman Dam Road in Clarendon, PA, within Pleasant Township. For those traveling from Warren, the park is approximately six miles east on US Route 6. Once in the borough of Clarendon, visitors turn onto Railroad Street—which becomes Chapman Dam Road—at the town's only traffic light and follow it for nearly five miles directly to the park office. The roads are paved and accessible for most RVs and trailers, with a maximum rig length of 60 feet accommodated at certain sites. For local users, the park offers ample on-site parking and wheelchair-accessible facilities, including parking lots and restrooms, ensuring that the beauty of the region is available to everyone.

Services offered at Chapman State Park Campground ensure a comfortable and safe stay for visitors. These services include:

• Over 80 modern campsites, including 39 sites with 30-amp or 50-amp electrical hookups for RVs and trailers.
• A variety of lodging alternatives, including five camping cottages and two yurts for those seeking a sturdier shelter.
• Clean, modern restroom facilities equipped with flushing toilets and warm showers for guest convenience.
• Freshwater hydrants located throughout the campground loops for easy access to potable water.
• A sanitary dump station available for RV users to properly dispose of waste before heading home.
• Dedicated boat mooring spaces for overnight campers who wish to keep their watercraft on the lake.
• Professional on-site park rangers and a campground host who assist with navigation, safety, and check-in procedures.
• Trash and recycling receptacles to help residents adhere to the "Leave No Trace" principles common in Pennsylvania state parks.

The features and highlights of Chapman State Park make it a standout for recreational enthusiasts of all ages. The park is designed to be a year-round destination, offering distinct activities for every season. Highlights include:

• The 68-acre Chapman Lake, perfect for electric-motor boating, canoeing, and kayaking across its calm waters.
• A small, clean sandy beach area open from late May to mid-September for swimming and sunbathing.
• Exceptional fishing opportunities for brook and brown trout, largemouth bass, and bluegill in both the lake and Tionesta Creek.
• A 1.2-mile self-guided Nature Trail and the 2.75-mile Hunters Ridge Trail, both offering scenic views and wildlife sightings.
• Direct trailhead access to the extensive backpacking and hiking network of the adjoining Allegheny National Forest.
• Kid-friendly amenities, including several well-maintained playgrounds located near the camping and beach areas.
• A unique "Story Walk" on the Adams Run Trail, which combines literacy and exercise for younger children.
• A picturesque swinging bridge on the Lowlands Trail that crosses the mouth of the West Branch Tionesta Creek.
• Winter sports facilities, including a seven-acre sledding hill and groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

For those ready to plan their next trip to this scenic corner of Warren County, contact information is readily available. The physical address is 4790 Chapman Dam Road, Clarendon, PA 16313, USA. To speak with park staff regarding specific site availability, local conditions, or environmental programming, you can call the park office at (814) 723-0250. For reservations, Pennsylvanians can use the toll-free system at 888-PA-PARKS or visit the official ReserveAmerica website. The campground is generally open from mid-April through mid-December, though day-use areas remain open year-round from sunrise to sunset. It is important to note that cell service is unpredictable in this remote area, so downloading maps beforehand is a recommended practice for local visitors.

What is worth choosing about Chapman State Park Campground is the authentic sense of seclusion it provides without being entirely isolated from essential modern comforts. Choosing to camp here means choosing a quiet atmosphere where the rules—such as the prohibition of alcohol and the enforcement of quiet hours—are designed to protect the family-friendly and peaceful nature of the environment. The park is particularly worth choosing for those who enjoy "multi-modal" recreation; you can fish in the morning, hike into a national forest in the afternoon, and relax by a lakefront campfire in the evening, all without ever having to move your vehicle.

Furthermore, the cleanliness of the facilities and the friendliness of the staff are frequently highlighted by local residents as reasons for their repeat visits. For families with children, the "Story Walk" and the safe, lifeguardless beach provide a controlled yet adventurous environment for growth and play. By choosing Chapman State Park, you are supporting Pennsylvania's commitment to land stewardship and public access to nature. It is a place that honors the nostalgic camping traditions of the past while providing the modern infrastructure necessary for the campers of today. Whether you are seeking a honeymoon retreat at a secluded walk-in site or a group gathering at the yurts, Chapman State Park stands as a testament to the enduring beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

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