Jamestown, Pennsylvania features multiple established campgrounds clustered around Pymatuning Lake, with two separate state park campgrounds offering both primitive and developed camping opportunities. Pymatuning State Park maintains two primary camping areas - Jamestown Campground and Linesville Campground - both operating seasonally from mid-April through mid-October. Most sites accommodate tents and RVs with varying hookup options, while select locations offer cabin rentals. Shangri La By The Lake Campground provides an alternative private option with waterfront access and seasonal availability from May through September. The campground landscape centers predominantly around lake-based recreation with several waterfront sites available throughout the region.
Seasonal considerations strongly influence campground availability in the Jamestown area, with most facilities closing after mid-October until spring. Campsites typically require reservations, particularly for weekend stays and holiday periods. "We stayed for a 5-night stay at Pymatuning Jamestown campground and found the campground busy but well-maintained," noted one visitor. Road access remains straightforward with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads suitable for standard vehicles. Weather patterns can create challenges, particularly during stormy periods when some sites experience drainage issues. Several reviews mention thunderstorms causing water runoff through tent sites. The pet policies vary across different camping areas, with some sections of Pymatuning State Park restricting pets from beach and playground areas.
The lakefront setting defines the camping experience across most Jamestown area campgrounds. Sites with direct water access receive consistently positive reviews but tend to fill quickly during summer months. A visitor commented, "Sites 212-222 look to be on the water with boat access, but 218 has the easiest entry. The campsite was spacious for a PA state park." Fishing opportunities, swimming beaches, and boating access represent primary attractions for campers. Bathroom and shower facilities vary in quality and maintenance across locations. Many sites offer good shade coverage, though waterfront locations may have less tree canopy. Wildlife viewing opportunities, including bald eagle sightings, add to the natural appeal. The proximity to both Pennsylvania and Ohio sides of Pymatuning Lake provides campers with varied recreation options spanning two states.
$29 - $160 / night
"Nice campground on a lake. Plenty of spots for both RV people and tent. Bathrooms and showers were nice. This is in Ohio and is slightly cheaper that the Jamestown campground down the road in PA."
"We love being near the water when camping and at Pymatuning most if not all sites have views of the beautiful lake and the Pennsylvania shoreline across the lake."
$20 - $92 / night
"My family has visited Pymatuning park many times now and try have used a variety of spots at Jamestown campground. It is large, offering multiple options for campsite types."
"After those days it was very nice and we got to enjoy Jamestown beach and playground. The bathrooms could use some updating but they were adequate."
$18 - $34 / night
"The Shenango Recreation Area is a large campground with some 300 plus sites located on a lake in western Pennsylvania. Access to the campground is fairly easy and about 12 miles north of I-80."
"Most spaces are shaded and if not on the water, close to the water. We took kayaks - endless places to put into the water including from many sites. Easy 1.5 hour drive from Pittsburgh."
$22 - $163 / night
"Linesville camp ground is on the Pennsylvania and Ohio border."
"The Linesville Campground is a mid-sized state park campground with level, wooded sites, right on the Pymantuning Lake. A short walk to the marina which hires boats and sells snacks& fuel."
$45 - $60 / night
"Jeffco Lakes Resort is an absolute gem! My recent stay there was a delightful experience from start to finish."
"Jeffco Lakes Resort is a haven for camping and fishing enthusiasts. With well-maintained campsites, picturesque surroundings, and abundant fish-filled lakes, it offers an unforgettable experience."
$27 - $80 / night
"The group next to us seemed a little rowdy when we first pulled in, but by 10:00 there was no noise anywhere near us. "
"There seemed to be water fill stations scattered around the campground for convenience. I was actually able to fill me fresh water tank from one near by."
$57 - $67 / night
"We stayed here as it was close to my work. We love being weekend warriors and this place is great for us. The season tenants were incredibly kind and you can tell they take care of this campground."
"Plenty of shaded, private lots, and great lots by playground to let kids roam and still watch from a distance. All sites full hookup."
$35 - $175 / night
"Overall this was a great experience and it being 35 min from home we will definitely camp here few times each season.. oh and Andover glee market is 1 min drive or 6 min walk!"
ScoutStayed here one night. Decided to get an electric hook up so we could charge our portable generator. Great night sleep. Even better the showers were clean! I would definitely stay here again.
Potable water available too.
ScoutI suggest not camping or hiking in oil Creek State Park because there is a wild and crazy guy carrying a badge in a gun out because everybody a bad time and hand out fines like they are welcome gifts. I will never camp again let alone at oil Creek State Park and it has been over 20 years that this officer has ruined everything for me just because he is a little weasel that does not respect or care about anybody he just wants to write tickets and fines when you are trying to have a recreational enjoyable time in the woods do not think that you are okay there are still crazy cops out there trying to ruin everybody's good time!
ScoutSeveral shaded, grassy RV campsites face the lake. There are cabins to rent that are right near the lake. It's a mix of short-term and long-term/permanent rentals.
A large grassy area for children to play on. There is a small fishing pond near the office. A rocky beach and boat dock w/launch ramp. A fire ring for nighttime bonfires. Owners are friendly and accommodating.
I've stayed there the past two years, am going back this year, and will be going back as long as I'm able to travel from California to Pennsylvania. Sunsets over the lake rival those over the Pacific Ocean. I love the place!
ScoutOther than having to pay for a lot of the info it's a great app
GuideWe staying here for a month. It is cheap and only few sites are occupied. Clean bathrooms and toilets
GuideWe had an amazing time at Geneva state park. We stayed at the primitive sites and it was great. The bathrooms were clean and the views were amazing.
GuideThe camping was a great place for someone with a disability and is a dog friendly place. Perfect for a trip to the lake
ScoutGreat rv park top of the line amenities and staff very clean and a great time. I highly recommend this rv location and their cabins seem to be excellent
GuideI had originally gotten lot #81 but quickly got it switched to #83 because it was just waaaay better. Flatter ground and I was able to go deeper into the woods.
I went the first week of October, and on weekdays, which was great because I had no neighbors.
Staff was great, check in area also has a little store with all the essentials stocked up, lots of trails, great for biking and hiking, a park for the kids, fishing, canoeing, showers, flush toilets, all that fancy stuff was there.
Only down side was occasional road noise which I just can't seem to escape in my area of Ohio. And I personally wouldn't go here on weekends or over the summer because there are RV sites everywhere, which is another thing that dominates my area of Ohio.
Going again, as long as I don't have the kids, I would try for a test space as far from the road and is deep in the forest as possible. Do that at tge right time of year and I think this will be a great spot for me in the future
Campgrounds near Jamestown, Pennsylvania focus heavily on fishing opportunities and water-based recreation. Located in northwestern Pennsylvania's lake region, this area sits in a transition zone between the Appalachian Plateau and the Great Lakes lowlands at elevations ranging from 970-1,100 feet. The camping season typically runs mid-April through mid-October with limited winter options, and sites experience significant drainage variations during spring rains.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Both Pymatuning and Shenango lakes offer distinct fishing experiences. "We stayed for a week. This was a really nice park, very clean and quiet. The sites had plenty of space and nice views," notes a visitor to Pymatuning State Park Campground.
Bird watching opportunities: The lakes attract diverse bird species including eagles. "The bald eagles sit in the trees not at all bothered by us. amazing," reports a camper at Jamestown Campground.
Biking on local trails: Several paved trails connect camping areas with nearby attractions. "We were able to bike down to the beach for swimming and we took our bikes to Meadville to do the Ernst bike trail (recommended - a paved, flat, easy 6.3 mile cycling trail through the woods and along the river)," shares a Jamestown Campground visitor.
Carp feeding at the spillway: The famous spillway offers a unique wildlife experience. "We camped on the Ohio side of the lake but spent several hours on the Pennsylvania feeding the HUGE schools of carp at the spillway. The ducks do actually walk on the backs of the fish to battle for scraps of bread!" explains a Pymatuning camper.
Waterfront sites: Direct lake access from campsites rates highly among visitors. "Our site had a great view of the sunsets and the water! The mooring area for boats was very convenient," writes a camper at Linesville Campground.
Cleanliness of facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive consistent praise. "Nice shower and bathrooms for a state park. Very nice areas for walking, kayaking, swimming, and playground," notes a Jamestown visitor.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. "Sites are large (we stayed at 300) well wooded w large mature trees," explains a camper at Wildwood Acres Campground.
Swimming options: Multiple beaches and pools provide swimming opportunities. "The beach area was small but clean and had new sand," reports a Linesville Campground visitor.
Site selection matters: Not all waterfront sites offer true water access. "We booked a waterfront site and were disappointed to learn that was not actually the case. There was a little bit of a swampy area behind us but the lake was further away," cautions a Jamestown Campground visitor.
Weather impacts: Spring storms can create drainage issues. "Started the stay off a little rocky with two big thunderstorms the first two days. Our site had a wash run right through it," reports another Jamestown camper.
Limited shower facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal facilities. "No real bathrooms except at the front of the park. No place to wash dishes. Rough if you're tent camping," explains a visitor at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds located in Jamestown, PA?
Jamestown, PA is home to several campgrounds, with the main one being Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park, located along the shores of Pymatuning Lake. Another notable option is Shangri La By The Lake Campground, also situated near Jamestown. For those willing to travel a short distance, you'll find Linesville Campground — Pymatuning State Park on the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, offering another beautiful lake setting for camping.
How much does it cost to camp at Jamestown campgrounds?
Camping costs in the Jamestown area vary by location and amenities. At Pymatuning State Park Campground on the Ohio side, rates are slightly cheaper than at the Pennsylvania Jamestown campground. For a more economical option, Shenango Campground offers over 300 sites about 12 miles north of I-80 with reasonable rates. Prices typically range from $20-$35 per night for standard sites, with additional fees for premium waterfront locations, hookups, or holiday weekends. State park campgrounds offer discounts for Pennsylvania seniors and veterans.
What amenities are available at Pymatuning State Park campground in Jamestown?
Pymatuning State Park's Jamestown Campground offers a variety of amenities to enhance your camping experience. The large campground features both electric and non-electric sites, with bathrooms that underwent renovations in 2021. Campers enjoy access to Jamestown beach and playground facilities. The campground is situated on Pymatuning Lake, with some sites (like #218) located directly on the water, providing excellent shore fishing and kayak/canoe launch opportunities. The campground is divided into sections, with the smaller area being less crowded but still offering waterfront access. For those seeking alternative accommodations nearby, Sara's Campground offers bayside camping with beach access.
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