Chapman State Park
Overview
The park name 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. 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. Chapman State Park offers 12 miles of trails for hikers, a 68-acre Chapman Lake, and close proximity to Allegheny National Forest. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, camping, biking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and many other things. Not only is Chapman ideal for the summer, it provides the perfect atmosphere for winter activities as well. Ice skating and ice fishing on Chapman Lake, sledding, and cross-country skiing continue to draw visitors year-round.
Activities
Boating
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.
Bicycling
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.
Camping
This beautiful woodland campground has 82 campsites, modern restrooms with hot water, flush toilets and showers, water at convenient hydrants, an outdoor amphitheater, and a sanitary dump station. Pets are permitted at designated campsites. The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December. Three cottages sleep five people in single bunks and double/single bunks, and have wooden floors, windows, electric heat, porch, picnic table, fire ring and electric lights and outlets.
Fishing
The 68-acre Chapman Lake has fishing for cold-water and warm-water fish, including brook and brown trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, yellow perch and sucker. ADA accessible fishing piers are on the eastern and western shorelines of Chapman Lake. Within the park and the surrounding Allegheny National Forest there is good trout fishing in the West Branch of Tionesta Creek and Farnsworth Run.
Hiking
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.
Hunting
Over 400 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, bear and small game. Allegheny National Forest and State Game Land 29 adjacent to the park are open to hunting.
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.
RVing
RVing permitted.
Water Sports
A sand beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.
Winter Sports
Many people enjoy ice-skating on Chapman La
Directions
Driving
Chapman State Park is six miles west of Clarendon on Chapman Dam Road. From the west, there are signs along U.S. 6 starting in Warren. From the east, the signs begin in Sheffield. Follow U.S. 6 to Clarendon. There is one traffic light in Clarendon. Turn at the light onto Railroad Street. Railroad Street becomes Chapman Dam Road just outside of town. The park is at the end of Chapman Dam Road.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(814) 723-0250Links
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