Chapman State Park, an 805-acre park located in Warren County near Clarendon off U.S. Route 6, is adjacent to the Allegheny National Forest and State Game Lands No. 29, and includes a 68-acre lake on the West Branch of the Tionesta Creek.
Opportunities
A wide selection of recreational opportunities exists during all seasons of the year. Visitors may select from:
Family Campground: Eighty-three tent and trailer campsites are available in a beautiful woodland setting. Pit toilets and a sanitary dump station are provided. The area is open to camping April-December. Access, however, is not guaranteed during severe winter weather.
Organized Group Tenting: A 100 person capacity area is open year-round to adult and youth groups. The rustic area contains pit toilets, firerings, picnic tables and water. Advance reservations are required.
Picnicking: Over 200 picnic tables are found in the park.
Fishing: The lake provides fishing for both cold and warm water fish which includes brook and brown trout, largemouth bass, bluegills, sunfish, yellow perch and suckers. Within the park and the surrounding Allegheny National Forest, there is good trout fishing in the West Branch of Tionesta Creek and Farnsworth Run.
The lake bottom contours have changed. Fishermen using waders should be careful and wary of sharp drop-offers.
Boating: Non-powered and electric powered boats are permitted. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: 1) State Park launch permit 2) State Park mooring permit or 3) a current Pennsylvania boat registration. Motorized boats must display a current registration.
Two boat launch ramps and 50 seasonal mooring spaces are available. A boat rental concession rents canoes, rowboats, and paddle boats.
Interpretive Programs: For those who wish to learn more about the environment, an environmental interpreter is on the staff on a seasonal basis. Movies and slide programs, guided walks, stream studies, childrens' program, and other programs are made enjoyable as well as educational.
Hiking and Backpacking: A 12-mile hiking trail system is located in the park.
When going on a hike always take and map and compass and know how to use them. Leave word with a family member, friend, or the park office concerning the trails you will take, destination and expected return time. Have a safe hike.
Hunting: Over 400 acres are open to hunting from the fall archery deer season through March 31. Common game species are deer, turkey, bear and small game.
Snowmobiling: The trailhead to Allegheny National Forest trails is quite popular. Parking facilities, a comfort station and a shelter are provided. The 300+ mile trail network is open daily to registered snowmobiles after the end of antlerless deer season in late December.
Sledding and Tobogganing: Seven acres of slopes are available for this popular winter sport. The slopes are lighted until 10 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
Cross-Country Skiing: Many skiers use the 4.4 miles of ski trails within the park. These trails connect with numerous trails in the adjoining Allegheny National Forest and State Game lands.
Ice Skating, Ice Fishing and Ice Boating: Many people enjoy ice skating on a plowed section of the lake and ice fishing on the rest of the lake. The lake is stocked with fish during the winter. Ice boating is permitted. Ice boaters should call the park to check ice surface conditions prior to coming.
Warming Hut: For winter sports fans, a warming hut is available containing a wood-burning stove, picnic tables and benches.
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