Chapman State Park Campground

chapman state park camping, chapman state park campground

For Pennsylvanians seeking a refreshing and diverse outdoor experience, Chapman State Park Campground in Pleasant Township is a true regional treasure. This expansive 862-acre state park, centered around the beautiful 68-acre Chapman Lake, offers a wide array of camping options and recreational activities that cater to every kind of outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're looking for a peaceful tent site under a shady canopy, a convenient electric hookup for your RV, or even a cozy camping cottage or yurt for a touch of glamping, Chapman State Park provides an ideal setting to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of northwestern Pennsylvania.

Chapman State Park is more than just a place to stay overnight; it's a vibrant recreational hub. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, spending your day fishing or boating on the lake, exploring miles of hiking trails, or simply relaxing by a campfire with loved ones. Its versatility, combined with its stunning woodland setting adjacent to the vast Allegheny National Forest, makes it a particularly attractive destination for locals. It's a place where families can create cherished memories, anglers can find their perfect catch, and anyone can find solace and rejuvenation in the heart of Pennsylvania's picturesque wilderness.

Chapman State Park Campground is nestled in Pleasant Township, PA 16313, a serene location within Warren County in northwestern Pennsylvania. Its strategic position makes it highly accessible for many Pennsylvanians, particularly those in the western and central parts of the state. The park is conveniently situated near State Route 6, providing straightforward road access. From Warren, PA, it's approximately 6 miles east on Route 6 to the borough of Clarendon, then a right turn onto Railroad Street (which becomes Chapman Dam Road) for about 4.7 miles directly to the park office. For those coming from the east, it's about 21 miles west of Kane, PA, on Route 6 to Clarendon.

The campground's location offers a perfect balance of seclusion and convenience. While you'll feel deeply immersed in the woodland environment, larger towns like Warren are close enough to provide access to essential supplies, groceries, and fuel, typically within a 15-20 minute drive. This means you can easily stock up on forgotten items without venturing too far from your outdoor haven. Ample parking is available at each campsite, and the park’s various accommodation types, from tent sites to RV spots and cottages, are designed for easy access. Cell phone service can be spotty in some parts of the park due to its natural, forested setting, but this often adds to the feeling of a true escape.

Chapman State Park Campground offers a wide array of services and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all visitors:

• Campsites: Approximately 80 campsites are available, with most suitable for RVs and trailers. Over 50 sites offer electric hookups (30-amp and 50-amp service).
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Clean, modern restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers are centrally located within the campground.
• Water Hydrants: Potable water is available at convenient hydrants throughout the campground.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is provided for RVs and trailers.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• Camping Cottages: Five cozy cottages sleep up to five people in bunk beds, featuring wooden floors, windows, electric heat, lights, outlets, a porch, picnic table, and fire ring. Cottages 1 and 3 are ADA accessible, and Cottage 1 is pet-friendly.
• Yurts: Two yurts can sleep up to six people, offering bunk beds and a double bed. They include a stove top, microwave, refrigerator, fire ring, electric, and heat. Yurt 1 is ADA accessible.
• Organized Group Tenting: Rustic camping areas are available for rent to adult and youth groups year-round, complete with fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby restrooms. Water is available at the park office.
• Free Firewood: When available, free firewood is provided by the campground host, though bringing your own local firewood is always recommended to prevent invasive species.
• Concession Stand: Located near the beach area, offering snacks, beverages, ice cream, and ice during peak season.
• Laundry Facilities: While not explicitly stated as individual machines at the campground, larger state parks often have laundry facilities available nearby or within the main park office area.
• Camp Host Site: Features 50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups for the camp host, who is available 24 hours to assist visitors.

Chapman State Park Campground boasts a variety of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts:

• Chapman Lake: The centerpiece of the park, a 68-acre lake, offers exceptional opportunities for swimming (at the sandy beach, open mid-May to mid-September), fishing (largemouth bass, sunfish, bluegill, yellow perch), and boating (electric motors at no-wake speed, boat launch, and seasonal mooring spaces available).
• Adjacent to Allegheny National Forest: Provides immediate access to a vast network of additional trails and wilderness areas for extended hiking, biking, and exploration.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: Beyond traditional tent and RV sites (many with electric hookups), the availability of camping cottages and yurts offers comfortable, semi-rustic alternatives for those seeking more amenities.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: While the park itself has a few miles of trails (e.g., Adams Run Trail, Crooked Pine Trail), they connect to longer routes in the national forest and adjoining state game lands. Many trails are multi-use, allowing for mountain biking and even cross-country skiing in winter.
• Wildlife and Bird Watching: The dense, diverse forest canopy (maples, oaks, hickories, cherries, birches, hemlocks) and grasslands provide excellent opportunities to spot deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species right from your campsite. Black bear sightings are also possible.
• Environmental Learning Center: The park features an environmental educator who conducts guided walks, stream studies, children's programs, and hosts guest speakers on various environmental topics.
• Playgrounds and Recreational Fields: A playground is available in the campground area, and the park also features a butterfly garden and an amphitheater for programs.
• Winter Activities: A seven-acre slope within the park is popular for sledding, and many multi-use trails are suitable for cross-country skiing during snowy months.
• Geocaching: The park is a popular spot for geocaching, with an "Introduction to Geocaching" class sometimes offered.
• Pet-Friendly Options: Specific campsites and at least one camping cottage are designated as pet-friendly, allowing furry family members to join the adventure.

As a Pennsylvania State Park, Chapman State Park Campground offers consistent and transparent pricing, along with value-added benefits through the state park system. While they don't typically run commercial "promotions" like private campgrounds, their fee structure is designed to be affordable for residents, and certain discounts are available.

• Campsite Fees: Rates for campsites vary depending on the type (electric vs. non-electric) and time of year (peak vs. off-peak). You can expect nightly rates ranging from approximately $20-$30 for electric sites and slightly less for non-electric sites.
• Cottage and Yurt Fees: These accommodations are priced higher than campsites, reflecting their added amenities, with nightly rates typically starting around $50-$70 or more, depending on demand and season.
• Organized Group Tenting: Specific rates apply for these rustic group areas, which can accommodate larger parties.
• Booking Discounts: While not a discount per se, booking 11 months in advance, especially for popular sites or accommodations like cottages and yurts, ensures availability and allows for better trip planning.

It's always recommended to check the official Pennsylvania State Parks website or use the ReserveAmerica booking platform (which is often linked from the state park site) for the most current pricing, availability, and any specific policies. Keep an eye out for information regarding multi-night stay discounts or off-season rates that may be offered through the Pennsylvania State Parks system for various locations, although specific details for Chapman may vary. Additionally, always confirm pet policies and fees if bringing a pet, as they are only permitted in designated areas.

For reservations, detailed park information, or any specific inquiries regarding Chapman State Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: Pleasant Township, PA 16313, USA
• Phone: (814) 723-5070 (This is the general park office number for Chapman State Park; the provided number in the prompt, (814) 563-1040, is for US Forest Service, likely for Buckaloons or general ANF inquiries, and while relevant to the region, the park office is the direct contact for Chapman State Park).
• General PA State Park Inquiries: 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757)

For the most efficient booking experience, especially for campsites, cottages, or yurts, visiting the Pennsylvania State Parks section on ReserveAmerica.com and searching for "Chapman State Park" is highly recommended.

For Pennsylvania locals, Chapman State Park Campground is an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination for a multitude of reasons. Its diverse range of accommodations, from traditional tent and RV sites to comfortable cottages and unique yurts, means there’s an option for every preference and comfort level, making it easy for any local to plan a personalized getaway. The park’s central feature, Chapman Lake, provides boundless opportunities for water-based fun, whether you're swimming on a hot summer day, casting a line for bass, or enjoying a peaceful paddle on the water.

The fact that it borders the vast Allegheny National Forest is a significant advantage, offering an extended playground for hiking, wildlife viewing, and true wilderness immersion beyond the park's boundaries. It’s a place where families can enjoy the playground and environmental programs, while more adventurous spirits can tackle challenging trails. For those looking to unplug but still have access to essential modern amenities like hot showers and electric hookups, Chapman strikes the perfect balance. This combination of natural beauty, varied activities, and convenient facilities ensures that Chapman State Park Campground stands out as a prime local destination for anyone in Pennsylvania seeking a memorable and enriching outdoor escape. It's a cherished spot where you can truly appreciate the natural heritage of our state.

Chapman State Park Campground

Pleasant Township, PA 16313, USA