Chapman State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chapman State Park |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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 Chapman State Park
Location in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Pleasant, Warren, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 862.154 acres (348.901 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,526 ft (465 m) |
| Established | 1951 |
| Named for | Dr. Leroy E. Chapman |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Chapman State Park |
Chapman State Park is a fun place to visit in Pennsylvania. It's a large park, about 862-acre (349 ha) big. You can find it in Pleasant Township, near Clarendon. The park has a special man-made lake called Chapman Lake. This lake covers about 68 acres (28 ha) of the park's area.
The park is named after Dr. Leroy E. Chapman. He was a state senator for many years, from 1929 to 1963. Dr. Chapman worked with different community groups. They all wanted a state park in Warren County, Pennsylvania. Chapman State Park first opened in 1951. It's right next to the huge Allegheny National Forest. You can easily find it off U.S. Route 6.
Fun Things to Do at Chapman State Park
Chapman State Park is open all year round. There are lots of activities for everyone. You can enjoy the park in every season.
Water Activities on Chapman Lake
Chapman Lake is a great spot for water fun. You can go swimming in the lake. It's also perfect for boating and fishing.
Swimming and Beach Fun
The park has a sandy beach where you can swim. It's open from 8:00 AM until sunset. This is usually from the Friday before Memorial Day until Labor Day. There's a snack stand near the beach. You can buy snacks, drinks, and ice cream there.
Boating Rules
You can use electric-powered boats or boats without motors on Chapman Lake. Gas-powered boats are not allowed. Your boat needs to be registered with any state. Or, you can get a launch permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. You can also get a permit from the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks. If you don't have a boat, you can rent canoes and kayaks near the beach.
Fishing in the Lake
Chapman Lake is home to many kinds of fish. You might catch brook and brown trout. Other fish include bluegill, sunfish, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and sucker. The lake and the West Branch Tionesta Creek are stocked with trout often. This means more fish for you to catch!
Camping and Staying Overnight
If you want to stay longer, Chapman State Park has several options. You can camp or rent a cozy cabin.
Rustic Campground
The park has a rustic campground in a wooded area. There are 81 campsites available. You'll find two shower houses and water spigots. Many sites have electric service (30 Amp or 50 Amp). About half of the campsites welcome pets. The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December.
Cottages and Yurts
You can also rent three cottages. These cottages can sleep up to five people. They have wooden floors, a porch, and electric heat. Each cottage also has a picnic table and a fire ring outside.
The park also offers two unique Mongolian-style yurts. These are round tents built on a wooden platform. Yurts have a cooking stove, refrigerator, tables, and chairs. They also have electric lights, heat, and outlets. Outside, you'll find a picnic table and a fire ring.
Trails and Hiking Adventures
Chapman State Park has 12 miles (19 km) of trails. These trails are great for hiking.
Exploring Allegheny National Forest
Chapman State Park is a starting point for trails into the huge Allegheny National Forest. This forest is about 517,000 acres (209,000 ha) big! If you plan to go backpacking, please tell the park office. Let them know where you are going and when you expect to return. It's also a good idea to bring a map and a compass.
Hunting and Winter Sports
The park offers activities for hunters and winter sports fans.
Hunting Opportunities
Over 450 acres (180 ha) of Chapman State Park is open for hunting. Hunters can park their cars in the park. From there, they can access nearby state game lands and the Allegheny National Forest. Common animals to hunt include white-tailed deer, American black bear, wild turkey, eastern gray squirrel, and ruffed grouse. All hunters must follow the rules of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Winter Fun
When winter comes, the park stays open. You can go cross-country skiing on the trails. Snowmobiling is also popular. And if the lake freezes, you can try ice fishing.
Nearby State Parks to Explore
There are other cool state parks close to Chapman State Park. Here are some within 30 miles (48 km):
- Allegany State Park in New York
- Clear Creek State Park in Jefferson County
- Cook Forest State Park in Clarion, Forest, and Jefferson Counties
- Kinzua Bridge State Park in McKean County
- Oil Creek State Park in Venango County
