In a setting that highlights the mystery of an old swamp forest and the excitement of a water recreation area, Pymatuning State Park invites outdoor lovers of all ages to enjoy a relaxing lakeside vacation experience. In addition to being one of the finest walleye and muskellunge lakes in the country, Pymatuning offers excellent camping, swimming and boating opportunities as well.

Northeastern Ohio's "snow belt" region is the setting for spacious Pymatuning State Park. Located on the western shore of Pymatuning Reservoir, the park provides a wide variety of facilities for those who enjoy outdoor recreation.

The countryside around Pymatuning State Park was shaped by the action of the glaciers that covered the area more than 14,000 years ago. As the last ice melted away, a rolling terrain dotted with dozens of kettle lakes was revealed. Gradually, a great swamp forest developed, punctuated by bogs and wetlands and supporting stands of towering white pines. The rich wetland habitat was home to a great number of wild animals including bears and wolves. It was this abundance of resources that attracted Indians to the area; the word Pymatuning is taken from an Indian term translated as "the crooked-mouthed man's dwelling place."

The remaining ponds and marshes are a good food source for many types of animals, including the magnificent bald eagle. Several pairs of eagles nest on the Pennsylvania side of the reservoir, and a patient observer may spot one of these rare birds of prey in flight. In addition to eagles, the reservoir serves as a resting spot for numerous migrating waterfowl.

Settlement of the area by white immigrants from the east was slow to occur. The vast Pymatuning swamp and nearly impenetrable forest made travel difficult. The earliest Europeans to reside here were trappers in search of valuable beaver pelts. Later, the lush forest attracted lumbermen who especially prized the strong, straight trunks of the white pines that were used to construct masts for sailing ships. As more and more settlers came into northern Ohio, much of the wilderness character of the Pymatuning region was lost. Remnants of the original swamp still remain today, coaxing the modern day naturalist to explore this unique habitat.

In 1933, the dam which impounded Pymatuning Reservoir was constructed to regulate the flow of the Shenango and Beaver rivers. Land on the western shore of the reservoir was acquired by the state of Ohio in 1935, and in 1950 the Division of Parks and Recreation began developing Pymatuning State Park.

Ohio does not have an annual pass and does not charge entrance fees to state parks.

Twenty-seven family cottages which sleep six are heated for year-round use. Thirty-three standard cottages are available May 1 - November 1, each of which sleep four. All cottages are furnished with linens, towels, and cooking/eating utensils. The family cottages have been renovated to include gas fireplaces, cable TV and microwave ovens. Reservations may be made up to one year in advance. A small beach is available for cottage guests.

Campers will find the large modern campground suitable for tents and trailer camping. Electric service is provided to most campsites. Heated showerhouses, flush toilets, laundry facilities and a nearby camp commissary are provided. Certain sites may be rented for the entire season. A small beach for campers is near the center of the campground.