Pymatuning State Park's Jamestown Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts numerous camping options along Lake Pymatuning, including designated tent sites and full-hookup RV spaces with easy access to water activities. The campground features clean flush toilets, hot showers, and spacious sites across the pet-friendly and non-pet sections. Located 57 miles southwest of Erie, Pennsylvania, the area experiences mild summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F with occasional thunderstorms between June and August.
What to do
Fishing on Lake Pymatuning: Cast a line at Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park, where campers can fish for bass, walleye, and panfish. "The bald eagles sit in the trees not at all bothered by us. amazing," notes camper Mary M., highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities while fishing.
Disc golf at nearby parks: Visit Oil Creek Family Campground for their 27-hole course. According to one visitor, they have "a 27-hole disc golf course (recently expanded from 18 hole) primarily in the woods near and around the campground property." The course winds through wooded areas and offers varying difficulty levels for players.
Hiking local trails: Explore the 36-mile Gerard hiking trail connected to Oil Creek State Park. A camper mentions, "the campground hiking trail loop has a very short connecting piece to the 36-mile Gerard hiking trail that runs through the park." These trails offer scenic views of the surrounding forests, streams, and historical oil industry sites.
Swimming at beaches: Take a dip at Two Mile Run County Park's designated swimming areas. A visitor notes, "Great beach for kids," making it an ideal spot for families looking to cool off during summer months.
What campers like
Private, wooded campsites: Two Mile Run County Park provides secluded camping spots. "Shen staying at two mile you will find the sites are separated by trees and offer you your own little private area. The prices are good and you truly are in nature," says John S., emphasizing the park's natural setting.
Lake views and water access: Many campsites at Virginia's Beach Campground offer scenic views. "This is a quiet little park right on the water," shares Jim L. Another camper adds, "Almost all the spots have a water view even if you're not super close you can still see a small portion of it."
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds like Oil Creek Family Campground offer numerous activities. A visitor describes it as having "a great playground, a maze, a catch and release pond. Lots of things to do to keep the kids, or in our case the grandkids occupied."
Convenience to attractions: Camp Chautauqua provides proximity to regional attractions. One reviewer mentioned, "Southern Tier brewery nearby, two different casinos within 40 minutes, golf course, huge lake and more!" This makes it an ideal base for exploring the broader region.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At Evergreen Lake Park, a camper notes, "Our site was not level," while another mentioned about Virginia's Beach Campground, "Upper sites very unlevel."
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise. At Presque Isle Passage RV Park, one camper mentioned being "close to the highway so there is constant noise." Consider requesting sites further from main roads if seeking quiet.
Varying water pressure: Water hookups may have inconsistent pressure. A Virginia's Beach Campground visitor reported, "We had extremely low water pressure so we filled our tank and used our pump. Problem solved!"
Seasonal considerations: Many glamping options in Erie, Pennsylvania operate seasonally. Most luxury accommodations close between October and May due to harsh winter conditions, with average winter temperatures between 20-35°F and significant snowfall.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly activities: Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort offers multiple options for children. A camper shares, "Fun, family friendly campground. We were in a tent on a electric/water site. Sites were a little small but we made it work with three families on three sites. Lots to do, fishing, swimming pool, petting zoo, hayrides and friendly staff."
Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Several parks feature dedicated play areas. At Two Mile Run County Park, a visitor noted the "Great beach for kids," while Oil Creek Family Campground offers "a great playground" according to camper reviews.
Consider pet restrictions: When glamping in Erie, Pennsylvania with pets, note that some areas have limitations. At Pymatuning State Park, a camper advises, "I didn't like that pets are not allowed in the non-pet area as that was where the playground and swimming beach was. Made it difficult to swim and play as a family."
Look for educational opportunities: Oil Creek State Park provides historical learning experiences. A visitor mentioned, "I believe it's once a year that they have oil machinery demonstrations. Very interesting. You can also take a train ride through the park."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: At Chautauqua Lake KOA, campers praise the generous sites: "The sites are HUGE, plenty of space for our 30' TT, truck, and screen house." This contrasts with Camp Chautauqua, where sites were described as "a little small."
Be prepared for varying hookup quality: Some campgrounds have inconsistent utilities. One RVer at Virginia's Beach Campground noted, "Very low water pressure," while at Presque Isle Passage, a camper mentioned, "They do have a pool but that's it," indicating limited amenities.
Plan for leveling equipment: Many sites require leveling blocks. At Pymatuning State Park's Jamestown Campground, a camper shared, "The site was not level, but we were able to get the tent trailer level without too much effort."
Consider campground layout when booking: At Chautauqua Lake KOA, a camper advised, "If you don't have a golf cart, you may have to drive to the front for the pool, mini golf, basketball court & jumping pillow," highlighting the importance of understanding the campground's layout when selecting sites.
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