Fishing enthusiasts will find Chapman State Park Campground positioned along the shores of Chapman Lake, with multiple launch points for kayaks and canoes plus a designated swimming beach. The 83-site campground operates from mid-April through mid-December, offering full hookups for RVs alongside walk-in tent sites that require crossing a small bridge for added privacy.
The campground maintains two distinct camping areas connected by paved loops that work well for cycling. Michelle E. notes it's a "very nice quiet family camp ground featuring tent, camper full hook ups." Several sites back directly against evergreen forest, while others face the lake. Walk-in sites remain about 150 feet from shower facilities and tend to stay less crowded than the RV loops.
Miles of hiking trails depart directly from the campground, including routes that connect to nearby state game lands. The lake offers fishing opportunities when not affected by dam maintenance, and the park includes multiple playgrounds plus canoe and kayak rentals when operational. Modern restroom and shower facilities draw consistent praise from campers, along with a dump station and spigots throughout the camping areas.
Cell service varies significantly by carrier, with Verizon users reporting better coverage than AT&T customers. Pennsylvania state parks prohibit alcohol, and sites are limited to five guests each. The campground sits within reach of campgrounds around Clarendon and provides access to attractions like Kinzua Dam and the Kinzua Skywalk within an hour's drive. Reservations are available through the Pennsylvania state park system, with sites numbered 7, 13, 16, 19, 22, and 27 receiving particular mention from returning campers.
Description
The 862-acre Chapman State Park includes the 68-acre Chapman Lake on the West Branch of Tionesta Creek. Adjacent to State Game Lands #29 and the Allegheny National Forest, Chapman is an oasis of recreational facilities in a vast area of wilderness.
Permit Conditions: 1. No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite. Other facilities are limited to the maximum occupancy for the facility (i.e. beds in cabins) for non-family guests. Note: Family Unit-Persons living under one household. 2. Occupant shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older. 3. Noise or conduct which could interfere with the sleep of other persons is prohibited between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. 4. Before vacating the facility/site, occupants shall clean and properly dispose of waste. 5. Visitors are permitted only between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. 6. This permit may not be assigned or transferred. 7. Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited. 8. Failure to abide by Pennsylvania State Park Rules and Regulations. 9. For cabins,/yurts/camping cottages removal of tables, beds or other furnishings from the facility are prohibited. 10. For cabins/yurts/camping cottages, tents, camping trailers and recreation vehicles are not permitted in the area. 11. Pets are only permitted in designated areas. Overnight guests with pets must reserve designated facilities. Violations: Violations of park rules and regulations or violations of a condition of this permit could result in any or all of the following consequences: 1. The permit may be revoked. This would mean that the occupants would be required to vacate the facility immediately. 2. The occupants may be required to leave the park. 3. The occupants may be cited for violations of park rules and regulations, a summary offense. 4. The occupants are responsible for any loss or damages to furnishings, fixtures, equipment, or facilities that occur during or due to their occupancy.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChapman State Park Campground is located in Pennsylvania near Clarendon
Directions
From the West: From Warren, PA, travel east for approximately 6 miles on State Route 6 to the borough of Clarendon. Turn right onto Railroad Street at the only traffic light in Clarendon. The park office is in 4.7 miles, on the right. Railroad Street becomes Chapman Dam Road, no turns are necessary. From the East: From Kane, PA, travel west for approximately 21 miles on State Route 6 to the borough of Clarendon. Turn left onto Railroad Street at the only traffic light in Clarendon. The park office is in 4.7 miles, on the right. Railroad Street becomes Chapman Dam Road, no turns are necessary.
Address
4790 Chapman Dam Rd
Clarendon, PA 16313
Coordinates
41.74600074 N
79.178 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/6/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/6/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/6/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 29 min from Erie, PA
- 2 hrs 6 min from Buffalo, NY
- 2 hrs 16 min from Youngstown, OH
- 2 hrs 30 min from Altoona, PA
