
328
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND
Overview The Shenango Recreation Area is situated within the broad, flat, meandering valleys of the Shenango River and Pymatuning Creek. Sharon, Pennsylvania is approximately 7 miles southwest and Youngstown, Ohio is about 21 miles west. Visitors to the area enjoy camping, boating and fishing. Recreation The lake provides an attractive setting for picnicking, camping, boating or simply enjoying nature's beauty. Anglers fish for bass, walleye, muskellunge and a variety of panfish. The lake is shallow and water levels generally drop throughout the summer, especially after the Fourth of July, depending upon rainfall. The Coonie Trail is one-half mile in length. This self-guided interpretive nature trail invites visitors not only to experience the beauty of Shenango River Lake but also to learn about its varied habitats and relationships between plants, animals and humans. Shenango Lake is an unlimited horsepower lake and has six free boat launches for access. The Lakeside Picnic Shelter is located on site and can be reserved for reunions or other large gatherings. Facilities The lake provides an attractive setting for picnicking, camping, boating or simply enjoying nature's beauty. Anglers fish for bass, walleye, muskellunge and a variety of panfish. The lake is shallow and water levels generally drop throughout the summer, especially after the Fourth of July, depending upon rainfall. The Coonie Trail is one-half mile in length. This self-guided interpretive nature trail invites visitors not only to experience the beauty of Shenango River Lake but also to learn about its varied habitats and relationships between plants, animals and humans. Shenango Lake is an unlimited horsepower lake and has six free boat launches for access. The Lakeside Picnic Shelter is located on site and can be reserved for reunions or other large gatherings. Natural Features Shenango River Lake stretches 11 miles up its namesake river, covering over 11,000 acres. The shore is lined with a northern hardwood forest of shady and colorful trees such as Black Cherry, Beech, Maple and Hemlock. Deer, turkey and other small game animals are plentiful, with excellent opportunities to observe osprey and eagles in the area. Nearby Attractions The Shenango Water Trail provides 7.5 miles of scenic river corridor for paddlers, with three access points between Kidds Mill Park and Big Bend. Personal Floatation Devices must be worn on all canoes and kayaks. The historic Kidds Mill Covered Bridge features the unique "Smith-Truss" design from the 1800s. Remnants of the Erie Extension Canal can be found nearby in Sharpsville below the Shenango Dam. The Shenango and Mahaney Recreation Areas feature restoration chestnut tree orchards that are managed through a partnership with the American Chestnut Foundation for research and education, with the goal of developing blight resistant American chestnut trees. The nearby Bayview Off-Road Vehicle Area provides over 200 acres of riding trails for ATV's and dirt bikes (3.5 miles from the campground) The Chestnut Run Swim Beach is only 3 miles from the campground and offers a great area for swimming and sunbathing (NOTE: no lifeguard on duty) "The Pines" Disc Golf Course in the nearby Mahaney Recreation Area (6 miles from the campground) offers a challenging course that hosts PDGA sanctioned events The nearby Trout Island Trail in Sharpsville is a 5 mile paved trail that accomodates walking, running and cycling The Shenango Hiking Trail, on the east end of the lake, is 7.5 miles through wooded areas adjacent to the Shenango River Boat Rentals are available at the nearby RC's Marina in Clark, Pa. (1.4 miles) An ADA Fishing Pier is available in Clark, Pa. 1.4 miles from the campground. Charges & Cancellations A $10.00 service fee will be charged if you change or cancel a reservation. If a customer does not arrive at the campground by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the day before or day of arrival, the customer will be considered a "no-show" and may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and also forfeit use fees. If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellation for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but not be charged the $10.00 service fee. For more information on cancellations or refunds, please visit the recreation.gov site or call 877-644-8777.
- 328 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (328).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND special
Sprawling across 328 sites along the gentle curves of the Shenango River, Shenango Recreation Area Campground is one of western Pennsylvania's premier lakeside retreats. The broad, flat valleys carved by the Shenango River and Pymatuning Creek create a landscape of rolling meadows and mature hardwood forests that feels worlds away from the bustle of nearby Sharon and Hermitage. Anglers will find Shenango Lake teeming with walleye, bass, and crappie, while boaters enjoy miles of open water perfect for sailing, kayaking, or leisurely pontoon cruises. The campground's generous layout means sites feel spacious even at peak capacity, with a mix of electric and non-electric options spread across wooded loops and open waterfront areas. Families appreciate the swimming beach, playgrounds, and network of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding countryside. Pymatuning State Park sits just a short drive north, offering additional fishing and the famous spillway where ducks walk on fish. The campground operates from late April through mid-October, with the warmest months filling quickly on weekends. Reservations are strongly recommended for July and August stays. Spring and early fall deliver quieter experiences with spectacular foliage and excellent fishing conditions, making shoulder seasons a favorite among returning guests.
Campsite Inventory
328 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
Bed Type
N/A
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single, Triple
Check-in time
04:00 PM
Check-out time
02:00 PM
Condition Rating
Standard
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway length (ft)
199 ft 4 in, 22 ft 6 in, 23 ft 3 in, 25 ft
Driveway surface
Gravel
Electricity Hookup
30 amp, 50 amp
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
8
Max vehicle length (ft)
199, 22, 23, 25
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Proximity to Water
Lakefront, N/A
Shade
Full, No, Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
724-646-1124
Getting There
Take Exit 4B (formerly Exit 1) off I-80 and follow Route 18 north about 6 miles until you cross the lake's causeway. The park is on the left, but this is a divided highway. Continue north about 1/4 mile, take the Birchwood Drive exit, make the turn-around and go south on Route 18. Before you cross the causeway again, make a right onto West Lake Road and travel approximately 1/4 mile to the park entrance on the left. Shenango Recreation Area address: 492 West Lake Road, Transfer, Pa. 16154
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND?
SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (328).
Where is SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND located?
SHENANGO REC AREA CAMPGROUND is in Pennsylvania near HERMITAGE. Coordinates: 41.2889, -80.4383.
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