Chapman State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Surrounded by the dense Allegheny National Forest, Chapman State Park is heavily shaded with ancient trees and filled with grasslands and recreational opportunities. Named after Dr. Leroy E. Chapman, a civil rights champion and a senator from Pennsylvania, this 862-acre park is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. Additionally, various programs at the park provide education through guided walks, stream studies, children's programs, and occasional guest speakers. Be sure to consider the park for adventures all year round, as winter sports are popular in the area.
Nearby Cities:
Clarendon, PA
Warren, PA
Sheffield, PA
Youngsville, PA
Spring 44-69F
Summer 77-81F
Fall 47-72F
Winter 31-36F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Chapman State Park
Campground Accommodations
Chapman State Park Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 60 feet
Other amenities: Flush toilets, showers, potable water, dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, concessions, firewood sales
Whispering Winds Campground
Whispering Winds Campground has campsites ranging from $31 to $44 a night depending on the amenities and the season. There are 30- or 50-amp hookups with options for sewer and cable. During the camping season, the park hosts a wealth of fun activities suitable for the whole family. Hikers will enjoy the easy access to the Allegheny National Forest that the campground offers.
Kane RV Sites
Kane RV Sites is host to eight RV sites, all of which offer water, sewer, and electric hookups. Visitors need to call to confirm rates, which are available on a daily or weekly basis. Boating, fishing, biking, and hiking are some of the most popular activities to enjoy here. There are also several restaurants and stores within walking distance of Kane RV Sites.
Rustic Acres RV Resort & Campground
Rustic Acres RV Resort & Campground has 95 campsites with 30- or 50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups along with a fire ring and picnic table. The sites are large enough for RVs of all sizes, allowing sufficient room for backing in and pulling out. Besides hiking trails and a wading creek, guests have access to basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, shuffleboard, and horseshoes.
What to Do at
Chapman State Park
Land or water, winter or summer, Chapman State Park has recreational opportunities for everyone. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a casual lunch with a spectacular view overlooking Chapman Lake. Bring your camera for amazing shots of the nature in and surrounding the park. Bait your line and catch a few fish for dinner. Or, spend a relaxing evening under the canopy of trees at the campground.
Hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails take you through the wilderness and around Chapman Lake. For water enthusiasts, launch your watercraft into the lake or take a dip from the beach.
Inside Chapman State Park
Chapman State Park features a 68-acre lake that boasts some of the state's best catch-and-release fishing. However, one of the best assets this park offers is an environmental educator who does guided walks and children's programs. Guest speakers also present some of the programs at the park to provide more in-depth discussions. Additionally, this park hosts stream studies that are vital to understanding the local aquatic life and ecosystems.
Fishing
Fish commonly caught in Chapman Lake are Largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and yellow perch. For fly fishing enthusiasts, brook and brown trout swim through the West Branch of Tionesta Creek and Farnsworth Run. In addition, ice fishing on the lake is popular during the colder months.
Geocaching
There are several hidden geocaches in Chapman State Park. The park even offers an Introduction to Geocaching class to teach visitors how to find them. You can take a prize from the container when you find one but don't forget to bring a family-friendly item to replace it with.
Nature Watching
You will see animals roaming the park, munching on vegetation throughout the seasons. Additionally, Bird-watching is popular at Chapman State Park, so pack your binoculars.
Stargazing
The Pennsylvania night sky is beautiful when you get out from under the forest's trees. Look for constellations, see the moon's phases, or find planets in view.
Flora and Fauna
Surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest, Chapman State Park has a beautiful canopy comprised of maples, oaks, hickories, cherries, birches, and hemlocks. Deer, black bears, turkeys, and squirrels make their homes among the trees.
Hiking
Journey across more than 14 miles of trails, ranging from easy, flat terrain to difficult assents for more experienced hikers. Many of the trails are multi-use and allow mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. If you have kids in your group, don't miss the Adams Run Trail, a short Story Walk self-guided route.
Boating
Electric motors at no-wake speed are allowed on Chapman Lake. There is a boat launch and 41 seasonal mooring spaces on the lake. Additional mooring spots for campground guests are located on the eastern side of the lake.
Swimming
A sandy beach is available for public swimming and sunbathing during summer hours. A concession stand at the beach sells snacks, beverages, ice cream treats, and ice to help beat the heat. There are also restrooms and picnic tables nearby.
Biking
A handful of the hiking trails are open for biking. In addition, visitors often bike the park roads for exercise. Try out Game Lands Road, which takes you through State Game Lands for about 6 miles. Lowlands Trail is a short path that takes you across a swinging bridge and through a wetland area above the lake.
How to Get to
Chapman State Park
Chapman State Park sits in northeastern Pennsylvania, just miles from US Highway 6. From Clarendon, take Chapman Dam Road east to the park.
Entering Chapman State Park
Several parking areas are available in the park. There is a large parking lot near the dam at the park's north end. There are additional parking areas near the beach and the entrance. Limited extra-car parking is available in the campground. Pennsylvania state parks are always free, and you can visit and enjoy the park without paying an entrance fee.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chapman State Park
Chapman State Park has recreation and natural beauty for visitors to enjoy all seasons. Late spring and summer boast warm boating, fishing, and swimming temperatures. During the fall months, the thousands of trees change color for a spectacular show of nature. Ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and hunting are popular during the cold winter months.
Deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and squirrels are often spotted in the park. Songbirds call the park home, and you can spot migratory waterfowl in the spring and fall. Birders will also be able to log larger birds, like owls and bald eagles, in their journals.
There are 81 RV camping spots at the campground at Chapman State Park, some with electrical hookups and some without. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby restrooms.
Reservations for camping spots are required. You can make your reservation online or by phone up to 11 months before your stay. Sites cost $25 to $29 per night.
Pets are welcome at Chapman State Park in designated areas. Roughly half of the campsites in the campground are pet-friendly. Your pet must be on a leash and supervised. Pets are not allowed on the beach, picnic area, or most trails.