Pymatuning State Park in Andover, Ohio, holds a special place in our family’s camping journey. It was one of our first-ever state park trips after we bought our camper—and like many firsts, it came with equal parts excitement, confusion, chaos, and joy.
We knew almost nothing about the camping lifestyle at the time. This trip was really more of a test run—and honestly, that first year of weekend warrior camping felt like a string of mini-vacations. Each weekend was a full production, overpacked with food, activities, and anticipation.
Looking back now, it was kind of funny: we’d bring a week’s worth of food for three days, spend like we were at a resort, and still find ourselves exhausted by Sunday. But you live, you learn—and Pymatuning was where some of those early lessons really stuck.
🏕️ Pymatuning State Park: What You Need to Know
Located in Andover, Ohio, Pymatuning State Park sits on the southern edge of the 14,000-acre Pymatuning Reservoir—one of the largest lakes in the state and a shared treasure between Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Campground Basics:
- Over 300 campsites, with electric and full hookup options
- Modern shower houses, dump stations, and pet-friendly zones
- Paved roads and level sites make it RV- and bike-friendly
- Reservations via ReserveOhio, from $25–$40/night
The campground is open seasonally (spring to fall), and many of the sites are either lake-adjacent or just a short walk to water.
💡 Pro Tip: If you can snag a lakeside site—do it. And if not, don’t worry, water access is easy from just about everywhere.
🧭 What To Do In and Around the Park
One of our favorite parts of this park is how close everything feels, especially when you have little ones in tow.
Onsite at the Park:
- Swimming in Pymatuning Lake: It may not be a beach resort, but the swimming area is spacious and family-friendly. Our kids were still learning to swim, and that didn’t stop us from wading right in—nervous but determined!
- Fishing: Great spots for bank fishing are everywhere. Bring your rods and a sense of patience.
- Bike Riding: Paved campground roads are ideal for young riders. There are a few inclines, but nothing too serious—even our 5-year-old could pedal through.
- Boating & Kayaking: There are multiple boat launches, and rentals are available nearby.
- Walking & Exploring: Great walking loops and plenty of green space.
- Make Friends: When you get into the camping lifestyle, if you are open to it, making friends with other families and kids only increases the fun you can have at each campground. Over the years, we have met plenty of other families with whom we now remain in touch and see occasionally. This is great for both adults and kids alike.
Our Real-Life Experience
When we visited in 2020, our kids were ages 2, 5, and 8—which meant one thing: zone defense. The two-year-old was on the move constantly, still taking naps (that we really tried to stick to), and still very much in the “touch everything, eat nothing” phase of toddlerhood.
It was also the height of the pandemic, which added another layer of unpredictability. But what we remember most is how open-minded we were. We just wanted to learn, explore, and make memories.
🧺 Pro Tips from Our Trip
- Go with an open mind. There will be chaos. That’s part of the fun.
- Stick to your family’s rhythm. If your kid naps at 1, plan around that.
- Don’t overpack. You probably won’t need four meals a day for three days.
- Use walkie talkies. They are a game changer if your kids want independence but you are not quite ready to cut the cord.
- Divide and conquer. One parent on the toddler, always.
🛶 Local Highlights (If You Venture Out)
If you are feeling adventurous and want to go beyond the campground, here are some must-dos:
- Linesville Spillway (PA side): Famous for “where the ducks walk on the fish”—yes, literally. A strange but unforgettable sight.
- Covered Bridge Pizza (Andover): Located in an actual historic covered bridge.
- Andover Dairy Queen: Small town treat with big nostalgia.
- Pymatuning Boat Rentals: Easy rentals for pontoons, kayaks, and more.
- Wildlife Observation Area: You might spot bald eagles or pelicans.
🎣 Final Thoughts
Pymatuning wasn’t just a campground for us—it was a turning point. It showed us that RVing is not about perfection. It is about progress, patience, and sometimes, just keeping everyone alive and fed while enjoying the view.
It taught us to plan better, pack lighter, and expect the unexpected. And it gave us the confidence to keep going, one campsite at a time.
If you are just starting out—or looking to revisit the simplicity of early trips—Pymatuning is the perfect destination. It is family-friendly, scenic, and full of little surprises.
