ESPYVILLE, PA — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn recently visited Pymatuning State Park in Crawford County to celebrate the completion of the newly improved Tuttle Point Campground. This revitalized campground marks a significant enhancement to one of Pennsylvania’s premier outdoor destinations.
State parks like Pymatuning offer exceptional outdoor experiences, reinforcing Pennsylvania’s status as “The Great American Getaway.” Outdoor recreation contributes $17 billion to the state’s economy, supports 164,344 jobs, and accounts for 1.8 percent of Pennsylvania’s gross domestic product, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
“I am excited to be here celebrating this campground and the improvements that have enhanced Pymatuning State Park to a premier camping destination in the region,” Dunn said. “Thank you to the Department of General Services and Senator Michele Brooks for ensuring another generation of visitors can start their outdoor recreation adventure at one of our amazing state parks.”
Governor Josh Shapiro’s recent initiative, The Great American Getaway, saw him taking a recreational vehicle tour across Pennsylvania, becoming the first sitting governor to spend nights in state parks, including Lyman Run and Hickory Run.
The renovated Tuttle Point Campground now boasts 112 campsites, complete with water, sewer, and electric hookups, including several ADA-accessible sites. The $8 million project, supported by the Department of General Services, included numerous upgrades:
- Installation of new water and sewage lines and a sewage pumping station
- Construction of new buildings for a water treatment facility, comfort station, and beach restroom
- Repaving of roadways and parking lots
- Addition of a new fishing pier and boat launch
- Refurbishment of a 75,000-gallon water tank
“The revitalization of Tuttle Point Campground showcases the importance of investment in public infrastructure,” said Department of General Services Secretary Reggie McNeil. “This project not only improves accessibility and comfort for visitors, but also demonstrates the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s commitment to preserving and enhancing natural recreational spaces for future generations.”
The original Tuttle Point Campground closed in 2010 due to funding issues. Governor Josh Shapiro committed $112 million to public lands infrastructure in his 2023-2024 budget. DCNR has been delivering on this commitment through various projects aimed at improving state parks and forests.
“I am so grateful for this partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Secretary Cindy Dunn for helping make this project a reality,” Senator Michele Brooks said. “When Tuttle closed, I made a commitment to North Shenango Township Supervisors and local residents and businesses that I would do everything I could to one day see it reopened. Today officially marks that great day for Pymatuning State Park, Crawford County, and campers from all over who know how truly remarkable the recreational opportunities are here.”
Pymatuning State Park, spanning 16,892 acres, is one of the largest state parks in Pennsylvania. It features a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. The park is a highlight within Pennsylvania’s third-largest state park system and includes the 17,088-acre Pymatuning Reservoir.
The revitalized Tuttle Point Campground is expected to draw even more visitors, boosting local tourism and providing enhanced outdoor experiences. This project underscores the importance of investing in public infrastructure and preserving natural spaces for future generations. With its upgraded facilities, Pymatuning State Park reaffirms its position as a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Pennsylvania and beyond.
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