Shenango River Lake Brochure (93 KB)	Shenango River Lake 2442 Kelly Road Hermitage, PA 16148-7308 (724) 962-7746 Daily Lake & Recreation Information: (724) 962-4384  Join us on Facebook Nature Trail Guide Lake & Dam Statistics Maps Recreation Current Events Facilities & Activities Links of Interest Looking For Campground Hosts for 2012 Season

Authorized by the Flood Control Acts of 1938, Shenango River Lake is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District.  The project provides flood protection for the Shenango River Valley as well as for the Beaver and upper Ohio Rivers.  Since its completion in 1965, Shenango has prevented over $140 million in flood damage.  The project has the capability to store the equivalent run-off of 10.5 inches of precipitation from its 589 square mile drainage area.  Shenango River Lake’s flood control benefits were demonstrated during the June 1972 flooding resulting from Tropical Storm Agnes when over $1.8 million in damages were prevented.  Shenango also provides water releases during dry periods to improve water quality and quantity for domestic and industrial use, recreation and aquatic life.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission manages approximately 3,000 acres of project land for wildlife purposes including a waterfowl propagation area.  The Ohio portion of the project is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources also for wildlife management.

History buffs will enjoy exploring the remnants of the Erie Extension Canal, sections of which are located on project property.  The Erie Extension Canal played a key role in the economic development of Northwestern Pennsylvania.  Portions of the canal’s towpath are maintained for hiking and are part of the Shenango Trail.  The well-preserved remains of Lock Number 10 are found in Sharpsville, approximately one-half mile downstream of the Shenango Dam.

 

Lake & Dam Statistics

Maps

                     Vicinity Map             Shenango River Lake Map

Recreation

Come explore and enjoy the outdoors!  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to visit Shenango River Lake and experience the variety of recreational opportunities available at the project.

Situated within the suburban Shenango Valley, Shenango River Lake provides an attractive setting for your enjoyment.  Visitors may choose to spend their day picnicking, camping or enjoying nature's beauty at one of the many recreation or access areas located on the project.

Many fishing enthusiasts are attracted to the waters of Shenango River Lake for the bass, walleye, muskellunge and variety of panfish that inhabit the lake.  In addition, thousands of anglers are drawn to the dam's outflow area to fish for trout which are stocked annually by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission during the spring.  Boating is among the most popular and varied of recreational activities at Shenango River Lake with six boat launch ramps provided.  Most of the lake is available for unlimited horsepower operation and water skiing, however some areas are on the lake are designated for 10 horsepower motors and minimum wake operation only.

Areas are provided on the lake for unlimited horsepower operation and water skiing as well as areas designated for 10 horsepower motors only and minimum wake operation.

For those visitors who prefer to canoe, both the Shenango River, upstream of the lake, and Pymatuning Creek offer excellent canoeing opportunities, beautiful scenery and a chance to observe nature.

Campers visiting Shenango River Lake will enjoy the spacious and modern facilities available at the Shenango Recreation Area campground.  Hot showers, flush toilets and a sanitary disposal station are provided, as well as 330 campsites, many of which are equipped with electric hookups.

The Seth Myers and Coonie Trails which are one-half mile, self-guided, interpretive nature trails, invite visitors not only to experience the beauty of Shenango River Lake but at the same time to learn about its varied habitats and the relationships between plants, animals and man.

Hunting and trapping are permitted on project lands with the exception of developed recreation areas, wildlife propagation areas and posted areas.  All federal, state and local laws governing these activities apply on project lands and waters.

Current Events

Exact change will be required for all cash transactions during the 2012 recreation season, such as renting campsites, purchasing annual boat launching passes, or reserving picnic shelters.

Annual Day Use Pass

Fees of up to $4/day are charged at many U.S. Army Corps of Engineers day use areas, including beaches and boat launch ramps. Annual passes allow visitors to avoid having to pay day use fees each time they visit any U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operated day use area nationwide. Annual passes, available at the Park Office of any site where fees are charged, cost $30 per pass and are valid for 12-months from the month of purchase. Individuals with a valid Golden Age/Access Passport or a America the Beautiful Senior/Access Pass receive 50% off Annual Day Use Passes, including fees for camping. A 50% discount applies to pavilion rentals if everyone in the group is eligible for the senior/access pass. Passes can be purchased in person at the Shenango Park Office or by mail using an Annual Pass Request Form.

Campground Hosts

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Shenango Lake is accepting applications for campground hosts for the upcoming 2012 recreation season. Basic duties include issuing visitor/camper vehicle passes, directing traffic, providing information services, and litter pickup. Some positions may require fee collection and light maintenance work. We are located in Western Pennsylvania, near Hermitage, Pa. Positions will run from mid-May to mid-September. Interested campers should call Park Ranger Kyle Kraynak at 724-646-1124 or e-mail him at kyle.kraynak@usace.army.mil. A campsite with electric hookups will be provided (water and sewage not available at site).

Campground Reservations

Many campsites at four Pittsburgh District lakes – Berlin Lake, Shenango River Lake, Tionesta Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake – can be reserved in advance through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS), an interagency one-stop center for recreation reservations.  Reservations can be made up to six months before arrival by calling the NRRS toll-free at 1-877-444-6777 or on their web site www.Recreation.gov.  Campsites at all other Pittsburgh District lakes, as well as other campsites at Berlin, Shenango, Tionesta and Youghiogheny, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  At Tionesta Lake, reservations for the Tionesta Recreation Area Campground are available through the NRRS. The Shenango Lake campground is open for the 2012 recreation season from May 18 through Labor Day. There is a possibility that some sites may be available through mid-September pending available funding.

Finding of of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Trout Island Recreational Trail

Mercer County Trails Association, Inc. is seeking a real estate easement from the Pittsburgh District to construct a recreation trail along an abandoned railroad bed that extends from Sharpsville, Pa. to Orangeville, Ohio. An Environmental Assessment for the proposed trail was prepared by Winslow Engineering, Inc. for the Trails Association. After careful review and evaluation of the environmental effects of the proposed trail, the Pittsburgh District prepared a FONSI for the segment of the trail that is on Federal land at Shenango River Lake.

Bayview Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Area

The Bayview ORV Area is open for the 2012 recreation season from May 25 through September 30. Operating hours are sunrise to sunset.  ATV riders are reminded to observe posted regulations.

Mahaney, Clark and Shenango Day Use Areas

The Mahaney, Clark and Shenango Day Use Areas are open from sunrise to sunset. The Shenango Day Use Area remains open to pedestrian and vehicle traffic year-round, while the Mahaney and Clark Day Use Areas remain open in the fall until the first snowfall and re-open in the spring in early April. The restrooms at all three areas close in early October and re-open sometime in April. A $3 per car entrance fee is charged to visitors at the Shenango Day Use Area while the campground is open.

Boat Launching

The Shenango, Mahaney and Clark boat launch ramps are open 24-hours a day and a boat launching fee of $3 per day is charged. An Annual Day Use Pass may be purchased for $30 ($15 with a valid America the Beautiful Senior/Access Pass or Golden Age/Access Passport). This pass permits the holder and accompanying passengers in a vehicle to use all boat launch ramps and swimming beaches at any Corps-operated recreation area without further charge for a 12-month period. Please see the "Annual Day Use Pass" paragraph above for information on how to purchase an annual pass.

Pavilion Reservations

The fee for reserving a picnic pavilion at Shenango Lake is $40 per day. Pavilions can be reserved at the Park Office, Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 2:45pm (please call to ensure that someone will be there to assist you), or by calling the Park Office at 724-962-7746 to initiate the reservation. There are five pavilions available in the Mahaney Area, one in Shenango, and one in Clark. For more information, please click on Shelter Reservation Guidelines with Maps. You must call the Park Office to check pavilion availability and to set up a reservation before sending in the Shelter Application and payment.

Life Jacket Loaner Program

The Boat/U.S. Foundation for Boating Safety has funded a Life Jacket Loaner Program at Shenango Lake.  Life jackets are available for infants, children and youth as well as some adults.  The U.S. Coast Guard requires recreational boaters to have a wearable life jacket on board for each passenger, but life jackets suitable for children are not always available. In addition, at Shenango Lake and other Corps of Engineers lakes in the Pittsburgh District, it is required that children under 13 years of age wear a life jacket while boating. Children are especially at risk on and near the water. A properly sized life jacket can be the difference between life and death for a small child. A boater merely signs out the jacket(s) and returns them at the end of the day. Please call the Campground Contact Station at 724-646-1115 to make arrangements.

Chestnut Run Swim Beach

The Chestnut Run Swim Beach is open for the 2012 recreation season from May 25 through September 9. Operating hours are sunrise to sunset. The beach is open as a "swim at your own risk" area so no lifeguards are present. Outside enclosed changing areas and portable toilets are available for use. The picnic pavilion is not reservable but available for use on a first-come first-served basis. All visitors are asked to use the trash receptacles throughout the area to keep the area clean and litter-free.

Current Events for 2012:

• Trout Season opens April 14
• Keep America Beautiful Day is April 21
• Leslie Sparano Memorial Summerfest is July 27
• National Public Lands Day is in September. (Date TBD)
• "A Dam Good Race" 5K, June 2.  Benefits the annual Leslie Sparano Summerfest
• Youth Training Class for ATV riders at the Bayview ORV Area, April 28.  Call Dan Scott, 724-854-5044.
• Campground opens May 18
• Bayview ORV Area opens May 25
• National Safe Boating Week, May 19 – 25. Courtesy Safety Inspections at the Mahaney Boat Launch May 24, Shenango Boat Launch May 25
• “Tour of Mercer County” Bicycle Tour, June 16
  
  
  

Facilities & Activities

	Chestnut Run Swim Beach	Clark Recreation Area	Golden Run Wildlife Area	Hartford Access Area	Kidd's Mill Covered Bridge	Mahaney Recreation Area	Marina	Parker's Landing Access Area	Shenango Recreation Area
Boat Rental	-	-	-	-	-	-	X	-	-
Campground	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	X
Electric Hookups	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	X
Camper Dumping Station	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	X
Drinking Water	X	X	-	-	-	X	X	-	X
Launching Ramp	-	X	X	X	-	X	X	X	X
Pets on Leash	X	X	-	-	-	X	X	-	X
Picnic Areas	X	X	-		X	X	X	-	X
Picnic Shelters	X	X	-	-	-	X	X	-	X
Restroom Facilities	X	X	-	-	-	X	X	-	X
Accessible Restroom	X	X	-	-	-	X	X	-	X
Showers	X	-	-	-	-	-	X	-	X
Swimming Area	X	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Swimming Area w/ Life Guard	X	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Links of Interest

• Rules & Regulations at Corps of Engineers Water Resources Development Projects
• Shenango River Lake's Corps Lake Visitor's Gateway
• Corps of Engineers Annual Day Use Pass Request
• Mercer County Convention & Visitors Bureau
• And for the kids, the Bobber the Dog!
  
• Shenango Lake Facebook Page
• Order America the Beautiful Passes by Mail
• NW PA Weekly Fishing Report

Pittsburgh District Lakes and Dams:
Berlin Lake	Conemaugh River Lake	Crooked Creek Lake	East Branch Clarion River Lake
Kinzua Dam/Allegheny Reservoir	Loyalhanna Lake	Mahoning Creek Lake	Michael J. Kirwam Dam
Mosquito Creek Lake	Shenango River Lake	Stonewall Jackson Lake	Tionesta Lake
Tygart Lake	Union City Dam	Woodcock Creek Lake	Youghiogheny River Lake
Recreation On The Water:
Diving	Fishing/Ice Fishing	Ice Skating	Swimming
Watercraft Sports	Waterskiing
Recreation Around the Water:
Bicycling	Camping	Cross Country Skiing	Hiking
Horseback Riding	Hunting	Interpretation	Nature Observing
ORV Riding	Picnicking	Sightseeing	Snowmobiling

[Return to Top]

Updated: 04-Apr-2012

• Home
• Public Inquiries
• Privacy & Security
• FOIA
• Disclaimer