US Army Corps of Engineers: Shenango Recreation Area Contact Station 492 West Lake Road, Transfer, PA 16154

US Army Corps of Engineers: Shenango Recreation Area Contact Station

Address: 492 West Lake Road, Transfer, Pennsylvania 16154, United States

Nestled within the serene, broad, flat, meandering valleys of the Shenango River and Pymatuning Creek, the Shenango Recreation Area offers an idyllic retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Conveniently located just 7 miles from Sharon, Pennsylvania, and approximately 21 miles from Youngstown, Ohio, this expansive area is a haven for camping, boating, and fishing.

The Shenango Recreation Area boasts a large campground with over 300 campsites, many equipped with electric hookups. Visitors will find a range of modern amenities including flush toilets, drinking water, showers, and a dump station. For recreation, the site features playgrounds, a horseshoe pit, and a boat ramp. Note that the campground operates on a reservation-only basis, with reservations available on the day of arrival.

Shenango River Lake, stretching 11 miles and covering over 11,000 acres, is a focal point of the area. The lake is surrounded by a northern hardwood forest, featuring Black Cherry, Beech, Maple, and Hemlock trees, creating a picturesque setting. Wildlife is abundant, with ample opportunities to spot deer, turkey, osprey, and eagles.

For paddlers, the Shenango Water Trail offers a scenic 7.5-mile river corridor with three access points between Kidds Mill Park and Big Bend. Personal Floatation Devices are mandatory for all canoe and kayak users. History buffs will appreciate the historic Kidds Mill Covered Bridge, which showcases the unique "Smith-Truss" design from the 1800s, and the remnants of the Erie Extension Canal in nearby Sharpsville.

The area also features restoration chestnut tree orchards managed in partnership with the American Chestnut Foundation, aimed at developing blight-resistant American chestnut trees. For off-road enthusiasts, the Bayview Off-Road Vehicle Area offers over 200 acres of trails for ATVs and dirt bikes, located just 3.5 miles from the campground.

For swimming and sunbathing, the Chestnut Run Swim Beach is only 3 miles away (note: no lifeguard on duty). Disc golf fans can enjoy "The Pines" Disc Golf Course in the nearby Mahaney Recreation Area, which hosts PDGA sanctioned events. The Trout Island Trail in Sharpsville, a 5-mile paved trail, accommodates walking, running, and cycling.

Hikers can explore the 7.5-mile Shenango Hiking Trail, which winds through wooded areas adjacent to the Shenango River. Boat rentals and an ADA Fishing Pier are available at RC's Marina in Clark, PA, just 1.4 miles from the campground.

The lake provides a stunning backdrop for picnicking, camping, boating, and simply enjoying nature. Anglers can fish for bass, walleye, muskellunge, and a variety of panfish. The lake's shallow waters typically drop throughout the summer, especially after the Fourth of July, depending on rainfall.

The Coonie Trail, a half-mile self-guided interpretive nature trail, invites visitors to learn about the diverse habitats and relationships between plants, animals, and humans in the area. Shenango Lake is an unlimited horsepower lake with six free boat launches for easy access. The Lakeside Picnic Shelter can be reserved for reunions and large gatherings.

Reservation and Cancellation Policies:

- A $10.00 service fee applies for changes or cancellations.

- "No-shows" may incur a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees.

- Cancellations made the day before or day of arrival will be charged a $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee (not exceeding the total paid).

- Single night reservation cancellations forfeit the entire use fee but are not charged the $10.00 service fee.

For more information on reservations, cancellations, or refunds, visit [Recreation.gov](https://www.recreation.gov) or call 877-644-8777.

For campground inquiries, please call: 724-646-1124

Directions:

Take Exit 4B (formerly Exit 1) off I-80 and follow Route 18 north for about 6 miles until you cross the lake's causeway. The park is on the left; however, as this is a divided highway, continue north for about 1/4 mile, take the Birchwood Drive exit, turn around, and head south on Route 18. Before crossing the causeway again, turn right onto West Lake Road and travel approximately 1/4 mile to the park entrance on the left.

Discover the beauty and adventure awaiting you at the Shenango Recreation Area through [Recreation.gov](https://www.recreation.gov), your gateway to exploring America's outdoor and cultural destinations.