Pymatuning State Park, on the Ohio side of Pymatuning Lake near Andover, is about 41 miles and about an hour from Ridge Ranch Campground in Newton Falls. The lake is a 14,000-acre reservoir that lies in both Ohio and Pennsylvania, and it’s known for walleye and muskie fishing. Ridge Ranch is a 76-acre family campground around a 17-acre lake with a new sand beach and the Wibit inflatable water park. Here’s a fair comparison of the two.
State parks and private campgrounds are funded and priced differently. Ohio’s state parks are paid for through camping fees and public investment, and they’re built around big lakes, trails and open land. A private campground like Ridge Ranch pays for its amenities, staff and utilities through the site rate, so it puts its effort into what you do at the campground. Neither is better across the board; they suit different trips.
Pymatuning State Park vs Ridge Ranch: quick comparison
| Pymatuning State Park (Ohio) | Ridge Ranch | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Ridge Ranch | About 41 miles, about 1 hour | — |
| Campsites | Large campground with full hookup, electric and non-electric sites; cabins | RV sites (lakefront, wooded and open), two tent areas; no cabins |
| Hookups and power | Full hookup and electric sites (no water at full-hookup sites in winter) | 30- and 50-amp; full hookup on many sites; 50-amp pull-throughs (22–26) |
| Reservations | Reserve Ohio; reservations required | Book directly with us; license-plate gate, no check-in line |
| Swimming | Three beaches, including a 500-ft main beach and a beach inside the campground | New sand beach; spring-fed swim area 8–10 ft deep with the Wibit in summer |
| Boating | 14,000-acre reservoir across Ohio and Pennsylvania; 20-hp limit | Bring your own kayak, canoe or paddle boat on a calm 17-acre lake |
| Trails | Nine short trails, about 7.6 miles total | No trail system yet; Nelson-Kennedy Ledges is about 10 minutes away |
| Fishing | Walleye, muskellunge, crappie, black bass, bluegill, yellow perch, white bass, catfish | Catch-and-release; bass, crappie, bluegill, carp |
| Pets | Pets permitted in the campground; not on the beach | 6-ft leash; off-leash dog park; no pets on the beach or in the lake |
| Quiet hours | 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. | 11 p.m. |
| Season | Limited winter camping | May 1 to October 20 |
| Best for | Walleye and muskie anglers, cabin stays, long lake weekends | Families who want the beach, Wibit and weekend events on site |
Park details come from ODNR’s Pymatuning page and campground map. ODNR doesn’t post a total site count; check the map for current site types.
Who Pymatuning State Park is best for
- Anglers. ODNR lists walleye, muskellunge, crappie, black bass, bluegill, yellow perch, white bass and channel catfish. For many campers, the fishing is the reason to go.
- Small-boat owners. A 20-horsepower limit keeps this huge lake suited to fishing boats, pontoons and paddlers.
- Families who want a beach in the campground. Campground Beach sits inside the campground with a playground, volleyball court and shower house nearby.
- Cabin campers. Pymatuning offers Preferred and Preferred One-bedroom cabins.
- Nature lovers. The Nature Center is in the campground, and nine short trails add up to about 7.6 miles.
- Off-season campers. ODNR lists limited winter camping, with no water at full-hookup sites in winter.
Two current notes from ODNR: the road from the south end of the Cabin Beach area to Birches Marina is permanently closed to vehicles for a paved bike path, and the archery range is closed while it’s relocated.
Who Ridge Ranch is best for
Ridge Ranch Campground in Newton Falls is a family campground where the campground itself is the plan for the weekend.
- Families with kids. The 17-acre lake has a new sand beach and a spring-fed swimming area dredged 8 to 10 feet deep, where the Wibit inflatable water park sits in summer (Thursday through Sunday and holiday Mondays through Labor Day, free for campers on Thursdays; ages 7 and up, kids under 16 with a parent present, life jackets provided). The Kangaroo Jumper, a new playground and an arcade are a short walk away.
- Weekend event fans. Most summer weekends bring food trucks and events at our Amish-built lakeside pavilion, and Halloween weekend falls on the last weekend of September. See the events calendar.
- Lakefront campers. Lakefront sites 138 to 156 are our most requested. Wooded full-hookup sites 65 to 131 are quieter, and sites 22 to 26 are 50-amp gravel pull-throughs for big rigs.
- Paddlers who bring their own boat. Kayaks, canoes and paddle boats are welcome on our calm, mostly shallow lake (we don’t rent boats).
- Easy arrivals. Your license plate opens the gate, so you skip the check-in line.
What we don’t have: cabins, a pool, laundry or a trail system (trails behind the lake are planned). Our season runs May 1 to October 20. Rates vary by date and site; see our rates page to book your site.
Pymatuning is a big-lake destination. You go for the walleye, a long weekend on the water and a cabin. Ridge Ranch is closer to Warren, Youngstown and I-80, and it’s built for families who want the beach, the Wibit and weekend events without leaving the campground.
Visiting both
At about an hour apart, Pymatuning is a full day trip from Ridge Ranch rather than a quick stop. Some families plan a summer weekend with us for the kids, then a fishing trip to Pymatuning in spring or fall. If you’re coming from Pittsburgh, Ridge Ranch is about 1 hour 45 minutes away, which makes a handy alternative when the lake campgrounds are booked.
State park campsites book through Reserve Ohio (reserveohio.com or 866-644-6727), up to six months ahead, with a two-night minimum on weekends and three nights on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
Questions
How far is Pymatuning State Park (Ohio) from Ridge Ranch?
About 41 miles, or about an hour by car from Newton Falls to the Ohio side of the park near Andover.
Is Pymatuning in Ohio or Pennsylvania?
Both. ODNR says the 14,000-acre lake lies in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and each state runs its own state park. This page covers the Ohio park.
What is the horsepower limit on Pymatuning Lake?
ODNR lists a 20-horsepower limit for boating.
Does the Pymatuning campground have a beach?
Yes. Campground Beach is inside the campground, with a playground, volleyball court, shower house and restrooms nearby. The park has two other beaches, including the 500-foot Main Beach.
Are pets allowed at Pymatuning State Park?
ODNR’s campground map says pets are permitted in the campground. Pets aren’t allowed on the beach.
Do I need a fishing license at Ridge Ranch?
Not on Ridge Ranch’s private lake, which is catch and release. On Pymatuning Lake and other public water, an Ohio fishing license is required.
Can I bring my own firewood to Ridge Ranch?
Only if it’s USDA-certified (stamped). The camp store sells local wood from inspected forests in the county and delivers it to your site.
Is the Wibit open in September?
No. The Wibit’s last day is Labor Day; it closes after that weekend and returns the next season. The beach, Kangaroo Jumper and arcade stay open, and the park runs through October 20.
