About Shenango Lake Clark Picnic Shelter
Overview Situated within the suburban Shenango Valley, Shenango Lake provides an attractive setting where visitors can spend the day picnicking, camping, fishing, boating, or enjoying nature's beauty at one of the lake's many recreation areas. The Clark Recreation Day Use Area is located just off of Route 18 on Route 258 in Clark, PA, and provides one covered group picnic shelter (Clark Shelter) with electric as well as access to the lake to go fishing and boating. Recreation Come explore and enjoy the outdoors! The lake provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including, but not limited to, picnicking, camping, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, viewing wildlife and hunting. Picnickers can rent, for a fee, one of our seven picnic pavilions located within four different recreation areas. Boating is a popular activity where areas are provided on the lake for unlimited horsepower operation, as well as restricted horsepower and minimum wake operation. Many fishing enthusiasts are attracted to the waters of Shenango for the crappie, bass, walleye, catfish and muskellunge that inhabit the river, lake and tailwaters. Campers visiting the lake will enjoy spacious facilities at our 330-site campground. Facilities The Clark Rec Area Day Use offers one group picnic shelter (Clark Shelter) that can accommodate between 36-48 people, depending upon the use of 6-8 people per table. Electric is available at the shelter with a paid reservation only, grills are available on site, and flush toilets and drinking water are provided at the restroom attached to the shelter (seasonal). An accessible fishing pier, fish cleaning station, and paved boat ramp, as well as plenty of open fields, are located at this recreation area. Overnight camping is available just one mile north of this area at the Shenango Rec Area.Natural Features Shenango Lake stretches 11 miles up its namesake river, covering over 11,000 acres. The shore is lined with a northern hardwood forest of shady and col
How to Get There
Take Exit 4B off of I-80 and follow Route 18 north for approximately 7 miles. Before crossing over the lake, there is a stoplight at the Tara, where you will veer right onto Route 258. The entrance to the park is almost immediately on the left after you turn, just after the Tara. The picnic shelter is on the right as you are driving down the road towards the boat launch/fishing pier area.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Shenango Lake Clark Picnic Shelter
Heading to Shenango Lake Clark Picnic Shelter? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Shenango Lake Clark Picnic Shelter?
No central reservation system listed for Shenango Lake Clark Picnic Shelter. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251957) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Shenango Lake Clark Picnic Shelter?
Take Exit 4B off of I-80 and follow Route 18 north for approximately 7 miles. Before crossing over the lake, there is a stoplight at the Tara, where you will veer right onto Route 258. The entrance to the park is almost immediately on the left after you turn, just after the Tara. The picnic shelter is on the right as you are driving down the road towards the boat launch/fishing pier area.
How do I contact Shenango Lake Clark Picnic Shelter?
You can reach the park at phone: 724-646-1124 or email: christina.r.barker@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
