Lyman Run State Park — Attraction in West Branch Township

The bathrooms here were very clean and well maintained. Park security was visible during the day and probably at night too, my spouse and I felt safe staying here in our tent. We stayed at the Lower camp grounds which are closer to the road but there was no car noise to keep us awake or distract from serious star gazing. Camp sites are close together and probably because of that closeness fellow campers were very thoughtful, especially after 9pm or so....I think all of us probably came here with the same purpose which was to shut out the noise and get close to nature. This is an ATV Campground but I can tell you that we heard an ATV on the road closest to our camp site twice and briefly during the day. This site is pet friendly and we loved sitting under the stars with our dog laying next to us. We saw shooting stars and all the stars that you don't see living in the City. I wouldn't say it's real kid friendly, at least not where we stayed. At night we heard children talking and giggling but in hushed tones....like in a library situation. At one point in the night their parents took them on a walk and they used red light flashlights to find their way. No alcohol and no music...just listening to the birds and the breeze rustling the leaves and sitting around a fire ring at night. There is a little lending library next to the bathrooms and I picked out a romance novel to read. At night you can hear fellow campers snoring; you are sleeping that close to strangers. It reminded me of my time in the Army but it can be awkward if this type of closeness is something to which you are not accustomed. Be prepared for the weather, we arrived July 23 and it was hot and humid, I was wearing a tshirt and shorts but by about 12am the weather had cooled down quite a bit and I wished for a heavy blanket. No mosquitoes at night, they were out during the day especially on the hiking trail near the stream. No flies at all...anywhere!! All in all I think we felt we had to be restrained with our noise level, it was worth it for the peace and quiet but I wasn't really able to relax 100% because I worried that I might make too much noise preparing dinner or putting our tent up when we first arrived or that the dog would bark at a squirrel...things like that. 4 out of...

We make a yearly pilgrimage to Lyman Run to ride. This year we decided to try camping and we booked lot six at Daggot Loop and started to set up our toy hauler. DCNR showed up and told us that we were not allowed to have our machine there despite the fact that the trail rumbles by at the top of the hill. We had been warned by a friend who was also camping and had received an email. We had no email so to be cautious we called several times to get the real story and nobody picked up the phone. Finally we selected the option of talking to the snack shack and were told that of course you can ride in the campground. She was incorrect. You cannot have a machine at Daggot Loop but can at the other campground. Having a non riding and riding section means that it is extra confusing. There is conflicting information on-line and without being able to talk anyone in charge, we brought the machine anyway. Thankfully they took pity and allowed us to store our machine several miles way behind their garage. By lots of screwing around we were able to go on a nice 45 mile trail ride but it wasn’t a fantastic stay. Friends staying with our group were hassled because they had a pet free camping site and two dogs despite that everyone camping around them were in the same group. The place itself is well kept and immaculate but dear me the rules! Rules are totally cool but you have to have the ability to figure it out on-line if nobody answers the phone. Gave them an additional $40 by cutting our trip short due to it all having a bad vibe. Riding still remains fantastic but don’t book Daggot Loop and expect to ride up to your campsite. Also double check to make sure you aren’t inadvertently booking a site that...

Lyman Run State Park is in my top 5 favorite parks in the U.S.A. ... It has something for everyone! Wildlife Watching, Steam/Lake/Ice Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Swimming, Boating, Atving, Snowmobiling, a Playground, Picnic Areas, and Pavilions. Did I mention free parking? What a great park! The facilities are very nice with men's, women's, and a single user bathroom accommodations and outdoor showers, by the swimming area. I'd like to give a shout out to Tammy at the concession stand ❤ She was able to answer all of our questions and was very accommodating when it came to Ice cream and boat rentals! The perfect afternoon out for anyone. We made it a lunch date, for $39.50 we rented 2 kayaks for an hour ($20), grabbed hamburgers and sodas for 2 ($10), and don't forget the ice creams (2 XL for $9.50)... If your bringing your furry friends know that they are not permitted on the sandy part of the beach or in the designated swim area, they will have to swim down by the boat rental shack... If your in the area and looking for something to do, I highly recommend Lyman Run...