---
title: "Pymatuning Reservoir boating rules"
url: https://lakepennsylvania.org/lakes/pymatuning-reservoir/
verified: 2026-10-04
checked: 2026-11-01
verdict: "Check official text"
---

# Pymatuning Reservoir boating rules

Motors up to 20 hp are allowed on Pymatuning Reservoir; a boat with a bigger motor may launch, but that motor can't be used — check with the park office first. PWCs aren't allowed on this state-park lake. Sources: 58 Pa. Code §111.20(c); DCNR Pymatuning State Park. Verified Oct. 4, 2026.

## Rules

- Gas (internal-combustion) motors are allowed, within the horsepower limit. — [58 Pa. Code §111.20(c)](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter111/s111.20.html) — verified 2026-10-04
- Motors over 20 hp may not be used. — [58 Pa. Code §111.20(c)](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter111/s111.20.html) — verified 2026-10-04
- DCNR lists a 20 hp motor limit. — [DCNR Where to Boat table: Pymatuning State Park](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/what-to-do/boating/where-to-boat) — verified 2026-10-04
- DCNR's park page: maximum 20 hp motors (DCNR writes "20 hp/15 kWh"). — [DCNR Pymatuning State Park boating page](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/pymatuning-state-park/boating) — verified 2026-10-04
- The limit counts electric motors too. A boat with a bigger motor may still launch, but that motor may not be used. — [58 Pa. Code §107.1](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter107/s107.1.html) — verified 2026-10-04
- The limit applies to electric motors too: no electric motor above 20 hp or its kilowatt equivalent (about 14.9 kW, our conversion). — [58 Pa. Code §107.2(1)](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter107/s107.2.html) — verified 2026-10-04
- State park rule: no gas engines totalling more than the posted maximum horsepower without DCNR's written permission. — [17 Pa. Code §11.219(f)(1)](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/017/chapter11/s11.219.html) — verified 2026-10-04
- Personal watercraft are not allowed: this state park lake is not listed as open to motorboats without a horsepower limit. — [17 Pa. Code §11.219(f)(3)](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/017/chapter11/s11.219.html) — verified 2026-10-04
- At Pymatuning State Park, a valid Ohio launching permit satisfies the state park launching rule. — [17 Pa. Code §11.219(i)(4)(ii)](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/017/chapter11/s11.219.html) — verified 2026-10-04

## Ramps

PFBC's access data lists no verified public ramp on this lake.

## Sources

- [§ 111.20. Crawford County.](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter111/s111.20.html) (changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026))
- [Where to Boat](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/what-to-do/boating/where-to-boat)
- [Boating at Pymatuning State Park](https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/pymatuning-state-park/boating)
- [§ 107.1. Horsepower restrictions.](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter107/s107.1.html) (changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026))
- [§ 107.2. Electric motors.](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/058/chapter107/s107.2.html) (changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026))
- [§ 11.219. Boating.](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/017/chapter11/s11.219.html) (changes effective through 56 Pa.B. 5370 (August 8, 2026))

PA Lake Rules Atlas is an independent website operated by WeldonPC; not affiliated with any agency. Summaries, not legal advice; the official text and posted signs control.