The Chester County Parks and Recreation Department provides many special events and programs throughout the year. These are listed on our website and in the Nature of Things Programs, published two times a year at no cost to Chester County residents. Non-resident rate is $3.75/ year. Please call 610-344-6415 for more information.

 

The 90-acre Chambers Lake is stocked with warm water species including all panfish, channel catfish, chain pickerel, smallmouth and largemouth bass. Fishing is permitted 24-hours a day. Only non-motorized or electric powered boats are permitted; no sailboats. All watercraft must be registered with the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Boating for the purpose of fishing is also permitted after park hours. A public fishing pier is open on the north side of the lake and may be accessed from Lake Trail. Other shoreline fishing is permitted, but is prohibited from the dambreast itself. Swimming is prohibited at Chambers Lake.

 

Chester County Parks and Recreation offers several sites where you can enjoy year-round fishing. A current PA fishing license issued by the PA Fish & Boat Commission is required in all park locations. Current trout/salmon stamps are also required when fishing for trout. All largemouth bass are under a catch & release regulation. Fishing is also available at Struble Lake, maintained by the PA Fish & Boat Commission. Please contact them at 717-626-0228 for additional information.

 

Various forms of regulated hunting is permitted under special conditions in the parks and open space sites. Strictly regulated hunting is permitted for white-tailed deer at Warwick, Hibernia, and Nottingham County Parks and Wolf’s Hollow Farm, held annually for 2-3 days during the Southeastern PA Special Regulations Firearms deer seasons. Permits for hunting the Linfield and Sanatoga Basins, managed by Warwick County Park, are issued for hunting all legal game during all open seasons as established by the PA Game Commission on an annual basis. Hunting permits for these programs are available on a first-come, first served basis. Regulated archery hunting programs are operated at Warwick and Hibernia County Parks and Springton Manor Farm during all open archery seasons as established by the PA Game Commission. Archery hunting permits have been issued via public lottery-type drawings, however; to become a participant each individual must pass a proficiency test with archery tackle. Please contact the applicable park for more information: Hibernia County Park, Nottingham County Park, and Warwick County Park, and Springton Manor Farm. 

 

Hunting information for Embreeville can be obtained from Scott Wendle, Natural Lands Trust, at 610-353-5587.

 

 

Hibernia County Park permits camping on weekends only from the Friday night of the opening weekend of trout season through the last weekend in October. The park offers 39 campsites in two woodland areas. Each area has a central trash disposal location. The campgrounds do not have electrical or water hook-ups, showers or flush toilets. Water and firewood is free and available for campers only. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Most sites will accommodate either tent or trailer. A sanitary dump station is offered free to trailer campers. The camping fee is $11/ per night/ per site. Park regulations allow a maximum of 6 people per site. Campsite availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Group camping is also available by advance reservation. For more information, contact the park at 610-383-3812.

 

The County Park system will make every effort to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Most trails within the park system are ADA accessible. In May 2002, Hibernia, Nottingham and Warwick County Parks installed new playgrounds accessible to those with disabilities per ADA Standards. Please contact a Hibernia County Park, Nottingham County Park, and Warwick County Park, or Springton Manor Farm with your special needs.

 

The operation of any type of mini-bike, trail bike, all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile or other vehicle that is not, or cannot be, registered for operation on the public highways, except in areas designated and designed for their purpose is prohibited. Only then, with Department approval and the appropriate permit, are such vehicles permitted.

 

Equestrians are encouraged to ride on designated, posted areas or bridle trails. An equestrian show ring is on site at Nottingham County Park. The ring is available year-round, weather permitting, and by request only. Liability insurance is required. Please call 610-932-2589 for rates and additional information.

 

The County parks offer many educational, environmental and cultural programs suitable for families with young children. Please refer to the Department newsletter, Nature of Things,  for upcoming programs. Programs are offered year-round at all park sites, including summer camps and tours. Please call the Administrative Office at 610-344-6415 for program registration information.

 

Any of the County parks would make a lovely backdrop for an informal outdoor wedding. Contact the park office for pavilion reservation information. For a more formal setting, the Manor House and grounds at Springton Manor Farm are available for weddings, receptions and special events. Please contact Jay Gregg, Facility Manager, at 610-942-2450 x 226 for details and reservation information.  Alcoholic beverages may be permitted at private rental functions at Springton Manor House by approved contractual agreement only.

 

 

Ice-skating is prohibited on any pond or lake within the County Park system. Please contact your local township for places to enjoy ice-skating.

 

Chester County Parks and Recreation Department does not sell discount tickets of any kind. Tickets may be obtained at the West Chester Area Recreation Department, 610-436-9010 and Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium, 610-269-9260.

 

All Chester County Parks offer trails ranging from 0.19 to 3.06 miles. View trail maps online, or for a $1 fee, trails maps may be purchased at County park offices and at the Administrative Office in West Chester. The Struble Trail, located of Rte 282 & Norwood Road in Downingtown, is open for biking, hiking and jogging. The Trail is 2.5 miles along the Brandywine Creek and is handicap accessible. The Trail is a work in progress, and when completed, will pass near Springton Manor Farm and Struble Lake before ending near Honey Brook Borough, for a total of 16 miles. Equestrian use is restricted to the unimproved portions of the Trail. For additional hiking trail, please contact the Chester County Trail Club Hot Line at 610-594-1540.

 

The Chester Valley Trail, funded by over $4.0 million in grants from the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, parallels Route 30/202 from Exton Bypass to the Chester/ Montgomery County line. It will allow visitors to bike, hike, jog or rollerblade through a scenic 16-mile setting stretching from the Montgomery County line near Valley Forge to Downingtown. The completed trail will also connect to a myriad of other trails currently available, or envisioned, throughout northeastern and central Chester County.

 

Except in picnic areas, pets are permitted. They must be restrained on a leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length, except in specified areas and under conditions established by the Park Superintendent.

 

Possession of beer, alcohol or other controlled substances is strictly prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may be permitted at private rental functions at Springton Manor Farm by approved contractual agreement only.

 

 

All County Parks welcome the active involvement from Friends of the Parks groups to help maintain the integrity of the County Park system. Please contact a park office (Hibernia County Park, Nottingham County Park, and Warwick County Park, or Springton Manor Farm) for Friends Group’s status and other volunteer opportunities in your area.

 

You are welcome to enjoy a casual pick-up game of sports while enjoying your visit to one of the County Park, but the Department does not sponsor any organized leagues. Please contact your local township for further information.

 

Swimming is not permitted in any County Park. You can enjoy swimming at Marsh Creek State Park (610-458-5119) and French Creek State Park (610-582-9680). Please contact your local township or YMCA for additional places to swim.

 

The Butterfly House is generally open the first weekend in June through the last weekend in September (Family Day). Please call 610-942-2450 for tour information.