What’s at the Lake

Boating · Rentals · Fuel

North Star Marina

On the south side of Shenango Lake, North Star is the hub for boaters who want unlimited horsepower, a private ramp, and a true lake-life basecamp. Fuel up, grab bait, rent a pontoon or kayak, and get on the water.

• Private launch with walk-beside dock
• Secured, lit parking
• Live bait, snacks, and lakeside convenience
• Connected with Dock Side Cellars for after-boat dining

Winery · Tavern · Events

Dock Side Cellars

Nestled by the lake on the lake, Dock Side Cellars is where the day winds down — wine tastings, tavern plates, live energy, and events with a water view. Come by boat or by car; they’re set up for both.

2802 Lake Road · Mercer, PA 16113
724-383-1205

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Shenango Recreation Area Campground

One of the region’s great public campgrounds — roughly 330 sites, many with electric, plus showers, restrooms, playgrounds, and dump stations. Campers come for fishing access, birdlife, and easy lake living without the hotel bill.

• Reserve on Recreation.gov (popular weekends fill early)
• Great base for bank fishing and boat days
• Quiet hours and classic Corps-park amenities

Inn · Dining · Gardens

Tara – A Country Inn

Prefer feather pillows to a sleeping bag? Tara – A Country Inn is the lake’s grand stay — an 1854-rooted mansion with luxurious guestrooms, award-winning dining, pools, and gardens overlooking Shenango Lake. Perfect for anniversaries, girls’ weekends, or a soft landing after a full outdoor day.

2844 Lake Road, Mercer, PA 16113
724-962-3535

History · Overlooks · Picnic

The Shenango Dam

Completed in 1965 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the concrete Shenango Dam (about 68 feet high and 720 feet along the crest) created the reservoir that became today’s playground. Visit the overlooks, pack a picnic, and tell the kids how flood control built their favorite swimming hole of the summer.

Pair a dam visit with nearby recreation areas for disc golf, trails, and shoreline fishing.

ATV · OHV · Dirt Bike

Route 846 Bayview ATV Riding Area

Also known as the Bayview OHV Area, this free-to-ride trail system sits on the western shores of Shenango River Lake near Sharpsville. Riders get more than 200 acres of wooded trails with lake overlooks, a couple of hill climbs, mud holes, and mostly wide, beginner-friendly routes—plus some single-track for more experienced dirt bikes.

• Open to dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs (commonly listed up to about 70″ wide—confirm current rules before you go)
• Beginner-friendly main trails through woods overlooking the lake
• Hill climbs and mud holes for riders who want more challenge
• Trail access from Route / SR-846 north of Sharpsville (park entrance on the east side of the road)

Getting there: From Sharpsville, take SR-846 north about 2 miles. The Bayview / park entrance is on the right (east). Pair a morning ride with afternoon lake time at North Star Marina or supper at Dock Side Cellars.

Always check current open/closed status, registration, and safety rules before riding. Conditions change with weather and seasonal management.