East Branch Campground

Star4.02
74 reviews
631 East Branch Dam Road
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,877 ft

Price

$15 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Open from May 17, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
East Branch Campground
$15.00 - $55.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facilities operate on seasonal rates ranging from $15 for tent-only nonelectric sites to $55 for cabin electric sites. Guests may incur additional...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$30.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$35.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
814-965-2065eastbranch@usace.army.mil
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.02

Satisfactory

Based on 74 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsspacious

"The campground receives mixed to positive reviews, with an average general sentiment of 3.95. Positive sentiments focus on the cleanliness of facilities, spacious and secluded sites, and family-friendly amenities. Negative sentiments include difficulties with road access, lack of potable water, and issues with site descriptions for larger RVs."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

631 East Branch Dam Road

East Branch Campground

631 East Branch Dam Road

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 80 points Southeast, take exit 111 and travel PA 153 North to Penfield for 8 miles. Take PA 255 North to St. Marys for 19 miles. Continue on PA 255 North and make a sharp left onto South Michael Street. Turn right onto N St. Marys Street continue for 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Windfall Road continue for 1 mile. Take a slight left onto Flower Valley Road/Glenn Hazel Road and continue for 8 miles. Turn right onto East Branch Dam Road and continue for approximately 1 mile. From Interstate 80 points Southwest, take exit 97 and travel US Route 219 North for 44 miles to Johnsonburg. Continue straight onto East Center Street for .5 miles. Turn right on to Cobb Street, and then Continue onto Bendigo Rd for 5 miles. Turn left onto Flower valley/Glen Hazel Rd. (SR 1001) for 1.7 miles. Turn right onto East Branch Dam Road and travel .8 miles campground is on your left. From points north take US 219 South to Wilcox. Turn left onto Flower Valley Rd./Glen Hazel Rd. at flashing signal light in Wilcox, continue for 6 miles. Turn left onto East Branch Dam Road and travel .8 miles campground is on your left.
The roads leading into the park are described as steep and rough, and the ingress/egress camp roadway has overhead power lines with a clearance of 13'4". Some reviews mention that the road going into the campground is horrible and suggest it requires maintenance. Multiple user reviews highlight challenges with accessing sites, particularly for larger vehicles and trailers.
Nearby places
St. Marys (19 miles), Kane (distance not specified), Johnsonburg (approximately 44 miles from Interstate 80).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials are available in nearby towns like St. Marys and Kane.

Best Time to Camp at East Branch Campground

The dam's deep, cool outflow creates a refreshing microclimate that provides natural air conditioning even during summer's warmest days. From May through September, the campground comes alive with visitors seeking the perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and outdoor adventure. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and eager trout, while autumn paints the surrounding aspens in brilliant golds—each season offering its own unique charm to those who venture here.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; cool dam outflow provides relief; boating and fishing are active.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Aspens suggest good foliage but campground closes Sept 2, limiting fall access.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens mid-May; trails, wildlife and cool outflow make spring pleasant though early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal closure; campground not available for winter stays.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 17, 2025 - September 2, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 17, 2025, with reservations starting June 20, 2025. Seasonal closure on September 2, 2025.

About East Branch Campground

Nestled above the pristine East Branch Dam in Northeastern Elk County, Pennsylvania, East Branch Campground offers an intimate escape into nature's tranquility. This thoughtfully designed retreat features a single, welcoming loop that winds through 29 diverse camping options—from cozy cabins perfect for those seeking comfort, to electric RV sites for modern adventurers, secluded tent-only spots for traditional camping enthusiasts, and spacious group shelters ideal for family gatherings. The crown jewel of this peaceful haven is its direct access to East Branch Lake, renowned among anglers as one of the region's premier fishing destinations where trophy catches await in crystal-clear waters.
East Branch Campground includes a mix of camping options, such as RV and tent sites, as well as cabin accommodations. Group shelters with electricity are also available.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 nights during a visit or within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

East Branch Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, notably fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is described as a high-quality fishery, and the outflow area below the dam is popular for canoeing and kayaking. Two walking trails are available for nature enthusiasts.
HikingTwo walking trails are available. One goes through a scenic forest, and the other is located near the lake. Visitors describe the area as 'beautiful for hiking, fishing, boating, and photography.'
FishingThe lake supports fishing for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, lake trout, musky, walleye, and other panfish. The outflow area below the dam is managed as a delayed-harvest trout fishing area, and several reviews highlight its popularity. However, some users note challenges in finding non-private fishing spots.
BoatingThe lake supports canoeing, kayaking, and other boating activities. The outflow area below the dam is a popular destination for these activities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is indirectly encouraged through the natural features of the area, such as the aspen-lined lakeshore and the scenic trails.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsAn educational and interpretive center is available on-site, though one user noted it is 'hardly ever open.' When open, it offers interactive exhibits that can engage children and families.
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep and rough roads leading to the campground. Overhead power lines with a clearance of 13'4" pose challenges for taller vehicles. Several reviews highlighted issues with unleashed dogs and access difficulties for larger RVs.

Weather at East Branch Campground

Reviews

4.0
74 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
East Branch Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground receives mixed to positive reviews, with an average general sentiment of 3.95. Positive sentiments focus on the cleanliness of facilities, spacious and secluded sites, and family-friendly amenities. Negative sentiments include difficulties with road access, lack of potable water, and issues with site descriptions for larger RVs.
Review Summaries
Based on 74 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean restrooms and showers - Spacious and secluded campsites - Family-friendly amenities such as playground and Cornhole area - Electric hookups at most sites - Variety of recreational...
Show more
Based on 74 reviews

Common Concerns

- Intermittent or poor cell service - Some roads and site access points are steep, narrow, or poorly maintained - No potable water available at the campground - Dump station challenging to access for...
Show more
Based on 74 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own drinking water due to lack of potable water - Explore nearby attractions such as Bendigo State Park and Allegheny National Forest - For fishing, plan to explore for non-private spots...
Show more
Based on 74 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the peak season from May to September, the campground is described as less crowded, with visitors appreciating the peace and quiet. Late summer reviews highlight challenges with low water...
Show more
Based on 74 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms were cleaned every day.' 2. 'The campsites are nice but the road going into the campground is horrible.' 3. 'Sites are secluded and wooded.' 4. 'No potable water, so bring your own...
Show more
Based on 74 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 12: Close to bathrooms, level, gravel pad (Rating: 4) - Site 17: Down a narrow road but spacious and functional (Rating: 3-5) - Site 20: Described as not flat, causing damage to one camper's...
Show more
Based on 74 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground offers accessible flush toilets and other features such as picnic shelters and grills. Reviews indicate that accessibility is a highlight, with amenities well-maintained and clean.
Based on 74 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some reviews highlight issues with campers not keeping pets leashed. One user noted, 'ALL CAMPERS SHOULD HAVE DOGS ON LEASH AND SENT OUT IF THEY CAN'T FOLLOW THE RULES.'
Based on 74 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to East Branch Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Campgrounds
East Branch Clarion River Lake
East Branch Campground