How much does camping cost at Outflow Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Outflow Recreation Area are $26 - $46/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Outflow Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Outflow Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Outflow Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Outflow Recreation Area has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Outflow Recreation Area?

Outflow Recreation Area is open April 03 to September 06. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Outflow Recreation Area?

Yes, Outflow Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Outflow Recreation Area have?

Outflow Recreation Area has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Outflow Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Outflow Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Outflow Recreation Area?

Outflow Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Outflow Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Outflow Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Outflow Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Outflow Recreation Area: Don't Move Firewood: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.20

131 reviews

TIONESTA LAKE PO BOX 539, Tionesta, PA 16353, USA

C-Report Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,070 ft

Price

$26 - $46/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open season starts A...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,070 ft

Price

$26 - $46/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open season starts A...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

$26.00 - $46.00 / night

Campsite Fees

SHELTER ELECTRIC: $45.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $46.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC : $26.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$45.00

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Provider

814-755-3512jason.a.bowers@usace.army.mil

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Campground Map

TIONESTA LAKE PO BOX 539, Tionesta, PA 16353, USA

Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

TIONESTA LAKE PO BOX 539, Tionesta, PA 16353, USA

Nearby places

Tionesta (approx. 2 miles, 5 min drive)

Driving directionsFrom Pittsburgh, take I-79 North and merge onto I-80 East exit 116a toward Clarion for 9.8 miles. Use the PA-8 exits 29 toward Barkeyville, turn left onto PA-8/State Route 8 for 16.4 miles. Turn right on US-62 and continue for 34 miles. Turn right onto 36 South into Tionesta. At the stop sign, take 36 south for 2.0 miles to South Elm Street and drive for 1.5 miles into the Outflow Recreation Area. From Warren, take US-62 South for 30 miles, then turn left onto South Elm Street and follow for 1.5 miles into the Outflow Recreation Area.

Weather at Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

Current alerts(13)

Camping at one or more campsites at any one water resource project for a period longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive-day period is prohibited without the written permission of the District Commander.
Check out time will be 12 p.m. Check in time will be 2 p.m.
For the Tionesta Lake office call: (814) 755-3512
For the Tionesta Recreation Area: (814) 755-3592

Best Time to Camp at Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and the best access to Tionesta Creek for boating, fishing, and long hikes — daytime highs typically run in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the 50s–60s. Water levels are usually pleasant for paddling and fishing, and trails are fully thawed and easy to access; however expect occasional afternoon thunderstorms and increased bugs. Weekdays are generally quiet while holiday weekends draw moderate crowds from nearby cities. Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season is summer; highest praise for boating, fishing, hiking in summer (signal +).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 03 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season starts April 1 and ends October 31 (reservable). Out of season period runs from October 31 to April 1.

About Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

Outflow Recreation Area sits along Tionesta Lake in Pennsylvania's Allegheny foothills, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The mid-sized campground offers electric and water hookups, flush toilets, and hot showers for tent and RV campers seeking lake access during the peak season. Anglers and hikers use the site as a base for exploring Tionesta Creek and surrounding trails.

The campground supports a diverse range of camping styles, including tent camping, standard electric sites, and group shelter electric sites. Seasonal site variations and pricing details are well-documented.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and the best access to Tionesta Creek for boating, fishing, and long hikes — daytime highs typically run in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the 50s–60s. Water levels are usually pleasant for paddling and fishing, and trails are fully thawed and easy to access; however expect occasional afternoon thunderstorms and increased bugs. Weekdays are generally quiet while holiday weekends draw moderate crowds from nearby cities. Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1070 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryTionesta Creek runs alongside the campground at 1,070 feet elevation, surrounded by the forested ridges of the Allegheny plateau. The area sits at the junction of several large public lands: Allegheny National Forest, Cooks Forest State Park, Clear Creek State Forest, and Cornplanter State Forest. This creates one of the East's largest continuous forest blocks, with habitat ranging from creek bottomlands to ridgetop hardwoods. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and ospreys are common. The creek itself provides both scenery and paddling access, with creekside sites offering the best views of the water.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights within any 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 vehicles and 1 wheeled camper plus 1 tent per campsite or 2 tents.

Groups

Group sites are available, including shelter electric sites. Specific details regarding capacity are not provided, but group accommodations are part of the site's offerings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, mobile app, or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground features accessible flush toilets, parking, showers, and a playground. User reviews did not specifically highlight accessibility experiences.

Site SizeTent sites are described as generally spacious. Some reviews mention that while the majority of sites are adequately sized, some are 'really small,' and a few are rocky or poorly maintained.

PrivacyThe privacy at campsites is mixed. While some campers appreciated the spacing, stating 'Sites spaced a good distance apart,' others found that many sites were 'very close to each other, with little to no screening between.' Sites closer to the creek were noted for their better views and ambiance.

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the creek are preferred for their tranquility and scenic beauty. Avoid sites close to the highway to minimize noise.

Best CampsitesSites backing up to Tionesta Creek get the best views and creek ambiance. Some campers recommend the area near Kellettville for viewing synchronous fireflies. Book early during peak season as desirable sites fill quickly.

Need help booking Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Each campsite has picnic table and fire ring *Available starting Memorial Day Weekend - Water, flush toilets, and showers. dump station located nearby* To Labor Day Weekend

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities both on-site and nearby. Visitors can engage in fishing, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The location's proximity to natural features like the Allegheny National Forest adds to its appeal.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Boating available from the campground; lake access noted as an attraction.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Area rich in wildlife: white-tailed deer, porcupine, wild turkeys, ospreys mentioned.

Hiking3.5/5

Provides access to hiking trails and is used as a base to explore surrounding trails.

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Scenic lake, forest ridges and abundant wildlife give good photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative or user-provided sources.

Cell CoverageUser reviews suggest decent cell phone service at the campground. Brittany Fisher noted, 'Had good cell service,' while another user mentioned no significant issues with connectivity.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

131 reviews

Satisfactory

Outflow Recreation Area (Pa) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Outflow Recreation Area Campground has received mixed but predominantly positive reviews, with an average sentiment of 3.91 out of 5 for campgrounds. Common themes include well-maintained facilities, scenic surroundings, and a peaceful atmosphere, although some campers have raised concerns about site spacing and maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 131 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently praised the clean restrooms, scenic views, and available recreational activities. Julianna Brinskelle noted, 'We absolutely loved it here. ... the bathrooms were fairly well kept,...

Based on 131 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include closely spaced campsites, occasional maintenance issues, and limited privacy. For example, David Fawcett stated, 'Beautiful place, friendly host, but the sites are too close...

Based on 131 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near the creek are highly recommended. Jen G. mentioned, 'The sites backing up to the creek were the best,' while others noted that sites further from the creek lacked views. Some complaints...

Based on 131 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking early during peak seasons due to the campground's popularity. Sites near the creek are described as more desirable for their views and ambiance. One user highlighted the...

Based on 131 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer received the highest praise for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities like hiking and boating. Winter conditions and off-season closures appeared to affect the usability of some...

Based on 131 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great Camping site nestled in woods with clean restrooms.' - Pranav Deshpande 2. 'The sites backing up to the creek were the best.' - Jen G. 3. 'Amazing campground will definitely recommend...

Based on 131 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features such as accessible showers and toilets are mentioned, but there is little specific user feedback regarding experiences for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 131 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is described as dog-friendly by some users, with no significant complaints about pet policies or accommodations.

Based on 131 reviews

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Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

$26.00 - $46.00 / night

Campsite Fees

SHELTER ELECTRIC: $45.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $46.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC : $26.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $26.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $26.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$45.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

814-755-3512jason.a.bowers@usace.army.mil

Nearby Campgrounds

Highly Popular

4.1

(651)

Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

TIONESTA LAKE PO BOX 539

Tionesta Rec. Area Campground sits on the shores of Tionesta Lake in Pennsylvania's Allegheny foothills, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The large campground offers full hookups and serves as a base for boating, fishing, and hiking the scenic trails that wind through the surrounding woodlands. Campers appreciate the spacious sites and lake access, though some facilities show their age.

Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

Planning Tips

About Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

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Amenities available

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Reviews

What Campers Love

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Site-Specific Reviews

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How campers graded it

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Ask Camp Sage about Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

Current alerts(13)

Best Time to Camp at Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)?

Amenities available

Things to do at Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews