Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

Star4.13
651 reviews
TIONESTA LAKE PO BOX 539
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,037 ft

Price

$30 - $46/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

124 campsites

Season

Open from May 19 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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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
Tionesta Rec. Area Campground
$30.00 - $46.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range between $30 and $46 depending on the site type and season. Peak season rates apply from May 19 to September 8.
Standard Site Fee$44.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
814-755-3512
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What Campers Say

4.13

Satisfactory

Based on 651 reviews

125 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioussites

"User reviews highlight the beauty and cleanliness of the campground but note issues with maintenance, noise, and inconsistent rule enforcement. The campground is praised for its full hookups and accessibility to water activities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

TIONESTA LAKE PO BOX 539

Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

TIONESTA LAKE PO BOX 539

Driving directionsFrom Tionesta, PA: Go 0.5 mile south on SR 36 and follow signs into the campground.
The campground is accessible via SR 36. Roads leading to the campground are paved and well-marked, though some reviews mention difficulty with signage, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the area.
Nearby places
Tionesta (0.5 miles, 5 minutes), Oil City (approx. 30 miles, 40 minutes), Allegheny National Forest (approx. 15 miles, 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
A small general store is located approximately 5 minutes away from the campground, offering basic supplies such as firewood and ice.

Best Time to Camp at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

From May through September, the campground comes alive under warm sunshine and comfortable temperatures that beckon outdoor enthusiasts. Late spring showers nourish the verdant forest canopy, while summer brings those refreshing afternoon rains that cool the air and release the earthy scent of the woods. These peak months offer ideal conditions for everything from morning hikes to evening campfires under star-filled skies.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 19–Sept 8; summer is peak season with most activities and best conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground is closed after Sept 8; fall season largely unavailable.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Opens May 19 (late spring) but largely closed through most of spring months.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Out-of-season; campground closed in winter and no winter activities listed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 19 to September 8. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 19 to September 8; out-of-season bookings unavailable.
  • Current Alerts: Occasional plumbing and water issues have been reported. Reviewers mention sites needing maintenance and muddy conditions during wet weather.

About Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

Nestled beneath the impressive Tionesta Dam, this enchanting recreation area invites you into a world where dense forests meet modern comfort. Here, full hookup sites blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, offering the perfect basecamp for exploring the pristine waters of Tionesta Lake and Creek. Whether you're drawn to meandering scenic trails that wind through ancient woodlands or seeking adventure on the water, this campground serves as your gateway to northwestern Pennsylvania's outdoor wonderland.
The Tionesta Recreation Area Campground accommodates various camping styles with full hookups and scenic surroundings.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during any visit or within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The Tionesta Recreation Area offers diverse activities including hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Seasonal hunting, water skiing, and tubing are also available. The area is known for its rich history and scenic landscapes.
HikingHiking trails are accessible directly from the campground. User reviews describe trails as 'easy to low-moderate,' with many enjoying wildlife viewing along the paths. A notable trail leads to the ridge overlooking the lake.
FishingFishing is popular in Tionesta Creek and nearby Allegheny River. User reviews highlight 'excellent fishing opportunities,' but some noted fluctuating water levels as a challenge.
SwimmingSwimming is available in the beach area outside the campground entrance along Tionesta Creek. However, no lifeguards are on duty, and the swimming area is described as 'a grassy area along the creek.'
BikingPaved roads within the campground and surrounding areas make biking a popular activity. User reviews frequently praise the ease of biking and roller skating.
BoatingA boat ramp and marina near the campground provide easy access to water sports. Visitors can kayak or canoe on Tionesta Lake and Allegheny River.
Wildlife viewingCommonly spotted wildlife includes white-tailed deer, porcupine, wild turkey, osprey, and opossum. User reviews often mention seeing wildlife during hikes and within the campground.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife like deer, porcupine, and opossum are common; campers are advised to store food securely. Water access may be steep and rocky in some areas.
Active AlertsOccasional plumbing and water issues have been reported. Reviewers mention sites needing maintenance and muddy conditions during wet weather.

Weather at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

Reviews

4.1
651 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Tionesta Rec. Area Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the beauty and cleanliness of the campground but note issues with maintenance, noise, and inconsistent rule enforcement. The campground is praised for its full hookups and accessibility to water activities.
Review Summaries
Based on 651 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include full hookups, scenic trails, opportunities for fishing and kayaking, and spacious campsites. Reviews like 'Sites are clean and well maintained' and 'Great place to relax and...
Show more
Based on 651 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints frequently involve outdated facilities, noise from barking dogs, and lack of enforcement on quiet hours. Some reviewers reported plumbing issues and muddy sites.
Based on 651 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs for noise, plan ahead for cell service limitations, and choose sites near the creek for scenic views. Reviews recommend visiting the Bear Claw Cafe and the local lighthouse.
Based on 651 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are most popular, but some users expressed a wish for the campground to stay open later into the fall. Rainy weather occasionally impacts site conditions and activities.
Based on 651 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The view of Tionesta Creek was beautiful.' 2. 'The sites are all pea-graveled and crowned, yet level.' 3. 'Full hookups at all sites, I think.'
Based on 651 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Certain sites, like 50 and 66, received negative feedback due to poor maintenance and electrical issues. Sites 45 and 40 were praised for accessibility and scenic views.
Based on 651 reviews

Accessibility Features

Sites 69 and 71 are reserved for accessible camping. Complaints included poor maintenance of accessible facilities.
Based on 651 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Many reviews highlight the pet-friendly nature of the campground, though some express concern about leash rule enforcement and noise from barking dogs.
Based on 651 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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