How much does camping cost at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground?

Camping fees at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground range from $30-$46/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tionesta Rec. Area Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Tionesta Rec. Area Campground 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 Tionesta Rec. Area Campground before I book?

Yes! Tionesta Rec. Area Campground has 17 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 Tionesta Rec. Area Campground?

Tionesta Rec. Area Campground is open May 22 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 Tionesta Rec. Area Campground?

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

How many campsites does Tionesta Rec. Area Campground have?

Tionesta Rec. Area Campground has 124 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground?

Tionesta Rec. Area Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground?

Popular activities at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

4.12

651 reviews

TIONESTA LAKE PO BOX 539

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Pennsylvania

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Full HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Full HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

$30.00 - $46.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $46.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

814-755-3512

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

TIONESTA LAKE PO BOX 539

Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

TIONESTA LAKE PO BOX 539

Nearby places

Tionesta (0.5 miles, 5 minutes), Oil City (approx. 30 miles, 40 minutes), Allegheny National Forest (approx. 15 miles, 20 minutes)

Weather at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

Best Time to Camp at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the fullest access and best conditions: daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s (nights 55–65°F), warm lake water, and all campground services (full hookups) available during the May 19–Sept 8 season. This is when boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and biking are at their peak and wildlife viewing is strong in early morning and evening; expect moderate to busy holiday weekends and reserve in advance. Afternoon thunderstorms are common—bring rain gear, insect repellent,和 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May 19–Sept 8; peak season for swimming, boating and all activities; warm lake temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 06. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 19 to September 8; out-of-season bookings unavailable.

About Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

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.

The Tionesta Recreation Area Campground accommodates various camping styles with full hookups and scenic surroundings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the fullest access and best conditions: daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s (nights 55–65°F), warm lake water, and all campground services (full hookups) available during the May 19–Sept 8 season. This is when boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and biking are at their peak and wildlife viewing is strong in early morning and evening; expect moderate to busy holiday weekends and reserve in advance. Afternoon thunderstorms are common—bring rain gear, insect repellent,和 Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1037 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryRolling, forested ridges frame Tionesta Lake's winding shoreline at 1,037 feet elevation. Dense hardwoods and evergreens separate many sites, creating pockets of shade and privacy. Some sites back directly to the creek, while others occupy more open ground closer to the loops. The surrounding terrain connects to the broader Allegheny National Forest and Cook Forest State Park, extending hiking and wildlife-viewing opportunities beyond the immediate campground. Morning and evening bring the best chances to spot deer and other wildlife along the trails and shoreline.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground, but nearby attractions include the Allegheny National Forest and Cook Forest State Park.

Programs & ActivitiesNo formal cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the official sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights during any visit or within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two vehicles maximum per site, 1 wheeled camper and 1 tent or 2 tents per site.

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 through Recreation.gov online or via the contact center.

AccessibilitySites 69 and 71 are reserved for visitors needing an accessible campsite and require a Golden Access or America the Beautiful Access Pass.

Site SizeSites range in size and include full hookups for RVs, accommodating various sizes of vehicles and campers.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some offering more secluded settings. User reviews note, 'Some sites are next to the creek, while others are more open,' and 'Sites have a nice amount of privacy due to trees separating them.

Total Campsites124 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 50 offers a fantastic view of Tionesta Creek but may require maintenance. Sites 118 and surrounding are great for group camping.

Best CampsitesLoop 3 holds the preferred waterfront sites with direct creek views. Reviewers specifically mention these for morning coffee by the water and easier kayak launches. Sites with heavier tree cover offer more privacy, though spacing throughout the campground is generally adequate.

Need help booking Tionesta Rec. Area Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Half of Forest County, where Tionesta Lake is located, is preserved as public lands. The Tionesta Recreation Area Campground, situated just below the Tionesta Dam, offers a variety of amenities to campers. Official sources confirm the availability of shower houses, flush toilets, dump stations, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground features full hookups for water, electricity, and sewer at each site. User reviews note mixed experiences with amenities, particularly regarding maintenance and functionality. While some guests praised the cleanliness of restrooms and showers, others mentioned issues like water pressure, mold, and aging infrastructure. One reviewer stated, 'The shower house was very clean even though it was older,' while another mentioned, 'The water was always hot.' However, a few commented on the lack of enforcement regarding rules, such as quiet hours and leash policies for pets.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but recycling options are not mentioned. User reviews suggest that garbage cans in bathrooms are sometimes left unemptied for several days.

Cell CoverageCell phone service at the campground is inconsistent, as noted in user reviews. One reviewer stated, 'Cell service was spotty (ATT),' and another commented, 'It was difficult to get a signal without driving miles.'

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

651 reviews

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...

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

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

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

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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Go if

You want full-service lakefront camping with boating and fishing access in a large, established campground.

Skip if

You need modern shower facilities or guaranteed quiet hours enforcement.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.0

(115)

Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)

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

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.