Anglers seeking access to prime trout waters will find Tionesta Recreation Area Campground serves as a gateway to some of Pennsylvania's finest wilderness fishing streams. This US Army Corps of Engineers facility operates from mid-May through early September along Tionesta Creek, with sites accommodating RVs up to 75 feet on full hookups.
The campground spreads across forested terrain with mature trees providing natural shade, though satellite reception becomes challenging in heavily wooded areas. Site spacing varies significantly throughout the property. MickandKarla W. notes that "the 90s-100s area has the best site spacing with site 100 being one of the most spacious sites," while front-loop sites near the river sit closer together. Several sites back directly up to Tionesta Creek, offering immediate water access for swimming and fishing.
Paved roads connect all camping areas, though visitors report encountering unmarked dirt speed bumps that can jar RVs during entry. The campground includes fire rings with adjustable grates, picnic tables, and a playground near the entrance. Water pressure runs around 42 psi, and Verizon coverage typically shows 1-2 bars. Cook Forest State Park lies within a 30-minute drive for hiking opportunities.
Access requires careful navigation since GPS coordinates can be unreliable. Follow PA-36 to Tionesta, then watch for Recreation Area signs directing visitors to the campground entrance on the right when approaching from town. Sites fill quickly during peak summer weekends, particularly those with creek frontage. For additional options in the region, campers can explore places to camp around Tionesta. Reserve early for the best site selection during the short operating season.
Description
Overview
Half of Forest County, where Tionesta Lake is located, is preserved as public lands. The region is known as one of Pennsylvania's best big game regions and is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife. Campers come to the Tionesta Recreation Area Campground to enjoy the forested area just below the Tionesta Dam. The area is ideal for fishing as well as scenic hiking. Tionesta is a culturally rich region with a long history. The Seneca Indian tribe named this area "where the water separates the land." Nearly a century ago, narrow gauge railways dotted the surrounding countryside, hauling out virgin timber from the hillsides.
Recreation
In-season hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and water skiing, are all available from Tionesta. Visitors interested in wildlife viewing are likely to spot white-tailed deer, porcupine, wild turkey, osprey and opossum. Outside the campground entrance is a beach area for swimming and picnicking along Tionesta Creek. No lifeguards are on duty.
Facilities
A boat ramp and marina are near-by for easy access to water sports. Shower houses and restrooms are located throughout the campground for easy access.
Natural Features
Tionesta Lake winds its way through the rugged hills of northwestern Pennsylvania. Surrounding public areas include the Allegheny National Forest, Cooks Forest State Park, Cornplanter and Clear Creek State Forests, the state fish hatchery and state game lands.
Nearby Attractions
Tionesta Creek Road, which winds through the Tionesta Creek valley upstream of the dam, is an excellent scenic drive with spectacular views. The nearby Allegheny National Forest also makes a great day trip.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundTionesta Rec. Area Campground is located in Pennsylvania
Directions
From Tionesta, PA: Go 0.5 mile south on SR 36 and follow signs into the campground.
Address
TIONESTA LAKE PO BOX 539
Tionesta, PA 16353
Coordinates
41.4843056 N
79.4490972 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 16 min from Erie, PA
- 1 hr 28 min from Youngstown, OH
- 1 hr 48 min from Pittsburgh, PA
- 2 hrs 14 min from Johnstown, PA



















