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Best Campgrounds near Tionesta, PA

470 Reviews

Several quiet campgrounds surround Tionesta, Pennsylvania for campers looking for a forest getaway. Cook Forest State Park Campground has good hiking trails and lots of trees for shade. Parker Dam State Park Campground works well for families, with plenty of things to do with kids. If you want more privacy, Minister Creek Campground has sites scattered among the trees away from crowds. Remember that Pennsylvania state parks don't allow alcohol. Most campgrounds in the area have basic needs covered with drinking water and bathrooms. You'll typically find picnic tables and fire rings at campsites. During busy times of year, you should book ahead since sites can fill up. Always check on current fire rules before your trip, as they change with conditions. The Tionesta area has lots of wildlife to watch from your campsite. The local campgrounds range from busy and social to quiet and remote, depending on what you prefer.

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Best Camping Sites Near Tionesta, Pennsylvania (126)

    1. Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

    51 Reviews
    Cooksburg, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 744-8407

    $20 - $67 / night

    "Look at the campground map before you book your site if being close to a bathroom is important; ours was across the campsite behind us but we had to step in a rock set in the stream to get to it without"

    "There is a pet trail through the woods that was really great to take our dog rather than walking around the campground."

    2. Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

    11 Reviews
    Tionesta, PA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (814) 755-3512

    $30 - $46 / night

    "From I-80, take the exit for PA-36 then follow the signs to Tionesta and once you get near you'll see the Tionesta Recreation Area Signs."

    "So I’ll be honest: Sometimes I camp just so I can get close to flyfishing. This particular review has less to do with the specifics of the site (although this campground is great!)"

    3. Kalyumet Campground

    14 Reviews
    Lucinda, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 744-9622

    "We enjoyed the pool the walking/hiking trails, a trip into Cooks Forest, and even spent some time at the arcade (costs money)."

    "A short path through the woods leads you to their mini-golf/pizza/ice cream shop."

    4. Minister Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    Sheffield, PA
    17 miles
    Website

    $12 / night

    "Easy access to hiking trails right from camp. Not a ton of distance between sites but everyone around us was quiet and chill."

    "Whether you're staying at the campground itself or on the trail off the parking lot, you really can't get much better than this."

    5. Oil Creek Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Titusville, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 827-1023

    "They have a large pool; a few llamas that the kids can feed and pet; a 27-hole disc golf course (recently expanded from 18 hole) primarily in the woods near and around the campground property; a small"

    "Its become our goto campground that's only an hour away from Erie."

    6. Clear Creek State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 752-2368

    $22 - $57 / night

    "A must do when camping in Pennsylvania. The Clarian river is great for kayaking . Multiple trails off of park."

    "There are kayak rentals nearby also. The Clarion River is full of wildlife including bald eagles hunting the river and an occasional black bear nearby."

    7. Outflow Recreation Area (PA)

    2 Reviews
    Tionesta, PA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (814) 755-3512

    $26 - $46 / night

    8. Hearts Content Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Tidioute, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 368-4158

    $12 - $80 / night

    "Allegheny National Forest is Pennsylvania's only National Forest and a gem of a location for outdoor recreation."

    "Go to nearby town of Warren or Tidouette for supplies. (Stop at the store just outside of Tidouette just across from DG- they have the best deli sandwiches around)"

    9. Rustic Acres

    8 Reviews
    Shippenville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 226-9850

    $39 - $69 / night

    "This campground is easy access to I80, Less than 10 minutes. It is very clean, amazingly helpful staff, mix of seasonal, weekly, and overnight. Nice playground for the kids."

    "Close to I80."

    10. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Marienville, PA
    19 miles

    "Great little roadside campsite to get away. We spent the night during a tropical storm and got the pleasure of hearing the rain on the tent out in this peaceful spot!"

    "Was able to drive in which I why I chose this area. Currently finish up the night and once the fire dies down I’ll head to bed."

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Recent Camping Photos near Tionesta, PA

176 Photos of 126 Tionesta Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Tionesta, PA

470 Reviews of 126 Tionesta Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    Not bad for 20 bucks

    Not bad at all for 20 bucks , spots with electricity cost more. Came on a week night without a reservation and was almost unable to get a spot , host was nice though! Quiet area

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Don’t recommend

    Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you. Way too grown in as of August . Didn’t end up staying here. May be a good spot in the fall once the grass dies. Secluded spot though

  • Dani T.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Clarion River Campground

    Possibly 5 Stars IF...

    This camp area could be 5 Stars if you get lucky. We got here very late, and almost all the sites were full... the one nice one that was available had food everywhere. Don't do this! There were chicken carcasses and popcorn, eggs, and a bag of food in a fire ring. Having seen racoons & other wildlife on the road in, obviously we couldn't tent there. We car c(r)amped at another site. M7(?). There was no place for a tent & no fire ring at that spot. The river view in the morning was nice though. Had we arrived earlier or gotten lucky, this area is probably an awesome camp spot! There's an information station along River Rd with a pit toilet house. On the billboard you'll find a map of the designated camp spots along both River Rd and Millstone. Take a picture of it. There's no reception here but that's how you know it's a nice area!

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

    Great Getway

    This campground was great! Throughout the week in the summer it is pretty quiet. Very close to the fire tower and other things to see around it. The Knotty Pine bar and restaurant was right down the road and had great food and drink.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Wolfs Camping Resort

    Absolutely beautiful

    Super friendly staff, great location. stocked lake with catch and release fishing. Loved it.

    Stayed in May 2017

  • Casey L.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Kiasutha

    Wooded sites

    Our campsite was waterfront and beautiful, but the majority were just a wooded setting. They all seemed decently spaced apart, or at least felt that way because they had trees between. Driveways had old pavement, some were not very level but wouldn’t be a problem if you can level. Our site didn’t have a good spot for a tent but some had grassy areas. Bathrooms were outdated but mostly clean, no paper towels or hand dryers. Didn’t see any rangers or park staff drive through, quiet hours were not enforced and we had a loud neighbor. Close to some nice trails.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Quiet and Secluded

    Lovely Stay at Quiet and Secluded

    Rolled up on the later side but was welcomed kindly by the owner Bill. Beautiful spot. Clean amenities!

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Clarion River Campground

    Beautiful if you can find a spot

    Busy spot. There are various large sized spots on both sides of the road. We were lucky to snag a spot on the side of the river-with our RV. We had direct River access! Quite road-We were able to walk. There were some people kayaking in the river. Dispersed spot-no cell service.

Guide to Tionesta

Camping near Tionesta, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Cook Forest State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "If you're into hiking, there's lots to see here."
  • Fishing: The waters near Pymatuning State Park Campground are great for fishing. A visitor said, "Beautiful lake on the Ohio/PA border. Clean bathrooms/showers. Don’t forget to feed the carp!"
  • Kayaking: Enjoy kayaking at Red Bridge Recreation Area. One reviewer noted, "The campground is rather hilly overall and I'm not sure it's best for kids unless they're really into fishing."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Clear Creek State Park Campground appreciate the beautiful surroundings. One said, "We were able to turn the RV so the door/awning faced the River."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy Parker Dam State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "It's a great spot if you're traveling with the kids. There is a nice little lake area where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards."
  • Quiet and Clean: Campers at Minister Creek Campground appreciate the peaceful environment. One visitor mentioned, "Absolutely no cell signal... a lovely little weekend getaway."

What you should know

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds, like Parker Dam State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. A camper noted, "This may only be true of the full hookup sites. Felt like we were camping with our neighbors."
  • Limited Amenities: At Minister Creek Campground, there are no showers or electric hookups. One reviewer said, "There are a number of sites on the side of the road within 2-3 miles in either direction if you want to sleep in your van."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at Quaker Area — Allegany State Park. A visitor shared, "We did have visits from wildlife, which was great; the bear boxes help protect the food."

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds. One camper at Parker Dam State Park Campground mentioned, "There is also a jungle gym in the middle of the campground."
  • Plan for Noise: Some sites can be noisy, especially if kids are nearby. A visitor at Pymatuning State Park Campground said, "The individual camp sites are all right on top of each other."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. A family at Sara's Campground enjoyed, "We had excellent bike riding weather!"

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the site can accommodate your RV. A camper at Pymatuning State Park Campground noted, "Quite a few of the sites are lakefront and of those a number are full hookup."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Minister Creek Campground, have poor cell reception. One visitor said, "Drive about 7-10 miles in either direction to pick up a signal."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Some campgrounds, such as Parker Dam State Park Campground, have high prices for firewood. A camper advised, "Buy firewood outside the park to save yourself some cash."

Camping near Tionesta, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot or a place with activities, you'll find it here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Tionesta Recreation Area Campground?

Tionesta Rec. Area Campground offers full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections. The campground features large, spacious sites with fire pits that have built-in adjustable cooking grates. There are two basic bathrooms and one facility with flush toilets and showers. The campground provides good access to Tionesta Creek, making it ideal for fishing enthusiasts. Many sites back directly to the Tionesta River, offering scenic views and easy water access. The campground is dog-friendly with policies requiring pets to be leashed. While amenities are basic, the natural setting and access to outdoor recreation opportunities are the main attractions.

How do I find and navigate Tionesta Campground?

To find Tionesta Rec. Area Campground, use 'Tionesta Recreation Area' in Google Maps or Waze since there isn't a specific address for RV GPS systems. From US-6, take PA-66 to PA-36, then follow signs to Tionesta. From I-80, take the exit for PA-36 and follow signs to Tionesta. Once nearby, you'll see signs for the recreation area. The campground is situated along Tionesta Creek and near the spillway, making it relatively easy to locate once you're in the general vicinity. The campground offers ample parking for vehicles of various sizes, and the internal roads are navigable for most camping setups.

Are there different camping options around Tionesta Lake?

Yes, the Tionesta area offers diverse camping options. Besides the main recreation area, Outflow Recreation Area provides multiple access options including drive-in, boat-in, hike-in, and walk-in camping with basic amenities like water and toilets. For those seeking alternative experiences, Clear Creek State Park Campground offers tent camping (including some paddle-in only sites), RV sites, rustic cabins of varying sizes, and even yurts. The park sits on the scenic Clarion River with well-maintained facilities including clean restrooms and shower houses. The upper loop tent sites provide more seclusion for those seeking privacy.

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