Camping near Tionesta Lake

Searching for the best camping near Tionesta Lake, PA? Tionesta Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Tionesta Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Tionesta Lake (123)

    1. Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

    51 Reviews
    Cooksburg, PA
    14 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

    "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!)"

    "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."

    3. Kalyumet Campground

    14 Reviews
    Lucinda, PA
    13 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. Clear Creek State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    20 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."

    6. Outflow Recreation Area (PA)

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

    $26 - $46 / night

    7. Oil Creek Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Titusville, PA
    14 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."

    8. Rustic Acres

    8 Reviews
    Shippenville, PA
    17 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."

    9. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Marienville, PA
    18 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."

    10. 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)"

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Recent Reviews near Tionesta Lake

466 Reviews of 123 Tionesta Lake Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Redbank Valley Municipal Park

    Mid September No one around

    We came here after finding this campsite on the dirt app. When we arrived, there was no one around. There are no rules or payment stations. There are a lot of RVs that seem to be set up in a permanent location. We camped on a field and haven’t seen anyone. There are bathrooms and showers and they are open. It looks like this is the site of the fairgrounds and maybe it is a hopping place in the summer? I will update this review if anyone comes by.

  • 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!


Guide to Tionesta Lake

Camping near Tionesta Lake, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Enjoy the water by launching your kayak or canoe right from the campground. At Red Bridge Recreation Area, one visitor shared, "The sites are very spacious and mostly divided with brush... settled right on the Allegheny Reservoir, so if you bring your kayaks you can launch right from the campground."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the numerous hiking trails in the area. A camper at Clear Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Hiking above the campground was very nice and we did an easy loop of almost 6 miles."
  • Fishing: Tionesta Lake is great for fishing. A review from Chapman State Park Campground noted, "It attracts the friendliest people... decent fishing, miles of trails, and a small beach."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Minister Creek Campground said, "The best parts are just behind the main camping area... there is plenty of great dispersed sites passed the main campground."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites that provide privacy. A review for Buckaloons stated, "The campsites are large and not crowded on top of each other... there’s a boat ramp onsite."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Kozy Rest are known for their kid-friendly activities. One family shared, "The staff were polite, helpful, and great with our family."

What you should know:

  • No Cell Service: Many campgrounds around Tionesta Lake have limited or no cell service. A camper at Dewdrop Recreation Area mentioned, "You are literally in the mountains and it is so peaceful! There is no cell service so you really get to be away from all the hustle for a weekend."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Clear Creek State Park Campground noted, "It is often challenging to reserve a site unless done far in advance."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A camper at Dewdrop Recreation Area shared, "A mom and two cubs ran directly through our camp while having breakfast one morning."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for kids. At Kozy Rest, one parent said, "Tons of activities to keep the kids busy all day!!"
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially with kids around. A review for Tionesta Rec. Area Campground mentioned, "In the past 2-3 years there have been 'bicycle gangs' of unsupervised kids roaming."
  • Pack Outdoor Games: Bring along games that can be played outside. A camper at Chapman State Park Campground suggested, "It’s family friendly, has decent fishing, miles of trails, and a small beach."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A review for Tionesta Rec. Area Campground noted, "The site lengths vary in the CG and the lengths from the reservation site seemed to be fairly correct."
  • Be Mindful of Hookups: Some sites may not have full hookups. A visitor at Minister Creek Campground mentioned, "There is a water tap and vaulted toilets."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take time to explore the local area. A camper at Red Bridge Recreation Area said, "The campground is rather hilly overall and I'm not sure it's best for kids unless they're really into fishing."

Camping near Tionesta Lake, Pennsylvania, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Tionesta Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, Tionesta Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Tionesta Lake and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Tionesta Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tionesta Lake is Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins with a 4.5-star rating from 51 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tionesta Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Tionesta Lake.