Tionesta Lake sits in northwestern Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest at 1,170 feet elevation, surrounded by mixed hardwood forests and rolling terrain. The lake spans 480 acres with 20 miles of shoreline, creating varied camping environments from wooded sites to riverside locations. Cell service throughout the area ranges from nonexistent to spotty, with most locations receiving only 1-2 bars on major carriers.
What to do
Fishing the waters: The Clarion River provides excellent fishing opportunities near Clear Creek State Park Campground. "The Clarion is a crystal clear, shallow, rock bottom river perfect for a cool off, fishing or kayaking," notes one camper at the park, adding that the river maintains consistent water quality throughout the camping season.
Disc golf course: Clear Creek State Park features a full disc golf course that accommodates both beginners and experienced players. As one visitor mentioned, the park offers "a great disc golf course, and moderate-to-light hiking trails" that provide recreation without requiring extensive hiking.
Family watercraft rentals: Two kayaking and tubing companies operate near Cook Forest State Park Campground for family-friendly river experiences. According to a reviewer, "There are two kayaking/tubing companies in Cook Forest to hire watercraft to float the river. Both floats don't go as high as Clear Creek State Park so you won't float past the campground, with the longest being 9 miles."
Seasonal activities: Kalyumet Campground offers organized activities during holiday weekends that many families enjoy. One camper reported, "The community had a great Halloween weekend" with special events and decorations throughout the campground, making it a destination for families seeking structured recreation.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Clear Creek State Park offers premium waterfront camping spots with adequate privacy. A visitor highlighted two specific locations: "The best un-powered RV site is site 40– private and waterfront. The best powered-RV site is 39– private and waterfront. There are also two very private tent sites that are waterfront (classified as Kayak In tent sites) numbered CR-001 & CR-002."
Seasonal programming: Rustic Acres RV Resort in Shippenville provides organized activities for children that receive consistently positive reviews. One camper shared, "Our children enjoyed the Saturday kids program, crafts, snacks and games with other children... we were thrilled to find they had a children's program on Saturday mornings. Our children had a ball making crafts, playing games, finding items on a scavenger hunt and of course snacks!"
Well-maintained facilities: Campground cleanliness is a frequent positive comment, especially at Rvino - Campers Paradise. "The campground is clean, the grass is kept cut, with no trash to be seen anywhere," wrote one visitor, appreciating the overall maintenance standards that exceed some other locations in the region.
What you should know
Speed bumps and road hazards: Several campgrounds feature unmarked road obstacles that can damage RVs. A visitor to Tionesta Rec. Area Campground warned about navigation challenges: "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. There are signs to the boat launch area so pay attention and follow the camping signs."
Limited shower facilities: Not all campgrounds offer complete bathing accommodations despite having other hookups. Love's RV Hookup provides minimal amenities with "7 basic sites with electric and water connections but no sewer hookups or shower facilities," making it suitable primarily for self-contained units.
Campground quiet hours: Most campgrounds enforce quiet times after 10 PM, though enforcement varies by location. One camper at Clear Creek State Park was "impressed by the quiet campers. Folks were very friendly, but nighttime was silent," which indicates good rule adherence.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: High Pines RV Park offers recreation facilities specifically designed for families with children. "There's no pool but they do have a game room that offers free games for the kids along with a playground and basketball court," noted a visitor who appreciated the variety of activities available without water features.
Bear awareness: Wildlife encounters, particularly with bears, occur throughout the region and require appropriate food storage. A camper at Clear Creek State Park mentioned, "I did have two separate run-ins with bears," suggesting visitors should use proper food containers and follow ranger guidance on wildlife safety.
Family-friendly timing: Weekdays typically offer a quieter experience with less competition for premium sites. According to a visitor at High Pines RV Park, "Just pulled in here last minute feeling tired and I was able to get a perfect spot in a lovely field all to myself," highlighting the advantages of non-peak timing.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV Village Camping Resort accommodates larger rigs but offers varying degrees of privacy. One RVer noted, "The daily sites are a bit tight which lends to noisy evenings past quiet hours. We had to get creative making white noise for our toddler to sleep," suggesting site selection matters for family comfort.
Hookup distance challenges: At Kalyumet Campground, utilities placement requires planning and equipment. "Some sites require over 50' of hose and multiple power cords to reach power box due to the great amount of trees providing good shade throughout campground," warned one RVer, recommending bringing extension equipment.
Seasonal opening variations: Most rv campgrounds near Tionesta Lake operate on different schedules, with some closing as early as September. RV Village Camping Resort operates from "April 1 - October 31," while others like Rustic Acres remain "open all year," creating important distinctions for off-season camping plans.
