The Allegheny National Forest region surrounding Tionesta, Pennsylvania sits at elevations between 1,300-1,800 feet with humid continental climate patterns and annual rainfall averaging 42 inches. The area contains over 87 miles of public shoreline along the Allegheny River and Tionesta Creek, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping season. Campsites in this region tend to fill quickly between June and August, especially on holiday weekends.
What to do
Hiking near Minister Creek: The Minister Creek Campground offers direct access to the Minister Creek Trail system with loop options ranging from 2-7 miles. "Perfect spot for star-gazing. So set the alarm for 2am and enjoy," notes one visitor who appreciated the night sky viewing opportunities from this small, 6-site campground.
Fishing for native trout: Minister Creek is home to brook trout populations accessible from the campground. "Home to some of the scrappiest brook trout I have fished for. Such a great place to get away!" according to a camper who enjoyed the fishing access directly from the campsites.
Explore historic oil industry sites: Oil Creek Family Campground provides easy access to the historic oil industry sites in the region. "The park is beautiful with a lot of history (it is the site of the world's first commercial oil well, and where the oil industry began in the United States around 1860)," explains one visitor who enjoyed learning about the area's industrial heritage.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tionesta Rec. Area Campground receives praise for site separation. "Beautiful level sites, spaced nicely apart, full hook ups, with big picnic tables and fire rings with multi-tiered grate," notes a visitor who stayed at sites #46 and 48, which offer more privacy than other locations.
Water access options: Red Bridge Recreation Area provides multiple water access points. "The reservoir is beautiful and clean! You can swim with your dog from the access points at the campground," reports a camper who appreciated the pet-friendly swimming areas.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness at campgrounds like Chapman State Park stands out to visitors. "Great, great campground it was very clean and fairly quiet. It seemed like a lot of RV campsites which is great but we wanted a more tent like experience. It was my wife's first time tent camping and the cleanliness of the campground really helped her want to camp again," explains one first-time camper.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Many campgrounds in the area have spotty or non-existent cell service. "We noticed during our 4-day stay towards the end of June that restaurants and other sights such as museums may be closed Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday," reports one camper, highlighting the importance of planning ahead when visiting the region.
Off-season closures: Most glamping facilities near Tionesta have limited seasonal availability. "Most of the sites in the CG are full hookups. We noticed that some were 30/20 AMP. Sites closer to the front of the CG, especially along the river, tend to be close to each other," notes a visitor at Tionesta Recreation Area.
Reservation requirements: For popular glamping sites at Clear Creek State Park Campground, early booking is essential. "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," advises a regular visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Rvino - Campers Paradise offers family-friendly amenities. "We really enjoy this campground. Not far from the River and has a number of things for the kids to do at the campground. It has a really nice pool and playground for the kids," shares a family visitor.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature water recreation suitable for children. "The park has tent sites, RV sites and cabins. Clear Creek runs through the campground and is a perfect spot for a BBQ or Picnic. It also has a designated swimming beach with sand," explains a camper describing the family amenities.
Educational opportunities: Schedule visits around ranger programs for kids. "This is also a great place to go year-round for kids interested in learning about nature. There is a nature museum. Seek out Ranger Susanne--she is a really great teacher!" recommends a visitor to Clear Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup distances: At some glamping sites, utility hookups may require extra equipment. "The water pressure was okay at about 42 psi. We did not receive any OTA channels but this site and several others back up to a huge berm so you can get satellite. Most of the sites in the CG have mature trees so the satellite is iffy," notes an RVer at Tionesta Recreation Area.
Site selection for larger rigs: Two Mile Run County Park offers spacious sites for larger RVs. "We stayed in site C6 one of the reservable sites. Every site has plenty of room. Campground overall is quiet. And most if not all of the full hookups are pull throughs," shares an RV camper.
Leveling needs: Prepare with leveling blocks for some glamping locations. "It's a nice place, great creek and woods. Most of the spots will require leveling blocks," advises an RVer who stayed at Clear Creek State Park.
