Best Glamping near Tionesta, PA

There was not a real address to set our RV GPS. Waze and Google maps will pull up directions by entering Tionesta Recreation Area. We came in from the west on US-6 to PA-66, and up PA-36. 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; the campground(CG) is on the right. If you come in from Tionesta, once you clear the town the CG area is to the left. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon around 3:00 PM and the COE entrance building was not manned, so we took a picture of the CG map and proceeded to back-in site 100 with 50 AMP FHUs. There were no obstacles so our back-in was one and done. The site was just long enough for our 39’ fifth wheel(recreation.gov stated max length 48 ft RV) and we had to park our F450 diagonally in front. We noticed that the site post already had our names and dates of stay. The utilities were about 3/4 the way to the back of the site so no problems with sewer, water, or electric cord lengths. 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. We got 2 bars on Verizon. The site lengths vary in the CG and the lengths from the reservation site seemed to be fairly correct. There were quite a few larger rigs here. Most if not all of the sites in this 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. We found that the 90s- 100s area has the best site spacing with site 100 being one of the most spacious sites. After watching a 40’ 5th wheel struggle to back into site 113, we decided this site is not a good choice for rigs over 35 feet or for someone with below-average backing abilities due to the obstacles getting into the site. The pad angles at 90 degrees, there’s a ditch across the road from the site making it difficult to swing the tow vehicle, and there are trees to avoid. We enjoyed walking our dogs through the CG and watching the groundhogs in the rocks behind our site. We noted 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. Get out and explore PA Route 666, which includes the Nebraska bridge, Tall Oaks Gift Shop, and Frog rock.

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!), and more to do with the flyfishing in the area (also great!).

Pennsylvania is home to some of the best wilderness trout streams that you’re ever going to find. The area is just plain beautiful! If you like hiking, fishing, and getting it to enjoy some of the pristine wilderness of the Allegheny National Forest, this campground is your gateway to its natural beauty.

The campground near Tionesta (pronounced: “ty-NES-ta” for those out-of-town) is standard, but pretty nice. Everything you would expect for camping near ANF. The sites are well-maintained, and most of the locals seem pretty respectful.

The little town of President (and Porcupine Creek) is just up the road. This is one of the most pristine wilderness brook trout fisheries in the area. You can even find a wild, native Rainbow if you‘re lucky enough ;-)

Quick tip: spend more than a day here. If you like scenic drives, you’ll in for a nice surprise.

This campground, given its location along Tionesta creek, spillway, and close to the Allegheny River has a lot to offer. The campground is a basic campground with full hookups (electric, water, sewer), large size sites, nice firepits with built in adjustable grates, two basic bathrooms, and one full bathhouse. Sites were well priced at $35/night for the amenities. The roads within the camp were well paved and traffic truly was not an issue (we were at a site on the main entrance and we were never bothered by the noise/traffic). Our kids were able to ride bikes, skateboards, and roller blade without difficulty. Water activities were mainly in the creek and river but you did not have to pay to access the water. This was the first time we stayed at the campground and we will certainly be back!!

We had a great experience at this site. It’s very dog friendly and everyone with dogs was respectful and had them on a leash. Our site numbers were perfect -sites 46 and 48. They felt much more private than some of the other sites we saw and backed right up to the Tionesta River. We had decent access down to the water so the dogs could swim - they are big dogs and swimming breeds but the current is strong. The site had a lot of great tree coverage and nice well maintained fire rings. A nice guy drive around to purchase firewood.

We took a 30 minute drive to cook Forrest State Park to do a hike and it was great. It was the Longfellow -Kilmer trail and it couldn’t have been more perfect. After the hike we stopped by the quaint little town and bought some veggies at an open air market with some very friendly store owners. The highlight was being two sites away from a group of guitar and banjo playing trio who played some awesome Bluegrass each night - what a treat!!

Reserved site 30, which was on a corner and entrance to the loop. The back of our camper was 15’ from our neighbor’s camper, so no real privacy. Our fire pit ring was also just a few feet from theirs. It was a very cramped space. While we had full hookup, there was no room or privacy. The campground had a playground that was at the entrance and the creek was nearby. We drove through the loop and noticed nearly all of the sites were close together. We did not use the public facilities, so no opinion there. 1-2 bars of Verizon coverage. It was okay, but we won’t go back.

We used to enjoy this campground. Nice paved roads inside, fairly level sites depending on location. Some sites are very private and others are open with no privacy. In the back loop the sites are set up for group camping, so if not traveling with multiple friends/family with campers avoid those sites. I said we used to enjoy this campground. In the past 2-3 years there have been “bicycle gangs” of unsupervised kids roaming. They bully younger kids, will cut through your site, and if you’re walking almost hit you on the road. They just create general havoc. Otherwise the campground is nice. Not all sites have a lot of privacy. Avoid sites near the restrooms and shower houses. People walk right through your site.

First time ever at this campground. Site 11 is very nice. It was quiet, peaceful, and just great. Only reason for not 5 stars is the 3 dirt speed bumps with no signs. You hit them pulling a camper and it was horrible. Will definitely be back again but next time back in the woods more

close to everything you need but yet peaceful quiet nature on lake creek & river can’t beat it

This is a beautiful camping site.

Beautiful level sites, spaced nicely apart, full hook ups, with big picnic tables and fire rings with multi-tiered grate. We had sites #46 and 48 right above the creek surrounded by tall trees. Incredibly quiet. Great for those traveling with dogs. We had a bluegrass quintet playing two sites down from ours and it was amazing! Within a 30 min drive of Cook Forest State Park, where we did some terrific hiking on well marked trails. A farm stand in the open-air market right by the campground rounded out our dinner with fresh zucchini and tomatoes. Can’t comment on the bathhouses bc we didn’t use them.

My family stayed over Memorial Day weekend. It was so much fun. They have a lot of activities. My favorite was the disc golf. Their course is really nice!

We have stayed at the park for Christmas Eve the past two years. Had the Adirondack shelters to ourselves each year.

firewood is available but you have to donate some cash, split it and haul it to your shelter. It's always been seasoned well and provided plenty of heat for the shelter during our winter stays.

Very quiet and no light pollution for a town or city, Providing great moonlit nights.

Fees are minimal

rail trail to walk or ride just a few miles over the hill and the cross country skiing trails come directly past the shelter.

Hubby and I rented an RV and stayed one night at oil creek campground. We really liked it and wish we could’ve stayed longer. Would definitely go back if we’re back in the area. The owner was such a sweetheart too, very friendly and informative. Two Thumbs up👍🏻

We found the shelters accidentally during a hike in the park and returned for an overnight. We found parking nearby so it was just a short hike to get to.

I believe it's once a year that they have oil machinery demonstrations. Very interesting. You can also take a train ride through the park.

Oil F.C. is a hidden gem nestled in the woods not far from Oil Creek State Park. They have a great playground, a maze, a catch and release pond. Lots of things to do to keep the kids, or in our case the grandkids occupied. They have a well stocked camp store, in case you don't want to make the 4 mile ride into town. Their firewood prices are very reasonable. Rachel is a great in accommodating her campers. We were there 3 times this year. Its become our goto campground that's only an hour away from Erie.

Nice campground. Friendly owners. Most of the sites are pretty close together, though.