Camping opportunities near Tionesta, Pennsylvania span the Allegheny National Forest region, with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,900 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F while fall brings vibrant foliage from mid-September through October. Most campgrounds in the region maintain quiet hours beginning at 10 PM, and sites typically accommodate recreational vehicles up to 45 feet in length.
What to do
Hiking near Bear Rocks: Clear Creek State Park offers several trail options including Truby Trail with access directly from the campground. "I took the dogs on the Truby Trail," notes a visitor at Clear Creek State Park Campground.
Disc golf course: Clear Creek State Park features a complete disc golf course within walking distance of camping areas. One camper mentioned the park has "a great disc golf course, and moderate-to-light hiking trails" making it ideal for recreational athletes.
River activities: The Clarion River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and tubing. "The Clarion is a crystal clear, shallow, rock bottom river perfect for a cool off, fishing or kayaking," explains a visitor to Clear Creek State Park. "There are two kayaking/tubing companies in Cook Forest to hire watercraft to float the river."
Visit Kinzua Bridge: Located within driving distance from High Pines RV Park, the Kinzua Bridge offers historical interest and scenic views. A camper noted High Pines is "close to the Allegheny Reservoir and the Kinzua Bridge," making it a convenient base for exploration.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many campsites in the area offer direct access to water features. At Tionesta Recreation Area, visitors appreciate sites that back up to the creek. "We had sites #46 and 48 right above the creek surrounded by tall trees. Incredibly quiet," one camper reported.
Spacious sites: Rustic Acres RV Resort offers well-spaced sites for a more private camping experience. A visitor noted, "The RV sites are large and the spacing is not crowded. The camp ground was quiet and extremely peaceful."
Family programming: Several campgrounds offer organized activities for children. At Rustic Acres RV Resort, "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!"
Wildlife viewing: The forests and fields around campsites provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. One camper at High Pines RV Park enjoyed "watching the groundhogs in the rocks behind our site," while another at Clear Creek State Park had "two separate run in with bears."
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Many campgrounds in the region have minimal cellular connectivity. A visitor to Clear Creek State Park noted, "None of the major carriers have service here," while others report varying signal strength with 1-2 bars typical for Verizon customers.
GPS navigation challenges: Traditional GPS devices may struggle with some campground locations. A reviewer explained about Tionesta Recreation Area, "There was not a real address to set our RV GPS. Waze and Google maps will pull up directions by entering Tionesta Recreation Area."
Site-specific hookup variations: Water and electric hookup placement can vary significantly between sites. At Kalyumet Campground, "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 camp ground."
Seasonal business hours: Area restaurants and attractions often operate on limited schedules, particularly early and late in the season. "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," advised one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At RV Village Camping Resort, "The pool and playground are awesome for the kiddos," making it suitable for families with young children.
Swimming options: Clear Creek State Park provides a designated swimming area with a sandy beach. "It also has a designated swimming beach with sand," notes one visitor, though they caution that "water is always cold."
Educational programming: Nature programs enhance camping experiences for children. "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!" shared a visitor to Clear Creek State Park.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule special events on weekends. A visitor to Kalyumet Campground shared, "The kids loved the arcade and the candy scavenger hunt," indicating organized activities beyond standard amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: At Tionesta Recreation Area, sites in the 90s-100s section offer better spacing. "We found that the 90s-100s area has the best site spacing with site 100 being one of the most spacious sites," reported one RVer.
Backing challenges: Some campgrounds feature sites that require advanced maneuvering skills. An RVer noted about site 113 at Tionesta, "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."
Power management: During peak summer months, opt for 50-amp service when available. A visitor to High Pines RV Park mentioned, "Our site only had 30a power. Most seem to be that way. We will go back again but making sure it's not peak summer due to not having 50A."
Hookup extension needs: Pack extra-length hoses and power cords for certain campgrounds. An RVer at Kalyumet Campground "ended up having to run 60ft of water hose and 50ft of cable in order to get a connection (which required a trip to Walmart)."
