Fishing from the bank starts the moment you step out of your vehicle at Outflow Camping, where the Youghiogheny River runs directly alongside the sites. Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers within campgrounds around Youghiogheny River Lake, this established campground in Confluence, Pennsylvania draws anglers, cyclists, and boaters who want direct access to the water and the Great Allegheny Passage trail without much setup time. The lake itself is a short drive over the dam, and several reviewers mention taking boats out from there as well.
Sites here are gravel and level, which makes setup straightforward. Most have 30-amp electric hookups, with a handful of full hookup sites including 50-amp and sewer connections for larger rigs. The campground accommodates RVs up to 64 feet. That said, expect limited privacy. Sites sit close together with little shade, and one side of the campground borders residential backyards separated by a fence. "Lots of people fishing on the river, access right from the campground," notes Adam and Suzanne B., which captures the draw for many visitors. The campground fills on weekends, so reservations are worth making in advance.
The bathhouse includes hot showers with solid pressure, though cleanliness has varied across reviews. A dairy bar within walking distance gives campers a convenient food option. Bikers using the GAP can access a dedicated site for $14 per person, and group sites accommodate non-profit organizations with up to 150 campers on a tiered pricing scale. Pet-friendly camping near Youghiogheny River Lake is available here, as pets are permitted throughout the campground.
Getting here requires navigating hilly, winding country roads, and the access warning is worth taking seriously, particularly if you are towing. One reviewer describes the roads as having 55 mph speed limits that felt aggressive for unfamiliar drivers. The campground operates year-round, with certain facilities kept open in winter for cold-weather visitors. Tent campers should note the 10-by-10 gravel tent pads, which are flat and root-free but offer minimal separation from neighboring RV sites. Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run provides an alternative a few miles southwest for campers who want a different setup along the same reservoir.
Description
Overview
The Outflow Camping Area is located on Youghiogheny River Lake in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. The lake spans the Mason-Dixon Line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Clean waters, forested mountains and steep-sided valleys provide an unsurpassed setting for recreational opportunities.
Recreation
Camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, biking, picnicking and sightseeing are the area's most popular activities. Boaters consider Youghiogheny River Lake, with its 16-mile length and channels up to one-half mile wide, the best powerboating and water skiing lake in southwestern Pennsylvania. Youghiogheny Lake's outflow area is renowned for its excellent trout fishing and is stocked from April to September each year. A fishing pier is located in the campground.
Facilities
The campground contains a variety of sites, including walk-to group sites, RV sites and tent-only sites. Electric hookups are available in many sites. Flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station are provided. The park also offers an amphitheater and children's playground. Hammock Stations have been added to the Bike and Hike and Group Camping sites.
Natural Features
The country surrounding the lake is made up of narrow valleys and high rounded hills with steep slopes. Much of the land is covered with northern hardwoods including Beech, Sugar Maple, White Ash, Yellow Poplar and Basswood. A variety of wildlife makes its home around Youghiogheny River Lake, including deer, bear, turkey, grouse, rabbit and squirrel.
Nearby Attractions
Some of Pennsylvania and Maryland's finest state parks surround Youghiogheny Lake. Ohiopyle State Park is known for some of the best whitewater in the East and is often the location of national kayaking competitions. Cyclists enjoy the many miles of bike trails in the area. For the history buff, the area boasts many historical sites and parks. For sheer natural beauty, Youghiogheny Lake can't be beat.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOutflow Camping is located in Pennsylvania near Confluence
Directions
Route 281 South from points north: continue south through Confluence and over the Casselman & Youghiogheny Rivers. Make an immediate left into the campground. Route 281 North from Route 40: continue north 7 miles past the Youghiogheny River Lake entrance. Make next right into the campground. Route 523 North from Route 40: continue north 7 miles to Confluence. Turn left onto Route 281 South, over the Casselman & Youghiogheny Rivers. Make next left into the campground.
Address
1579 Mae West Road
Confluence, PA 15424
Coordinates
39.805 N
79.3669444 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/9/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/9/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 43 min from Morgantown, WV
- 1 hr 1 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 24 min from Pittsburgh, PA
- 1 hr 33 min from Altoona, PA
