Outflow Recreation Area (PA)
Half of Forest County, where Tionesta Lake is located, is preserved as public lands. The region is known as one of Pennsylvania's best big game regions and is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife.
Campers come to the Outflow Recreation Area Campground to enjoy the forested area along Tionesta Creek. The area is ideal for fishing, hunting as well as scenic hiking.
Tionesta is a culturally rich region with a long history. The Seneca Indian tribe named this area "where the water separates the land." Nearly a century ago, narrow gauge railways dotted the surrounding countryside, hauling out virgin timber from the hillsides.
Each campsite has picnic table and fire ring and water available*, dump station located nearby*, flush toilets* and showers*.
*Availiable after May 1st
Notifications and Alerts
Shower house facilities will not be available in the Outflow Recreation Area from April, 1 2024 through April, 30 2024 due to seasonal limitations. Vault restrooms will be open during this time.
Water, sewage, and electrical hookups will be available for standard electric campsites from April, 1 2024 until September 30, 2024. Electrical hookups will be available for stand electric campsites from October, 1 2024 until October, 31 2024. Water and sewage amenities will not be available during this time due to seasonal limitations.
Need to Know
- If you are arriving without a campground reservation, you must pay for camping before you park.
- Visit the Tionesta Recreation Area booth, Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to determine if campsites are open and to pay for open sites. Preferred method of payments at the Tionesta Recreation Area booth will be credit/debit card or check.
- If you have reserved a campsite and wish to change campsites upon arrival, you must call Recreation.gov at 1-877-444-6777.
- For the Tionesta Lake office call: (814) 755-3512
- For the Tionesta Recreation Area: (814) 755-3592
- Parking on the grass is prohibited.
- Two vehicles maximum per campsite.
- No alcoholic beverages.
- There is a limit of 1 wheeled camper and 1 tent per campsite, or 2 tents per campsite.
- Don't Move Firewood: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Pennsylvania state law requires children under 13 to wear a personal flotation device; all people on boats less than 16 feet in length and all canoes and kayaks must also wear a PFD Alcoholic beverages are prohibited If you have any questions about the rules and regulations for the Tionesta Recreation Area please call the Ranger Station, 814-755-3512
Camping at one or more campsites at any one water resource project for a period
longer than 14 days during any 30-consecutive-day period is prohibited without the
written permission of the District Commander.
Check out time will be 12 p.m.
Check in time will be 2 p.m.
Natural Features
Tionesta Lake winds its way through the rugged hills of northwestern Pennsylvania. Surrounding public areas include the Allegheny National Forest, Cooks Forest State Park, Cornplanter and Clear Creek State Forests, the state fish hatchery and state game lands.
Nearby Attractions
Tionesta Creek Road, which winds through the Tionesta Creek valley upstream of the dam, is an excellent scenic drive with spectacular views.
The nearby Allegheny National Forest also makes a great day trip.
Recreation
In-season hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and water skiing, are all available from Tionesta.
Visitors interested in wildlife viewing are likely to spot white-tailed deer, porcupine, wild turkey, osprey and opossum.
Contact Information
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TIONESTA LAKE PO BOX 539 Tionesta PA 16353
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 814-755-3512
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Pittsburgh take I-79 North. Merge onto I-80 East exit 116a toward Clarion for 9.8 miles. Take the PA-8 exits 29 toward Barkeyville. Turn Left onto Pa-8/State Route 8 for 16.4 miles. Turn right on US-62 and follow US-62 for 34 miles. Turn right onto 36 South in to Tionesta. Turn right at the stop sign and continue 36 south for 2.0 miles and South Elm Street 1.5 miles into the Outflow Recreation Area.
From Warren travel US-62 South for 30 miles take left onto South Elm Street 1.5 miles into the Outflow Recreation Area.
Available Campsites
- Site 012, Loop 1, Type Standard Electric
- Site 016, Loop 2, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop 2, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop 2, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop 2, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop 1, Type Standard Electric
- Site 025, Loop 2, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop 2, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop 2, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop 2, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop 1, Type Standard Electric
- Site 011, Loop 1, Type Standard Electric
- Site 024, Loop 2, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop 2, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop 2, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop 1, Type Standard Electric
- Site 014, Loop 2, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop 2, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop 1, Type Tent Only Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop 1, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Outflow Shelter, Loop OUTFLOW RECREATION AREA (PA), Type Group Shelter Electric
