OutReserve

Outflow Recreation Area (PA)

Warning

General

The water at our facility has been shutoff for the winter season. Please bring all the water you’ll need for your visit, including drinking water.

Outflow
Outflow Recreation Area (PA)
Outflow Recreation Area (PA)
Outflow Recreation Area (PA)
Outflow Recreation Area (PA)

About 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.

Number of accommodations: 24

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 3 to May 21

Sites & Availability

24 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 201, Loop: 1
No Hookups
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 202, Loop: 1
No Hookups
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 203, Loop: 1
No Hookups
$26.00
/ per night
204, Loop: 1
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
205, Loop: 1
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
207, Loop: 1
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
🚐 208, Loop: 1
Water & Electric
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 209, Loop: 1
Water & Electric
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 210, Loop: 1
Water & Electric
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 211, Loop: 1
Water & Electric
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 212, Loop: 1
Water & Electric
$32.00
/ per night
🚐 213, Loop: 2
No Hookups
$26.00
/ per night
214, Loop: 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
215, Loop: 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
216, Loop: 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
217, Loop: 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
218, Loop: 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
219, Loop: 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
220, Loop: 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
221, Loop: 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
222, Loop: 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
223, Loop: 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
224, Loop: 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night
225, Loop: 2
8 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$26.00
/ per night

Reviews (61)

What Guests Are Saying

Outflow Recreation Area offers a peaceful camping experience with well-maintained sites and beautiful scenery, making it a popular choice for many visitors. While some campers reported issues with noisy generators and confrontational campground hosts, the overall atmosphere is welcoming and conducive to relaxation. Many appreciate the convenient same-day booking option and the clean facilities, though improvements to bathrooms and road conditions are recommended.

Review Summary

4.0
61 reviews
5
54.1%
33
4
14.8%
9
3
16.4%
10
2
11.5%
7
1
3.3%
2

Stormi B

Verified

July 15, 2023 Stayed at: 207, Loop: 1

3

Nice quiet campground! Bathrooms were fairly clean but 2 of the 4 showers didn't work. Nice playground and close to a bigger one too!

Morgan H

Verified

June 3, 2023 Stayed at: 220, Loop: 2

5

Great basic campsite easy to get to on the edge of a forest and small stream

Marilyn M

Verified

October 25, 2022 Stayed at: 215, Loop: 2

5

There were only 2 tents and myself and dog in the area the night that I was there. It was peaceful and quiet.

Suzanne B

Verified

September 23, 2022 Stayed at: 207, Loop: 1

3

As a tent camper I heard highway noise. The WARM shower/toilet facilities were wonderful (if not the cleanest). Park Rangers were attentive. Nice little campground.

elisa s

September 11, 2022

4

The lot was not grassy and very hard to put up tent. The plus was it was very quiet. For a holiday weekend there was only a few campers. Bathrooms were not perfect but had hot water 0problem was ventilation and one bathroom door would not close. The town nearby was adorable and had amenities. No one checked us in or was there to oversee. Anyone could have come in and stayed for free.

Jen G.

Jen G.

August 17, 2022

3

The camp hosts were very nice, facilities adequate, and campsites clean. Previous reviews led me to fear that we would find the grass unmown and things in disrepair, but that wasn't the case. The sites backing up to the creek were the best.
Pros:
--Liked the sound of the water and view of the creek.
--Other campers were pleasant and the atmosphere was relaxed.
--Very dog friendly.
--Access to a nature trail from campground.

Cons:
--Majority of campsites were very close to each other, with little to no screening between.
--Those away from the creek had a nice campsite, but not as good a view. Some were just open field.
--Some water hookups for campers like ours needed to be replaced. We had to hook via a Y to our neighbor's.
--Didn't find I was wowed. The lake was not as easily accessible as I'd hoped. It was very boat-oriented, and the shores were not friendly for swimming or picnicking.

For a family meet-up or time away from hustle and bustle, I can see us returning. But, it won't be for the privacy (none) or adjacent attractions.

Google Maps

Joseph S

Verified

July 22, 2022 Stayed at: 222, Loop: 2

4

The camp site overall was great, but the restrooms where not as well taken care of as they were in past years of me camping there. Also the road leading into the camp is very rough. They need to fix all the potholes. One is so big you could fit a Volkswagen bug in it.

Julianna Brinskelle

Julianna Brinskelle

July 10, 2022

5

We absolutely loved it here. It’s a really nice quiet area. We had a decent size site, the bathrooms were fairly well kept, and there were plenty of things to do. We definitely look forward to come back here again to explore the area more!

Google Maps

Megan W

July 2, 2022

5

Very nice campsite, close to the river and to town. We were able to see the synchronous fireflies at the far end of the campgrounds. They put on a spectacular show!

Bryan C

Verified

June 25, 2022 Stayed at: 208, Loop: 1

5

Simple, clean, quiet

Location Outflow Recreation Area (PA)

Address:
Tionesta Lake Po Box 539
Tionesta, PA, 16353
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 41.4801 / -79.4431

Elevation: 324 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

If you are arriving without a campground reservation, you must pay for camping before you park.

General

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.

General

If you have reserved a campsite and wish to change campsites upon arrival, you must call Recreation.gov at 1-877-444-6777.

General

For the Tionesta Lake office call: (814) 755-3512

General

For the Tionesta Recreation Area: (814) 755-3592

General

Parking on the grass is prohibited.

General

Two vehicles maximum per campsite.

General

No alcoholic beverages.

General

There is a limit of 1 wheeled camper and 1 tent per campsite, or 2 tents per campsite.

General

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.

General

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

General

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. 

General

Check out time will be 12 p.m. 
Check in time will be 2 p.m.

Warnings & Advisories

Warning

General

The water at our facility has been shutoff for the winter season. Please bring all the water you’ll need for your visit, including drinking water.

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