About East Branch Campground
Overview East Branch Campground is located at East Branch Lake in Northeastern Elk County. East Branch Lake offers an excellent freshwater fishery as well as other recreational opportunities from hiking, boating, and picnicking. Campers have access to shopping, restaurants, and other natural resource attractions nearby. Recreation East Branch is known for being a high-quality fishery. The predominate fish species at East Branch are small and large mouth bass, lake trout, musky, walleye, and a variety of panfish. The outflow area below the dam is known for its year-round cool to cold waters and is managed as a delayed harvest trout fishing area. The outflow area is a popular destination for canoers and kayakers alike. For a tranquil experience visit our overlook and picnic area located across from the campground. Facilities There is one camping loop at East Branch Lake with four cabins available. The camping loop has a restroom with showers. Campsites and cabins have fire rings, picnic tables, and a lantern hanger. All four cabins have electric and most of the camp sites offer electric hookup unless otherwise stated. Be cautious of overhead power lines in ingress and egress camp roadway. Natural Features East Branch Lake is in Northeastern Elk County, Pennsylvania. The lakeshore is lined with Aspen saplings that provide excellent cover for fish. East Branch is known for its clear and exceptional water quality. East Branch is located in High Plateau Section of Pennsylvania. Nearby Attractions Campers and visitors can visit Elk State Park, Bendigo State Park, or the Allegheny National Forest. The nearby cities of St. Marys and Kane offer a good variety of restaurants, microbreweries, wineries, shopping, and other activities.
How to Get There
From Interstate 80 points Southeast, take exit 111 and travel PA 153 North to Penfield for 8 miles. Take PA 255 North to St. Marys for 19 miles. Continue on PA 255 North and make a sharp left onto South Michael Street. Turn right onto N St. Marys Street continue for 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Windfall Road continue for 1 mile. Take a slight left onto Flower Valley Road/Glenn Hazel Road and continue for 8 miles. Turn right onto East Branch Dam Road and continue for approximately 1 mile. From Interstate 80 points Southwest, take exit 97 and travel US Route 219 North for 44 miles to Johnsonburg. Continue straight onto East Center Street for .5 miles. Turn right on to Cobb Street, and then Continue onto Bendigo Rd for 5 miles. Turn left onto Flower valley/Glen Hazel Rd. (SR 1001) for 1.7 miles. Turn right onto East Branch Dam Road and travel .8 miles campground is on your left. From points north take US 219 South to Wilcox. Turn left onto Flower Valley Rd./Glen Hazel Rd. at flashing signal light in Wilcox, continue for 6 miles. Turn left onto East Branch Dam Road and travel .8 miles campground is on your left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to East Branch Campground
Heading to East Branch Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for East Branch Campground?
No central reservation system listed for East Branch Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10122722) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to East Branch Campground?
From Interstate 80 points Southeast, take exit 111 and travel PA 153 North to Penfield for 8 miles. Take PA 255 North to St. Marys for 19 miles. Continue on PA 255 North and make a sharp left onto South Michael Street. Turn right onto N St. Marys Street continue for 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Windfall Road continue for 1 mile. Take a slight left onto Flower Valley Road/Glenn Hazel Road and continue…
How do I contact East Branch Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 814-965-2065 or email: eastbranch@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
