About OUTFLOW RECREATION AREA (PA)
Overview 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.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.Facilities Each campsite has picnic table and fire ring*Available starting Memorial Day Weekend - Water, flush toilets, and showers.dump station located nearby*To Labor Day WeekendNatural 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.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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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 OUTFLOW RECREATION AREA (PA)
Heading to OUTFLOW RECREATION AREA (PA)? 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 OUTFLOW RECREATION AREA (PA)?
No central reservation system listed for OUTFLOW RECREATION AREA (PA). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251946) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to OUTFLOW RECREATION AREA (PA)?
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 Recreatio…
How do I contact OUTFLOW RECREATION AREA (PA)?
You can reach the park at phone: 814-755-3512 or email: jason.a.bowers@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
