About OUTFLOW CAMPING
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.
How to Get There
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.
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 OUTFLOW CAMPING
Heading to OUTFLOW CAMPING? 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 CAMPING?
No central reservation system listed for OUTFLOW CAMPING. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233679) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to OUTFLOW CAMPING?
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 t…
How do I contact OUTFLOW CAMPING?
You can reach the park at phone: 877-444-6777 or email: youghiogheny@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
