How much does camping cost at East Branch Campground?

Camping fees at East Branch Campground range from $15-$55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is East Branch Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

East Branch Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at East Branch Campground before I book?

Yes! East Branch Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit East Branch Campground?

East Branch Campground is open May 17, 2025 - September 2, 2025.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at East Branch Campground?

Yes, East Branch Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at East Branch Campground?

Fire policies at East Branch Campground: Campfires allowed in designated fire rings. Firewood is not provided.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does East Branch Campground have?

East Branch Campground has 29 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at East Branch Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at East Branch Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at East Branch Campground?

East Branch Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at East Branch Campground?

Popular activities at East Branch Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

East Branch Campground

4.02

74 reviews

631 East Branch Dam Road

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Pennsylvania

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,877 ft

Price

$15 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Open from May 17, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,877 ft

Price

$15 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Open from May 17, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

East Branch Campground

$15.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facilities operate on seasonal rates ranging from $15 for tent-only nonelectric sites to $55 for cabin electric sites. Guests may incur additional...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$30.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$35.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

814-965-2065eastbranch@usace.army.mil

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What Campers Say

4.02

Satisfactory

Based on 74 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsspacious

"The campground receives mixed to positive reviews, with an average general sentiment of 3.95. Positive sentiments focus on the cleanliness of facilities, spacious and secluded sites, and family-friendly amenities. Negative sentiments include difficulties with road access, lack of potable water, and issues with site descriptions for larger RVs."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

631 East Branch Dam Road

East Branch Campground

631 East Branch Dam Road

Nearby places

St. Marys (19 miles), Kane (distance not specified), Johnsonburg (approximately 44 miles from Interstate 80).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials are available in nearby towns like St. Marys and Kane.

Driving directionsFrom 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.

The roads leading into the park are described as steep and rough, and the ingress/egress camp roadway has overhead power lines with a clearance of 13'4". Some reviews mention that the road going into the campground is horrible and suggest it requires maintenance. Multiple user reviews highlight challenges with accessing sites, particularly for larger vehicles and trailers.

Best Time to Camp at East Branch Campground

Summer brings the best conditions: daytime highs around 65–80°F with cool nights in the mid-40s to low 60s, thanks to the dam's cold outflow. The campground operates May through September, with full services available all summer. Boating and fishing peak during these months. The clear water makes sight-fishing especially productive. Spring offers wildflowers and active trout. Autumn turns the aspens gold, though services wind down as the season closes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May–Sept; reviewers note cool microclimate and pleasant, less-crowded summer visit experience.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 17, 2025 - September 2, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 17, 2025, with reservations starting June 20, 2025. Seasonal closure on September 2, 2025.

About East Branch Campground

East Branch Campground sits above East Branch Dam in northeastern Elk County, offering 29 sites along a single loop: tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and group shelters. The campground provides direct lake access and some of the clearest water in the region. Sites cost $15–55 per night and fill quickly on summer weekends, so reserve early.

East Branch Campground includes a mix of camping options, such as RV and tent sites, as well as cabin accommodations. Group shelters with electricity are also available.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions: daytime highs around 65–80°F with cool nights in the mid-40s to low 60s, thanks to the dam's cold outflow. The campground operates May through September, with full services available all summer. Boating and fishing peak during these months. The clear water makes sight-fishing especially productive. Spring offers wildflowers and active trout. Autumn turns the aspens gold, though services wind down as the season closes.

ElevationPerched strategically above the East Branch Dam, the campground's elevated position offers campers a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. This unique vantage point not only provides stunning sunrise and sunset opportunities but also ensures excellent drainage and comfortable camping conditions throughout the season.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 1,877 feet elevation, surrounded by young aspen forests that line the lakeshore. East Branch Lake is exceptionally clear. Clear enough for sight-fishing. The aspens create fish habitat and help maintain water quality. Trails wind through the woods, and an overlook across from the campground offers views of the lake and surrounding forest. The dam's outflow keeps the water noticeably cooler than ambient air temperature.

Geological RegionSituated within Pennsylvania's remarkable High Plateau Section, East Branch Lake showcases the region's geological gifts through its extraordinarily clear waters—a rarity that draws visitors from far and wide. The young aspen forests that line the shore tell a story of natural renewal, their slender trunks creating perfect fish habitat while their roots help maintain the exceptional water quality that makes this lake a treasured resource. This unique combination of elevation, geology, and ecology creates an environment where pristine wilderness thrives just hours from major urban centers.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

11:00 AM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights during a visit or within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 4 reservations can be made concurrently per night.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutA single loop holds all 29 sites. Most are spacious, level, and wooded with good separation between neighbors. Some sites present challenges for larger RVs. Access roads can be steep and narrow, and a few spots have uneven terrain or non-standard hookups. Check site details before booking if you're bringing a big rig.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can only be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot permitted. All reservations must be made through Recreation.gov.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies for individual sites. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night's fee. For cabins and group sites, cancellations within 14 days incur stricter penalties.

AccessibilitySeveral accessible features are available, including accessible flush toilets, parking, picnic shelters, grills, and picnic areas.

Site SizeCampsites are noted to be spacious, with one user commenting, 'The campground lot had enough space for setting up our camping gear and cars.' Another review highlighted that 'sites are large and level.

PrivacyCampsites are described as well-spaced, secluded, and wooded, providing a sense of privacy. A user stated, 'Sites are secluded and wooded.

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesFor easy access, avoid steep or uneven sites such as Site 20 and Site 23. Cabins offer secure storage and electricity for $55 per night. Site 12 is level and near restroom facilities.

Need help booking East Branch Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

East Branch Campground provides a variety of recreational opportunities, notably fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is described as a high-quality fishery, and the outflow area below the dam is popular for canoeing and kayaking. Two walking trails are available for nature enthusiasts.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep and rough roads leading to the campground. Overhead power lines with a clearance of 13'4" pose challenges for taller vehicles. Several reviews highlighted issues with unleashed dogs and access difficulties for larger RVs.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire rings. Firewood is not provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced. Dogs barking excessively are a common complaint.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services include the ranger station and hospitals in nearby towns such as St. Marys.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling details were not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Water FeaturesLocated near East Branch Lake and dam outflow area. Lake access for fishing and boating is available, but swimming is restricted due to private ownership of nearby properties.

Camp HostHosts are described as friendly, accommodating, and helpful. They also manage an educational interpretive center.

Weather at East Branch Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

74 reviews

Satisfactory

East Branch Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives mixed to positive reviews, with an average general sentiment of 3.95. Positive sentiments focus on the cleanliness of facilities, spacious and secluded sites, and family-friendly amenities. Negative sentiments include difficulties with road access, lack of potable water, and issues with site descriptions for larger RVs.

Review Summaries

Based on 74 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean restrooms and showers - Spacious and secluded campsites - Family-friendly amenities such as playground and Cornhole area - Electric hookups at most sites - Variety of recreational...

Based on 74 reviews

Common Concerns

- Intermittent or poor cell service - Some roads and site access points are steep, narrow, or poorly maintained - No potable water available at the campground - Dump station challenging to access for...

Based on 74 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own drinking water due to lack of potable water - Explore nearby attractions such as Bendigo State Park and Allegheny National Forest - For fishing, plan to explore for non-private spots...

Based on 74 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the peak season from May to September, the campground is described as less crowded, with visitors appreciating the peace and quiet. Late summer reviews highlight challenges with low water...

Based on 74 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms were cleaned every day.' 2. 'The campsites are nice but the road going into the campground is horrible.' 3. 'Sites are secluded and wooded.' 4. 'No potable water, so bring your own...

Based on 74 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 12: Close to bathrooms, level, gravel pad (Rating: 4) - Site 17: Down a narrow road but spacious and functional (Rating: 3-5) - Site 20: Described as not flat, causing damage to one camper's...

Based on 74 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground offers accessible flush toilets and other features such as picnic shelters and grills. Reviews indicate that accessibility is a highlight, with amenities well-maintained and clean.

Based on 74 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but some reviews highlight issues with campers not keeping pets leashed. One user noted, 'ALL CAMPERS SHOULD HAVE DOGS ON LEASH AND SENT OUT IF THEY CAN'T FOLLOW THE RULES.'

Based on 74 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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