East Branch Campground

- 631 E Branch Dam Rd, Wilcox, PA 15870

Introduction / Overview

The East Branch Campground, situated in the picturesque northeastern corner of Elk County, offers a uniquely tranquil and amenity-rich camping experience for residents of Pennsylvania. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), this site is nestled beside the beautiful East Branch Clarion River Lake, providing an ideal setting for water sports, fishing, and deep-woods relaxation. The campground is well-regarded by local campers for its peaceful atmosphere and the generous size of its sites, which often provide ample shade and space for privacy.

East Branch Campground is strategically located, offering a basecamp not only for enjoying the 1,160-acre lake but also for exploring the vast surrounding public lands, including Elk State Park, Elk State Forest, and State Game Lands. Visitors appreciate the sense of stepping away from the rush of daily life, trading it for the clear, cold waters and the dense, colorful forests of the PA Wilds. While maneuvering to the sites can be an adventure, as noted by local visitors, the reward is a quiet, natural setting that encourages rest and rejuvenation. The campground is a perfect example of the public recreational opportunities provided by the COE, delivering a consistently well-maintained environment for families and outdoor enthusiasts across the Commonwealth.

Location and Accessibility

East Branch Campground is conveniently located at 631 E Branch Dam Rd, Wilcox, PA 15870, USA. This address places it near the dam of the East Branch Clarion River Lake. For Pennsylvania residents, its location in Elk County is easily reached from various parts of the state via US Route 219 or Interstate 80.

Access to the campground is scenic, though travelers, particularly those pulling large RVs or trailers, should note that the final roads leading into the park can be steep and slightly rough. Some interior roads in the single camping loop are narrow and winding, which, as experienced campers have noted, requires careful driving. It is often recommended for RV owners to unhook a tow vehicle before entering the loops to navigate more easily. Despite these minor logistical challenges, the campground’s placement offers immediate access to the boat launch and the main recreation areas of the lake, with the nearby town of St. Marys—approximately 12 to 13 miles away—serving as a reliable location for resupply and essential services, ensuring campers are never too far from civilization.

Services Offered

As a Corps of Engineers facility, East Branch Campground is equipped with the necessary amenities to support a modern camping experience while maintaining a focus on the natural setting.

• Variety of Sites: The campground offers a mix of RV electric sites, non-electric RV/tent sites, walk-in tent-only sites, and cozy cabins with electric service.
• Essential Facilities: A central shower house with restrooms is available within the camping loop, providing convenient and clean facilities for all overnight guests.
• Utility Management: Electric hookups (30-amp) are available at numerous RV sites. The campground also features a dedicated dump station for RV waste disposal and centralized trash collection.
• Water Access: Pressurized water access is available, and each site typically includes a fire ring/grill, a picnic table, and a lantern hanger.
• Rental Options: For those who prefer a cabin experience, four rustic cabins are available, equipped with electric outlets, a small porch, and beds (though guests must bring their own linens).

Features / Highlights

The East Branch Campground's appeal to local recreationalists is rooted in its unique natural features and recreational opportunities:

• Unlimited Horsepower Lake: East Branch Clarion River Lake is one of the few Pennsylvania lakes permitting unlimited horsepower boating, making it a fantastic destination for water skiing, wakeboarding, and high-speed cruising in addition to tranquil canoeing.
• Exceptional Fishery: The lake’s clear, deep, and cold waters support a high-quality fishery, including species like lake trout, musky, smallmouth bass, and walleye. The outflow area below the dam is actively managed as a popular, year-round delayed harvest trout fishing area.
• Spacious and Shaded Sites: Visitors consistently comment on the wide, deep, and heavily shaded campsites, which provide a private and cool retreat even during the height of a Pennsylvania summer.
• Scenic Overlook and Trails: The nearby Overlook Picnic Area offers panoramic views of the lake and dam. The self-guided Shady Ridge Nature Trail is easily accessible from the recreation area, providing interpretive hiking opportunities.
• COE Management: Being managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ensures a professional level of maintenance for the core infrastructure, though the atmosphere remains quiet and relaxed, as noted by local reviewers.

Contact Information

For direct inquiries regarding the East Branch Campground and the surrounding lake, visitors should contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Resource Managers Office.

Address: 631 E Branch Dam Rd, Wilcox, PA 15870, USA

Phone: (814) 965-2065

Note: All camping reservations must be made online through the national reservation system (Recreation.gov) or by phone through the national reservation hotline, as the campground does not accept direct bookings.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

East Branch Campground is an outstanding destination for locals across Pennsylvania because it perfectly encapsulates the adventurous spirit of the PA Wilds while delivering reliable, federally managed amenities. It is a genuine four-season destination: ideal for boating and fishing in the warmer months, hiking amidst the spectacular fall foliage, and even ice fishing or ice skating on the lake's frozen surface in the winter. The community feel is one of quiet, respectful serenity, making it a favorite for those seeking a truly peaceful escape from busy city or suburban life.

Furthermore, its proximity to Elk State Park and other massive tracts of state and federal land means that the possibilities for hiking, wildlife viewing (including the magnificent Elk herd), and hunting are virtually limitless. For RV owners and tent campers alike, the combination of electric sites, cabins, clean shower houses, and the highly desirable unlimited-horsepower lake access makes East Branch Campground a comprehensive and deeply valuable recreational resource that encourages local residents to explore and appreciate the rugged, beautiful heart of the Commonwealth. It is truly a great little campground for a quiet, restful stay.

East Branch Campground

631 E Branch Dam Rd, Wilcox, PA 15870, USA