Kellettville Recreation Area Campground, Tionesta, PA

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvania residents who prefer their outdoor adventures a little more rugged and their campgrounds more secluded, the Kellettville Recreation Area Campground offers the perfect retreat. Located deep within Forest County, this Army Corps of Engineers (COE) site is a hidden treasure for those who prioritize quiet nature over modern conveniences. Unlike its larger, full-hookup counterparts in the region, Kellettville maintains a deliberately rustic atmosphere, with 20 non-electric, non-water hookup sites nestled directly along the picturesque Tionesta Creek.

The core appeal of Kellettville is its simplicity and its proximity to world-class fishing and vast public lands. Campers here are seeking a true disconnect—a place where the soundtrack is the flowing creek rather than the hum of an RV air conditioner. As one local camper perfectly summarized the experience, “I like the quiet and being on the creek.” While amenities are intentionally limited, featuring only shared water access and a dump station, this is exactly what attracts tent campers, smaller rigs, and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. It is an ideal staging area for serious trout fishing, hiking in the adjacent Allegheny National Forest, and simply unwinding in a peaceful corner of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Location and Accessibility

The Kellettville Recreation Area Campground is situated at The Branch Rd, Tionesta, PA 16353, deep within the rugged, forested terrain of Forest County. This region is a major component of the Pennsylvania Wilds, known for its extensive public lands, including nearly half of the county preserved for conservation and recreation. The campground is specifically located upstream from the Tionesta Dam, directly along the banks of the Tionesta Creek.

Accessibility, while providing a sense of seclusion, is straightforward. The campground can be reached by following State Route 666 before turning onto Branch Road. For Pennsylvanians traveling from population centers, the drive into Forest County is part of the experience, transitioning from highways to scenic drives as you move deeper into the wilderness. The campground’s location makes it a prime gateway to the Allegheny National Forest, Cooks Forest State Park, and various state game lands. This strategic positioning means that while you are enjoying the quiet of a primitive campsite, extensive hiking trails, hunting grounds, and canoeing opportunities are just minutes away. This combination of remote, nature-focused location and clear accessibility makes it highly suitable for locals looking to truly escape.

Services Offered

Kellettville Recreation Area Campground is maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and is designed to support a rustic camping experience. It’s important for local users to note the difference in amenities here compared to more developed COE sites.

Campsite Variety: There are approximately 20 reservable, Standard Nonelectric campsites available, suitable for both tents and RVs/trailers.
No Site Hookups: Crucially, sites at Kellettville do not feature individual electric, water, or sewer hookups. Campers must be fully self-sufficient regarding power and water for their individual site.
Water Accessibility: Potable water spigots are generally available at central locations within the campground during the main operating season (typically May through September), though water access may be shut off during the early and late shoulders of the season.
Restrooms and Sanitation: The campground provides flush toilets during the peak season. Vault toilets (porta-potties) are available when the flush toilets are closed (e.g., early spring and late fall). Note that showers are not provided at this location.
Waste Disposal: A dump station is available on-site for RV/trailer waste disposal, though campers are advised that water for flushing the dump station may be unavailable during the off-peak season.
Basic Site Furnishings: Each individual campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring for cooking and campfires, and a lantern pole.
Seasonal Operation: The campground operates seasonally, typically opening in mid-April (sometimes coinciding with trout season) and closing in mid-December.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of Kellettville Recreation Area are deeply rooted in its pristine natural setting and its focus on traditional outdoor activities.

Direct Creek Access: All campsites are situated along the scenic Tionesta Creek, providing beautiful views, the constant calming sound of flowing water, and immediate access for creek-based activities.
Outstanding Trout Fishing: The Tionesta Creek and its tributaries, such as Salmon Creek, are renowned in Pennsylvania for their excellent trout fishing. This area is regularly stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), making it a popular spot for both early trout season and Green Drake hatch anglers.
Quiet and Seclusion: The lack of electric hookups ensures a quieter environment, free from the noise of generators (which may be restricted or prohibited during quiet hours) and the bustle of larger, more developed RV parks.
Gateway to Allegheny National Forest (ANF): The location serves as an excellent base for day trips into the adjacent ANF, opening up opportunities for extensive hiking, hunting (in season), kayaking, and canoeing.
Wildlife Abundance: The surrounding Forest County wilderness is known as one of Pennsylvania’s best big game regions, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and various raptors.
Family and Group Camping: A Group Shelter with electric hookups is available for reservation, providing a semi-developed option for larger gatherings while retaining the rustic environment of the area.

Contact Information

The Kellettville Recreation Area Campground is part of the Tionesta Lake project. While the local Tionesta Lake office handles day-to-day operations and inquiries, reservations are managed through the National Recreation Reservation Service.

Address: The Branch Rd, Tionesta, PA 16353, USA

Phone (Reservations): (877) 444-6777

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the Pennsylvania resident, Kellettville Recreation Area Campground is more than just a place to park a tent or small trailer—it is a tradition. It is the perfect destination for locals who value the core, unfiltered experience of Pennsylvania's natural resources. Its suitability lies in its primitive nature; it strips away the noise and expense of full-service resorts and delivers pure creek-side camping. It is the go-to spot for serious anglers planning a weekend of early trout season fishing, and for families who intentionally seek out the quiet isolation that comes with non-electric camping.

The campground offers reasonable prices and direct access to the state's best hunting and fishing areas, making it a high-value outdoor retreat. It requires campers to be slightly more prepared (bringing water for off-season trips, for instance), which appeals to the self-reliant, prepared nature of many Pennsylvanians who love the outdoors. If you are a local looking to reconnect with nature, enjoy the solitude of a quiet campground, and have unparalleled access to the legendary Tionesta Creek and the Allegheny National Forest, Kellettville offers an authentic, traditional PA camping experience that simply cannot be found at more commercialized sites.