East Branch Campground

East Branch Campground is a serene outdoor destination nestled within the rugged beauty of Northeastern Elk County, Pennsylvania. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this campground sits on the shores of the 1,160-acre East Branch Clarion River Lake. For Pennsylvania residents, this location represents a prime segment of the "Pennsylvania Wilds," a region famous for its deep forests, abundant wildlife, and high-quality freshwater fisheries. Whether you are an avid angler looking for the next big catch or a family seeking a quiet weekend away from the hustle of the city, East Branch Campground provides a rustic and tranquil environment that honors the traditional camping experience.

The campground is situated in a heavily treed area, offering approximately 75% shade overhead, which makes it a comfortable refuge even during the warmest summer months. It is particularly well-regarded for its peaceful atmosphere; visitors often note that despite being a popular spot for holiday weekends, the park maintains a quiet and respectful tone. With 31 campsites available, including both electric RV sites and primitive tent spots, as well as four cozy cabins, the park caters to a wide variety of camping styles. It serves as an ideal home base for those wishing to explore the surrounding Elk State Park and Elk State Forest, where the famous Pennsylvania elk herd can often be spotted roaming the hillsides.

Location and accessibility are important considerations for visitors to this part of Elk County. Located at 631 East Branch Dam Road in Wilcox, PA, the campground is about 13 miles north of Johnsonburg and 19 miles from St. Marys. For local travelers, the drive into the park is scenic but requires a bit of attention; the roads leading to the dam can be steep and winding, and the interior park roads are paved but can feel narrow for those operating large motorhomes or towing trailers. It is generally recommended to unhook "toad" vehicles before navigating the upper loops to ensure a smoother transition into your site.

Accessibility is a key feature of East Branch Campground, with the facility offering several ADA-compliant features. This includes a wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible parking lots, and specialized restroom facilities. While the campground is set on a hillside—requiring a bit of a trek to reach the bathhouse from some lower sites—the infrastructure is designed to be inclusive. For those coming from the south, the park is accessible via PA 255 and local routes, while those arriving from the north can utilize US 219. The layout includes a one-way loop system that helps manage traffic flow, although first-time visitors are encouraged to consult a map or speak with the camp host upon arrival to navigate the somewhat confusing check-in markers.

The services offered at East Branch Campground are focused on providing the essentials for a high-quality outdoor stay. The campground is equipped with modern utility support for RVs and comfortable structures for those who prefer a solid roof over their heads. Management ensures that the facilities, including the restrooms and showers, are cleaned regularly to maintain the park’s reputation for cleanliness.

• 26 sites equipped with 30-amp electric hookups, suitable for various RV and trailer sizes.
• Four rustic cabins that include electric outlets, beds with mattresses, and small front porches (linens not provided).
• Designated primitive tent-only sites for a more traditional camping experience.
• Clean public restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers.
• A functional dump station for RV waste management, conveniently located near the exit.
• Individual site amenities including a picnic table, fire ring, barbecue grill, and a lantern hanger.
• On-site parking available at each site, with many aprons featuring deep and wide gravel pads.
• Acceptance of credit and debit cards through the Recreation.gov reservation system.

Features and highlights of the East Branch area center on the incredible recreational opportunities provided by the lake and the surrounding wilderness. The lake itself is known for its exceptional water quality and is a premier destination for boating and fishing. Anglers frequent the waters to harvest lake trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, and musky. Below the dam, the outflow area provides year-round cool water, making it a popular spot for trout fishing and kayaking.

• Unlimited horsepower boating on the 1,160-acre reservoir with paved launch areas.
• Kid-friendly amenities including a playground and several kid-friendly hiking trails.
• The Shady Ridge Nature Trail, a one-mile interpretive loop perfect for wildlife viewing.
• Proximity to the Overlook Picnic Area, which offers panoramic views of the dam and lake.
• Dog-friendly policies that welcome well-behaved pets on leashes.
• Access to the "Delayed Harvest" trout fishing area located just below the dam.
• Close proximity to regional attractions like the Kinzua Bridge State Park and the Winery at Wilcox.

Contact information for the campground is vital for planning your trip, as all reservations must be made through the central federal system. While there is a camp host usually on-site during the peak season, there is no formal check-in building at the entrance, so having your reservation details ready is essential.

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

Phone: (814) 965-3065

What is worth choosing when it comes to East Branch Campground? For Pennsylvanians, the answer lies in the park's unique blend of tranquility and recreation. Unlike larger, more commercialized campgrounds, East Branch offers a quiet retreat where you can truly hear the wind in the aspens and the call of the birds across the water. It is worth choosing for the sheer quality of the environment—the water is some of the clearest in the state, and the lack of a swimming beach actually helps maintain the lake's peaceful, boat-focused atmosphere.

Furthermore, the park is worth choosing for its value. The sites are spacious and well-maintained, providing enough room for large rigs and extra vehicles without feeling cramped. The ability to stay in the heart of Elk County, with easy access to the resupply town of St. Marys just a short drive away, provides the perfect balance of "off-the-grid" feeling and modern convenience. Whether you are looking to spend your days on the water or exploring the hundreds of miles of nearby hiking trails, East Branch Campground serves as a premier gateway to the best of the Pennsylvania outdoors. If you appreciate a well-kept, quiet, and scenic mountain lake setting, this campground is a destination that truly lives up to the reputation of the Pennsylvania Wilds.