Hiking, paddling, and gorge-gazing drive most visits to Letchworth State Park Campground, where the Genesee River carves through cliffs reaching 600 feet and three waterfalls drop within a few miles of each other. The park road running along the south rim connects a series of overlooks and trailheads, giving the drive itself a parkway quality before it pulls back into the forests of western New York. Rafting the Genesee and hot air ballooning are also available within the park, and the Mt. Morris Dam on the river's far side offers free guided tours, typically at 2 p.m. in the off-season and twice daily in summer.
The campground is organized into eight loops of roughly 35 to 50 sites each, though the layout keeps it from feeling as large as it is. Sites on the outside of each loop tend to be more spacious and shaded than those on the inside. The 600 loop sits closest to the Genesee River and includes a fence along some sites where the terrain drops off. Reviewers consistently note that sites vary considerably: some are open to full sun well into the evening, while others, particularly outer-loop sites with taller trees, provide more separation from neighbors. Bugs, especially gnats and mosquitoes, are a recurring mention in summer reviews.
Amenities are solid for a state park of this size. Loops 100, 200, and 700 have newer bathhouses with individual shower and restroom stalls, while Mary S. notes "well-maintained, older communal restrooms in the other loops." Most sites have electrical hookups and access to water spigots, and the camp store carries groceries, firewood, ice, and cold drinks, with laundry facilities attached. Cell coverage is spotty, with reports of roughly one bar on major carriers and limited hotspot capability.
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially around the annual balloon rally on Memorial Day weekend and the fall arts and crafts show on Columbus Day weekend, when the park fills quickly. The campground sits at the western end of the park, about 15 miles from the main falls area, so a car is necessary to reach most of the major attractions. Dogs are permitted in loops 100, 200, and 700 only, so pet owners should confirm loop assignment when booking. Shari G. puts it plainly: "we're not coming here for the campground, it's the rest of the park that makes the drive worth it." Campers looking for camping near Letchworth State Park with a different setup might consider The Ridge Campsite as a smaller alternative nearby.
Description
Located in Western New York state, about 45 miles southwest of Rochester, Letchworth State Park is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Straddling the Genesee River for 17 miles the park encompasses more than 14,000 acres of deep river canyon and dense woodlands. The area was purchased in 1859 by William Pryor Letchworth, who recognized its natural and scenic value. He then granted it to the state in 1906 to be preserved as a public park. The park’s main attraction is the three dramatic waterfalls on the Genesee, which pour over escarpments up to 100 feet high. In addition to the spectacular scenery, the park also offers year-round outdoor recreation, from hiking, fishing and birdwatching to a variety of snow play.
The large campground in Letchworth State Park makes a good basecamp for exploring the area’s many sights and recreation opportunities. It contains 270 tent, trailer and RV sites in eight separate loops. All sites have electrical hookups, and there are water spigots, restrooms with showers, recycling stations and a dump station available. Additional accommodations in the park include camping cabins and the Glen Iris Inn. Visitors also have access to several picnic areas and playgrounds, a swimming pool, sports fields, trout pond, a museum, and nature center. Campsite rates range from $24–$26/night, plus additional fees; cabin and lodge rates vary; reservations recommended.
The best way to see many of the park’s sights is to get out and walk, hike or bike on any of the 66 miles of multiuse trails that wind through the park, and vary in distance and difficulty. The waterfalls are best viewed along the 7-mile Gorge Trail. One of the more unique and exciting ways to see the park is by hot air balloon. Other activities in the park include paddling on the river, nature programs, guided walks, and interpretive exhibits. The park also offers some of the best birdwatching in the state. In winter, many of the park’s trails become snowshoe and cross-country ski routes, and a few are even open to snowmobiles, so no matter what time of year you visit, there’s a way to play outdoors.
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are permitted on campsites only.
Construction of five new campground shower buildings is scheduled to begin next year. To carry out these improvements efficiently without compromising the patron experience, campsite availability will be reduced from summer 2026 through spring 2027. Camping loops 100 and 200 will be open for the full season. The remaining loops will experience phased closures during construction. Updates will be posted here. For nearby campground alternatives, please consider Allegany, Darien Lakes, and Stony Brook State Parks.
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLetchworth State Park Campground is located in New York near Perry
Directions
Tent/trailer camping & C-Cabins must check in at Camp Contact on the North end. It is recommended to enter through the Mt. Morris or Perry Gate. A, B, D, & E Cabins must check in at the Visitor Center in the South end. It is recommended to enter through the Castile Gate. **From Buffalo** Take I-90 to 400 South Exit off 400 in East Aurora to 20A East (left turn) - Mt. Morris Entrance - Follow 20A thru Warsaw & Perry Center to flashing light in Pine Tavern - Road straight across is Perry Road – take this to end. At stop sign turn right onto Route 36 South. Watch for Mt Morris Entrance sign to Letchworth State Park on the right. - Perry Entrance - Follow 20A East to Route 246, turn right at light. - Go to the end of 246 and turn left onto main street in Perry - Almost immediate right onto St Helena Street - End of St Helena St, proceed straight onto Schenck Road. Follow straight to Perry Gate. Camping will be straight across. - Castile Entrance - Turn right into Route 19S in Warsaw. Stay on 19S until you see signs for Letchworth State park. - Turn Left onto 19A South. - Turn left onto Denton Corners Road to bring you to Castile gate. **From Rochester/Albany** - Take 390 south to Exit #7 \> Mt. Morris (I-90 to 390 if coming from Albany) - From the off ramp turn left and go approximately 1 mile to the village of Mt. Morris - At the stop light in village, turn right onto Route 36 (also Main Street) - Follow Route 36 through the village. Just as you start to head out of town, you will cross over the Genesee River. - After crossing the bridge, take your first left turn. This is the Mt. Morris Gate Park Entrance. For other entrances, reference above. **From South** - Route I-86 to 19 North - 19N to 19A North - Follow signs for Letchworth State Park \> Portageville Gate
Address
1 LETCHWORTH STATE PARK
Castile, NY 14427-1124
Coordinates
42.69792766 N
77.93775775 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/15/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/15/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/15/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 47 min from Rochester, NY
- 1 hr 13 min from Buffalo, NY
- 1 hr 16 min from Elmira, NY
- 1 hr 45 min from Ithaca, NY
























































