If you're looking for glamping near Alfred, look no further. The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Alfred experience while glamping. The Dyrt's camping photos, reviews, and tips are an easy way to find the right New York glamping spot for you.
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.
Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge. Camping near Watkins Glen allows you to enjoy the Olympic-size pool, scheduled summer tours through the gorge, tent and trailer campsites, picnic facilities and excellent fishing in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek, which is renowned for its annual spring run of rainbow trout.
Park Facilities:
4 Picnic Pavilions with grills
Picnic Tables with Fire Rings
Boating (No Motors)
Trailer Boat Launches
Almond Lake Overlook
Playgrounds and Horseshoe Pits
Softball Field and Basketball Courts
Sand Volleyball Court
Fishing and Hiking Trails
40 Electric and 30 Non-Electric Campsites
2 Cabins with Electric
Flush Toilets and Hot Showers
Dumping Station ($10 for non-campers)
Welcome to Jellystone Park™ of Western New York, the ideal spot for your next family vacation, reunion, or a getaway in the great outdoors! Located on over 100 acres of serene pine forest in the heart of North Java, our resort offers the perfect destination for your next family vacation!
RV enthusiasts can enjoy our spacious and well-equipped RV sites, complete with full hookups. If you prefer tent camping, we have plenty of camping sites available where you can pitch your tent and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surrounding wilderness. For those seeking a rustic yet comfortable experience, our cabin rentals are a great option, offering a cozy retreat nestled in the serene woods.
With numerous amenities, there's always something to keep you active and entertained throughout the day. Explore our hiking trails, take a dip in our swimming pool, challenge your family and friends to a game of mini-golf, or spend some quality time at our playgrounds and game room. We also have planned activities and themed weekends, ensuring that there's always something fun happening at Jellystone Park™ of Western New York. Don't wait! Make Jellystone Park™ of Western New York your next travel destination and create cherished memories with your family amidst the peaceful pines of North Java.
$31 - $276 / night
$34 - $138 / night
Guide
Definitely one of the top places to camp and visit in New York, Watkins Glen State Park never disappoints. Each time I come back, I find something new to discover and have a great time doing that. Pair awesome trails and camping space with world class wineries up the lake, you cannot go wrong.
RangerWatkins Glen boasts one of New York’s most beautiful state parks! I last camped here in 2012 and absolutely loved hiking along the gorges. Also- the camping was next to perfect. Sites are decently sized and well secluded from one another.
in addition, the park is so well situated within the Finger Lakes and all the various wine trails! Made for a perfect girls weekend! Definitely recommend!
Ranger
Not technically in the Finger Lakes but still one of the most beautiful parts of Western New York State. Splurge and eat at the Glen Iris Inn! Great for cycling and hiking but no swimming. I love taking visitors here in all seasons but in autumn it is exceptional. I’ve stayed in a few tent sites and all are wooded and pretty private with your standard basic amenities. This is a popular park so make reservations.
ScoutI went to college right near Letchworth State Park so I spent many wonderful weekends there! There is a reason why they call it the Grand Canyon of the East. Not only can you check out the beautiful waterfalls, but there are also many awesome trails, rivers, and caves to check out. When I would camp, we would rent a camp site with our tent but, you could camp with your RV or even rent a cabin. Ive gone every month of the year, but these pictures were from my birthday in January. Letchworth is one of the best parks in New York state and a definite must see!
LegendLetchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East and is located in Mt. Morris New York. My husband and I visited regularly when we lived near Rochester, NY. The park is stunning and is fit for camping whether you’re in a tent, RV or choosing to rent a gorgeous cabin. There are many walking and hiking trails for adventurers of all types. Make sure you bring your camera as the views are all photo worthy. The camping price is right due to the fact that the park is run by the state. A great place to stay especially in the Summer!!
Legend
Just off US 15 at the New York border. All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we’ve stayed. We stayed in the Bench Loop which is very busy since it is waterfront. Our first week, we were on site 54 (W/E 50A) and waterfront. Our second week, we stayed on site 44 (FHU 50A) right across from the seldom used playground. Quite wooded here but we managed to get satellite TV. No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster. This area is pretty with rolling hills all around so we enjoyed a couple of scenic drives. About an hour away is the Pine Creek Rail Trail in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.
ScoutOkay, we all get that there is awesome hiking, scenery, wineries, racing, and more in the Watkins Glen area. So let’s just chat about the campground.
The bathhouses were A+. Clean, well maintained, newer…just overall impressive!
There were water fill up stations EVERYWHERE! We camped in the dry camping loop - it was the only one available to us in our 35’ class A. We didn’t miss anything!
The playground was OUTSTANDING! All adults in our party and we couldn’t help but jump on some of the swings. It’s a newer type playground and is hands down the best I’ve ever seen!
Last, and certainly not least…personnel.
We had the opportunity to speak with the campground ranger, facilities engineer, and gate attendants. Everyone was accommodating, friendly, warm, helpful, and more. :).
One of the BEST campgrounds out there! Thank you New York State, the NYState park system and all the folks at Watkins Glen State Park Campground who make the magic happen!!!
One mention: our site was rated for a 25’ RV, we were 35’ long and fit nicely. Other sites rated for 35’ RV were NOT long enough. (We had to switch sites).
Guide
This is one of the main attractions for the area. Locals come here when the weather is nice.
We stayed in yurts, which are round tents ($38 per night). We had a cozy wooden deck and slept four people in two bunk beds. We also had a cooking stove, refrigerator, heat and electricity.
There is plenty of fishing and hiking to go around.
Really recommend this campsite if you have a little extra money to spend and are looking for a light getaway with friends.
If you're looking for a secluded place for yourself or with a loved one, I would look around the area for a less-popular campsite.
LegendIn most states, those without falls like Niagara, this state park would be the pride of the land. With three serious drops in as many miles, the Genesse River winds it’s way through what locals call the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Many states try to make such claims, but this might be the closest any come to actually living up to such. It is stunning!
Along the river this park gives the motorist the distinct feel that she is on a parkway, not unlike Shenendoah, or Blue Ridge. Every few miles the winding pavement breaks out onto a few of the ridges and valley below, before ducking back into the forest of Western New York.
The campground, which is about 15 miles from the major falls area, offers what many come to expect from state parks. There are a wide variety of campsites, all reservable online, which can accommodate lots of different types of camping, large RV’s, small tents, and everything in between. Most, if not all, campsites offer electrical and water is available close by.
The bathrooms are practically luxurious by most camping standards, with single-use restroom/ showers available at all hours. The camp store offered a few grocery items, along with cold drinks, firewood and ice in addition to laundry facilities. Within a short walk were many hiking trails, an old-school fitness path, and a stellar playground where anyone under 9 years of age should get a great workout.
But let’s be honest, we’re not coming here for the campground, it’s the rest of the park that makes the drive worth it. So, check it out and get to know this stunning place first hand and be sure to bring a picnic basket.
GuideI absolutely love coming to Watkins Glen Campground, especially when I went to get away from the busy city. This park has gorgeous waterfalls, and great paths to walk and hike on. It's located in Upstate New York, so it's close enough to the city but you feel like you are far away from the city. The campsites are great, clean and well kept. This park does get pretty busy though, because it is open to campers and people who just want to visit for the day to walk the trails. I love that they have trails that lead very close to the waterfalls..lots of rim trails that literally overlook the waterfalls and gorges. In the campground they do offer a pool, which again, does get busy because it's open to everyone regardless if you are camping or not. There also is tours you can take in the summer that will take you along the waterfalls and gorge, they have a playground for kids and an area with picnic tables. I went mid July and it was extremely busy, not sure when a good time to go during the summer when it's not as busy. That was the only downside I would say, is how crowded it was. There is also Seneca Lake nearby that many people go to fish in, however I didn't go on this trip but plan to next time. There are restrooms on site, however I didn't think they were that clean. Toilet paper and seat covers were out in most stalls, so I would advise to bring your own when you go. There is also some gift shops and food stands set up...one food stand has some pretty good hot dogs! The hikes to the gorge and waterfalls is pretty well maintained, however there are quite a bit of stairs. There were some people with kids in strollers that had to turn around because the stairs made it difficult. Not handicap friendly. I would advise to wear a good pair of walking shoes, and not sandals because it is slippery in some spots and again, a lot of stairs! I would highly recommend coming here, even if you don't decide to stay the night!
Legend**Ranger Review: Men’s Rebel Stretch Shell Jacket at Letchworth State Park **
CampgroundReview:
I’ve visited Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East, in the winter and the summer, but this is the first time in autumn and the first time camping. Although this very large state park is starkly beautiful, the campground is not as nice as other New York state parks we have recently been to. We were in the 600 loop, the farthest from the camp office and closest to the Genesee River (although we could not see it from our site). The sites on the outside of the 600 loop were larger and more private; most of them were pie-shaped and had many trees that provided ample separation. The sites on the inside of the loop were much smaller and less private. The bathrooms were reasonable but dated. The showers did not look very inviting and although I did not use them, I overheard someone comment they were the worst showers they had ever experienced!
I highly recommend the free tour of the Mt. Morris Dam on the other side of the river from the campground. The tour is interesting and lasts approximately one hour. Offered at 2 pm in the offseason and twice per day during the summer.
It rained almost the entire time we were there, so we didn’t take any long hikes. We did a short hike to the Lower Falls. The footbridge was closed for repairs when we were there. The Middle Falls and Upper Falls can be seen with very short walks. There is also a restaurant in the park which was ok but not fantastic
.……………………………………..
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, we tested the Men’s Rebel Stretch Shell Jacket by Red Ledge. The price of this jacket is much less than many other available brands, so we were interested in checking it out and ordered one for my husband.
Positives:
Affordable price
Workmanship appears to be solid and of good quality.
Seams are all sealed. Feels comfortable, although the material has a slightly rubbery feel
Water beads up very well
The waist is adjustable.
Negatives:
Bottom line:
Although it is well made and a good value for the price, it is not as functional as my husband would have liked.
Legend
We were looking to spend a couple of nights near Watkins Glen to hit the wineries, waterfalls, and nearby museums around the finger lakes of New York and this park seemed to be in a good location for us to do all that. There were other options closer to downtown Watkins Glen but they were closed for the season when we visited. This park is quite large and can accommodate any size RV with plenty of activities to keep the entire family busy without even leaving the park (but we wouldn’t recommend that because there is so much to do in the surrounding area).
Typical KOA with a wide range of RV sites and lodging options and tons of activities and amenities. We booked online and got our KOA discount, so check-in was easy and we were greeted by friendly people. There is a mix of site types which you can pick out online. If you don’t see the type you want online, give them a call because sometimes they can move people around to accommodate you. The roads in the park and campsites are gravel but the park is easy to navigate. They do have short fences at the front and back of sites which can make maneuvering into your site a little tricky. Not sure why they have these unless it is to keep people from driving or parking on the grass. Deluxe sites with fancy paved patios are available for a bit more$$$ than standard sites. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit.
Our site was level and long enough to fit our tow car. The pad was gravel but the patio was paved. Our fire pit stuck out pretty close to the road which was a bit awkward. Sites are definitely close so upon check-in we noticed that the park was not very crowded and asked that they not put us right next to people if at all possible. The women in the office told us that our neighbors were leaving the next morning and that was the only site option. Turns out they didn’t leave and there did appear to be other sites available. Oh well!
The park advertises free wifi and we were skeptical as to how good it would be but it turned out that it worked well at our site for surfing the internet. Our 4G Verizon phone reception was good and the open pull-thru sites work well for those wanting to use satellite. There is cable which broadcasts 70 channels.
What we liked about this campground was: the pastoral setting yet it was close to many attractions and things we wanted to do. The hiking trail was a big plus and really appreciated by our Labrador retriever. Wifi worked great and there were lots of cable channels. Our patio was paved which is nice but it is more expensive than standard sites with grass (so we ended up paying for that).
By far the worst thing about this park is the price. If you come here in the summer and use all the amenities then maybe we could see paying $100/night. But we really just wanted a place to park and hook-up the RV since we spent very little time there during the day. The only amenity we were even slightly interested in was the heated indoor swimming pool.
The surrounding area boasts lots of activities from exploring the natural wonders to wineries and museums. The region is known for its waterfalls including the popular Watkins Glen Gorge that has 19 waterfalls and many more in the surrounding area. Watkins Glen sits at the southern end of Seneca Lake and offers many opportunities to get out on the water for sight-seeing and a diner cruise. Close by are 40 some wineries and breweries that draw many visitors. A 30-minute drive south will put you in the town of Corning home to the spectacular Corning Museum of Glass and the Rockwell Art Museum. Watkins Glen Speedway hosts major motor racing events including the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Click here for a link to our blog post about what we did
TravelerI enjoyed our stay. Electric only, so be prepared to transport water from available spigots. Lots of things to do from paddling and fishing to hiking trails or learning about the dam. There is an observation deck and ball fields available.
RangerThis is a park with a lake. In the green rolling hills of the Finger Lakes. Grassy open fields are nice but not private. Used the basic tent setup. Clean, grounds kept up nice, simple, no water. Lots of state lands and water nearby. Deer by the tent in the morning. Great stopover or base camp, not much to do right on site.
Traveler
We stopped for 2 nights and felt so comfortable we added another 2 nights. Nice lake for kayaking and fishing. The finger lakes trail runs through the campground. Did a 5.5 mile hike up Pennsylvania Hill today. A little road noice and no water hookups.
ScoutVery good location, however there isn’t much shade and the main road is close to our camp site so it’s not very quiet during the day. Geese poop liters the ground and people have left their trash where ever they please,decent for fishing if you have a boat they require it to have no gas powered motor it’s electric or manual only .
ScoutBig open campground with lots of sites both electric and non electric. Many rigs in non electric sites running generators 24 hours. Very noisy. Would not recommend
GuideKerr Dam is easy to get to and great sites available!
Ranger
Had a great time at Stony Brook State Park this week! The campground side doesn't open until around 11 we were told, and we reached at 8am, so we started at the North (day-use) side, parked there, hiked, ate, and eventually drove back to the other side, checked in, and set up camp. 😁 It was a very nice time. Due to the COVID-19 regulations, masks need to be worn in the bathhouse (except when brushing teeth or showering). Was a good, quiet, fun time, with a few other families nearby. The only negatives: *According to their website, the natural pool would be open the day we went. It was not. ☹️ *No alcohol permitted in the whole campgrounds. Fine for us, but annoying for many. From the trash in the bathhouse, looks like some were anyways. *No "camp store" - so if you forgot an essential item, you've got to go out from the park. Positive part: town is only 8 minutes away via car. Also, we got GREAT and easy burning from the people selling wood for $5/bundle just outside the campground entrance.
All in all, a GREAT time! We all enjoyed it!
GuideHad an awesome time here. We stayed for two day and hike the trails. The gorge trail has all the waterfalls and you can walk right next to them. The camping area is nice and restrooms are close by with hot water in the showers.
TravelerLike a small Letchworth state park, this beautiful gorge with easy to manage trails are great for someone who wants to go out and see some real beauty that a lot of people pass by or don’t know about. NY state park campsites are always top notch in my opinion always hot showers spacious campsites at stony brook so you can have privacy from your neighbors. Easily one of my favorite state parks and you can swim at the bottom of the trails at the end of a waterfall at the park entrance guarded by lifeguards. Great for kids and avid hikers alike. Beautiful forest awesome waterfalls but be ready for lots of ups and downs in elevation so climbing stairs are a must. 5 stars will definitely be camping there again. Photo is to show just how much space you really have per campsite ours stretched all the way back and then some.
RangerThe park is perfect for day hikes and swimming in picturesque waterfalls. The bridges and the fall leaves are especially memorable. The campground is basic and wooded, nice. Some of the sites are right along the creek, but you have to reserve well in advance to get them. The rest are just a short walk to the creek, so no worries if you can’t get a creekside site. They have cabins but we have never stayed in them.
GuideMy favorite part about this park has to be their natural pool. It’s beautiful and so refreshing.
Great hikes with bunches of little waterfalls and small pools for swimming.
Bathrooms.
Just wish the sites weren’t so close together.
It ended up raining the two nights I stayed so I didn’t get any pictures, because we stayed in the tent the whole time. The last day was beautiful and we spent the entire time in their natural pool.
GuideThis little gem is by far one of our favorite places we have camped. Awesome natural swim area with lifegaurds at the bottom of the gorge. Walking trails can be a bit tough, west rim especially, but the gorge trail is tolerable for most with multiple waterfalls you can enter into a swim area(no lifegaurds). Campsite was plenty spacious with a trail to walk down into the creek and wade in the shallow waters, search for frogs, or other creatures. With the running water so close, the sounds were so relaxing while we sat at the fire or tried to settle in for the night. Playgrounds were nice and newer and bathroom/shower facilities were in good clean shape. If there had been a fishing place here it would have definitely received 5 stars. We will definitely visit again.
ScoutBeautiful waterfalls, intermediate hiking.
Tent sites are fairly large so you have plenty of room. Bathrooms are centrally located in each loop, nice playground for kids. Dog friendly too.
only downfall, no one took the State bid to open the camp store so you need to leave the park for wood/ice.
Scoutstony brook is one of my all time favs. a clean and welcoming park with gorgeous views and trails for all adventurers. would recommend to solo and family campers.
TravelerIt can be a little crowded but honestly it’s worth the see. Make sure you wear good shoes and water friendly attire!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Alfred, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Alfred, NY is Letchworth State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 77 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Alfred, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 glamping camping locations near Alfred, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring