Looking for the ultimate pet-friendly camping experience near Alfred? The Dyrt can help you find the best campsites for you and your dog. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Alfred's most popular destinations.
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.
Palmer's Pond State Forest totals 3,645 acres. This area provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities like snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, camping, hunting, fishing, bird watching, and nature photography.
The state forest is also a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers and provides various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse, and turkey.
Keuka Lake State Park is a sought-after spot in the Finger Lakes wine country in upstate New York. Vineyard-covered slopes, glimmering water and clear blue sky set the scene for the perfect escape. Keuka is one of the warmer Finger Lakes and is an ideal place for swimming and relaxing on the beach. Keuka Lake State Park is also a great destination for a range of outdoor recreational activities including hiking, swimming, boating and, of course, fishing. The lake is considered one of the best places to fish in upstate New York.
$31 - $276 / night
Scout
So myself, my Girlfriend and our dog went up to hike the Grand Canyon and decided to spend the night. We were met with extremely friendly personnel. The site was easy to get to. And the bathrooms and showers were extremely clean. Honestly it was a huge plus picking this place to stay the night.
Ranger
Nice, quiet stay. Third time staying here over the last decade when passing through the area and it's been great every time.
Traveler
I love that despite there being so many sites, you don’t feel on top of each other in Seneca Village. It’s a state campground so don’t expect it to be anything close to dispersed camping. Trees separated me from my neighbors on either side, woods behind my tent, lots of quiet, no one blasted music or anything like that. I woke up to seeing trees above me and hearing birds. The bathroom was clean, with multiple ways to enter it without going near someone else’s site. The campground felt safe, and you are able to buy firewood (I didn’t due to quite a bit of rain). To get to the gorge trail, you have to walk over to the next site (Oswego I think) but it’s not too far. I would most likely stay at that loop next time though because it seemed to have even more space on each site. I didn’t see any bears and asked a few workers but only one had seen a bear the entire time they’ve been there. Definitely recommend this location. Lots of beautiful trails, red cat wine slushies were delicious, grounds were fun to explore and people were either friendly or kept to themselves which was great. Super dog friendly and I met many of them! Just a note, dogs are NOT allowed on the gorge trail.
Scout
Nice trails and lots to do. Verizon coverage at our campsite was mostly non-existent. Showers were spacious but floors were always wet from floors not being sloped properly. Yea, we're shower snobs. :). Beautiful waterfalls and gorge!
Guide
Very well maintained. Some sites are close and some a spread out. About half of them are in the sun and half get shade all day. I switched sites after a day to get some solar charging. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Sign in near bathrooms on arrival. Dogs must be on a leash but I found a spot down the hill to the south where there are no campsites to let them play fetch for a bit.
TravelerNice campground, sites are borderline close, and some are laid out funky. Bath houses get the job done, but nothing exciting.
Guide
Cozy campground. Clean single person bathrooms. Golf cart, paddle board and kayak rentals available. Campground is on a very steep hill so it is difficult to walk around.
ScoutNo show but decent bathrooms. I spent a night at Watkins Glen the only advantage was the shower. But you can wash up well here. You can stay horses here, each site has a fire pit and it feels safe.
Guide
I stayed here and it was very peaceful, but it was also pretty empty. Some of the sides are very close together, but if you look around, you can get one that has a little bit more privacy. Clean bathrooms, clean showers. Hikes from the site. Swimming as well!!
Traveler
We arrived on Saturday and departed the following Friday. The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times. Plenty of space to spread out and walk. All of the roads were paved and sites were very large.
RangerStopped in to "ride out a rain storm." After surviving the night, we discovered all the amenities. Free garbage service daily, Water faucets were placed all over the campground. There is a Forest Fire Lookout Tower next to the bathrooms.
Camp sites are disbursed so you don't feel crowded or squeezed for space.
Weekends are very busy but weekdays there were no more than 7 or 8 campsites occupied each night.
The horse stalls were used regularly and seeing horses coming and going on trail rides is a daily occurrence.
Scout
We have stayed at both a full hook up and a no hook up site, and both were roomy and clean. The park is awesome. I absolutely love the memorial park .
Traveler
Love the way you explain things. Very helpful! Solar
TravelerThanks for providing such valuable information. Appreciate it! Solar
Traveler
Love reading your posts. Always something new to learn. Solar
GuideWe had a great time here we stayed for a whole week to get the extra savings and we loved every day of it. There was something new every day. The waterfalls were amazing. The rec center had tons of activities and sports for the kids to do. They had a really cool playground, which was like a rope course.
Guide
The written directions from other reviews were easy to follow. The road was gravel but pretty easy to drive. I found one of the first spots and was very comfortable. Beautiful space, some people drove past but not much noise aside from that. Loved this spot!
GuideSite is sloped, shaded and right next to the bathrooms and water spigot. ATT coverage is decent. Other side of the bathrooms is access to the gorge trails. Pets are not allowed on the gorge trail itself but the rim and other trails are fine.
Traveler
Stayed here multiple times. Cabin is clean, large firepit, huge patio, great swimming pond with a slide. Cabin included many kitchen items as well as there being a full size freezer/fridge, tables and chairs on the patio. Pet Friendly but no fenced area.
Legend
This is a gem of a campground, located on a private homestead adjacent to the Hanging Bog Unique Area, a special state forest preserve maintained by the DEC. Because you are off the beaten path, it feels like you are in the wilderness, although you are in driving distance of a hamlet where you can get supplies. I was there in October, at the peak of fall colors, so the camping and hiking trails and on the forest road to the bog was exquisite. The host has created a wonderful haven here, with tent sites, a few places where camper vans can park, and a glamping cabin option. Each site has a nice fire pit supplied with firewood, and you can drive up right to your site or get there by a short walk. The campground has a central cabin with a sitting room where you can hang out in the evening or if it is raining; a great retreat spit for writing or reading or journaling! There is potable water and a privy, and also a shelter where you can wash up dishes etc after campfire cooking. This is an amazing place for a retreat; I only stayed one night with my dog, but would live to come back for a week to fully enjoy camping here!
GuideStayed at this campsite, taking our pop-up camper on its maiden voyage to the Grand Canyon of PA. Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers. My husband does not like staying in crowded campgrounds with people surrounding you and up all night screaming and singing. We go camping to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Not to listen to people pretending to relive their college days....lol. Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level. The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals. We chose this campsite due to its proximity to the Leonard Harrison State Park. We had no issues here and would recommend.
Guide
Bathrooms were very clean. Lots of things to do for young ones; heated pool, splash pad, pickleball court, basketball hoops and Gaga ball court. Opportunity to rent kayaks, bikes and golf carts.
Scout
An ideal place to try difficult challenges geometry dash meltdown that I have never tried before.
ScoutI loved everything. The sites are neat. We tent camped with no electric. $23 per night. Fishing allowed in the pond. Bathrooms with showers were spotless. Grass maintained. One small complaint is checkin and out times not enforced. Checkin states 3 pm but we saw many checking in as early as 8 or 9 AM. We could have gained a whole day! Next time!
Lots of very wet, muddy sites where even mulch would have been helpful.
RangerWe stayed at Sugar Hill for about 10 days, arriving right after Memorial Day weekend. The campground offers a variety of great options for various rig sizes, accommodating different needs comfortably. Its location is convenient, just a 15-minute drive from Watkins Glen, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.
During our stay, the campsite never even got near half full, providing a peaceful and uncrowded experience. For those seeking more privacy, there are numerous secluded spots along the side roads throughout the park.
However, it's worth noting that WiFi and phone service are pretty limited, typically ranging between 1-2 bars. Despite this minor inconvenience, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend Sugar Hill for its tranquility and proximity to local attractions.
ScoutSite was level and well equipped (waste water disposal attach site!) Bathrooms clean and fullyvfunctional
ScoutI believe it’s still off season so the spot with all the facilities wasn’t open. We used the map on the state forest website. But most spots have a privy/port o potty. We found the map on the website helpful because there are spots all over. Site 28 did have a sign about not awaking “butch and big daddy” as two young women we decided we didn’t want to stick around and meet them. There was a privy at 35 which was nice. The site by the pond was really cute with a privy but a walk in (believe it was 37)!
Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Alfred, New York, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Alfred, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly 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 dog-friendly camping near Alfred, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 104 dog-friendly camping locations near Alfred, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
