North Tonawanda camping options extend beyond the immediate city into surrounding Niagara County, where camping locations range from 5 to 30 miles from downtown. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 570-590 feet above sea level, contributing to moderate summer temperatures. The camping season typically runs from early May through mid-October, with limited winter options primarily restricted to the AA Royal Motel & Campground.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At HTR Niagara Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing in the campground's pond. "There's a pretty large pond with a picnic island in the middle and a beach," notes one camper. The campground also offers boat rentals for those wanting to explore the water.
Theme park access: Darien Lakes State Park Campground provides an affordable alternative to staying at nearby amusement parks. "This campground would be a good alternative to paying the high prices to stay at the theme park down the road," mentions a reviewer. The park is approximately 40 miles from North Tonawanda but offers good value for families planning theme park visits.
Hiking trails: Four Mile Creek State Park Campground features walking paths with lake views. According to one visitor, "The campground is very large and was very busy the weekend we were there. There is a mix of shaded and wide open sites. We camped at site 161 which was fairly shaded and had a large open field with a view of Lake Ontario."
What campers like
Spacious sites: HTR Niagara Campground receives consistent praise for its generous site sizes. One camper reports, "Sites for all types of camping available as well as nice new cabins and yurts for rent! There's a pretty large pond with a picnic island in the middle and a beach." Another mentions that "The back sites were perfect and decent sized."
Clean facilities: Niagara's Lazy Lakes Camping Resort maintains high cleanliness standards. "Bathrooms are very clean along with the showers. They are cleaned on a daily basis," notes one camper. The resort also features "2 heated pools and a pond to fish (catch & release)."
Off-season value: The AA Royal Motel & Campground offers year-round camping, unusual for this region. A camper explains, "This campground is open year around which is really hard to find in this area. We needed to come here for personal reasons before any other campground was opened." The campground provides "50 amp full hook up with free Wi-Fi that doesn't suck."
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Cinderella Motel & Campsite has closely positioned sites. As one camper notes, "This campground is very basic with very close campsites. The bathhouse and laundry are old but clean." Another mentions that "No frills campground. If you want ambiance go elsewhere. Very close campsites. No room for any outdoor activities."
Reservation timing: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak season (June-August). For Four Mile Creek State Park Campground, weekends remain busy through September. "The campground is very large and was very busy the weekend we were there," reports one visitor. Most state park reservations open 9 months in advance.
Service limitations: Cell service decreases at campgrounds farther from urban centers. Many campgrounds have limited store hours. A camper at Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday noted, "The store had weird hours, once it was locked up (early afternoon) and the employee watched us walking to the store so he drove up in his golf cart, waited for us to make our purchase, then locked the door and left."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-friendly campgrounds offer varied amenities. HTR Niagara Campground provides numerous options: "Playground, mini golf, weekly free activities ranging from root beer float night to a traveling Birds of Prey show! Nightly Hayrides around the grounds, and rentals for various boats available. Adult and kid zip lines."
Pool facilities: Niagara Falls North/Lewiston KOA offers a swimming pool for children. "Simple, cute, scenic campground. Gravel sites. Easy pull through sites. Pool near camp store. Friendly staff," notes one reviewer. Several campers mention the importance of structured activities during downtime between sightseeing.
Tour convenience: Campgrounds often provide direct transportation to attractions. At HTR Niagara Campground, "We were able to book a tour to Niagra Falls through the campground and it picked us up at the campground," reports one family. This eliminates parking concerns at busy tourist destinations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Cinderella Motel & Campsite has varying site quality. "We were in #18 which has a tree that made it difficult to get the awning out and our slide out felt intrusive on the neighbor but that's the way it goes," explains one RVer. Another mentions, "There were sites that were on the outskirts of the property that backed to the woods which some people may prefer."
Seasonal considerations: Off-season visits provide value with fewer crowds. A visitor to Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday shared, "We left the RV at the KOA and drove 15-20min to the falls. We timed our visit well the park was pretty empty in mid-October but the weather was still nice." Fall camping offers pleasant temperatures with fewer insects.
