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Best Tent Camping near Buffalo, NY

444 Reviews

Tent camping options around Buffalo, New York include both established campgrounds and primitive sites within driving distance of the city. Streamside Eriegrove offers tent camping with both drive-in and walk-in sites, while Dream Lake Campground in Warsaw provides more developed tent facilities about 45 miles southeast of Buffalo. Most tent camping areas in the region have seasonal availability, with Dream Lake operating from May 1 through October 25.

Tent sites at established campgrounds like Dream Lake typically include amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. Most tent-friendly campgrounds permit fires where designated fire rings are provided, and firewood is often available for purchase on-site. Streamside Eriegrove accommodates various access methods including drive-in and hike-in options for tent campers seeking different experiences. Toilets are available at both primary campgrounds, though shower facilities vary. One camper noted that "even on weekends, sites remained peaceful" at some of the smaller campgrounds in the region.

Seasonal considerations affect the tent camping experience near Buffalo. Summer months provide the most reliable weather conditions, while spring and fall camping may require additional preparation for temperature variations. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hiking and nature observation. A recent review of Dream Lake mentioned "clean facilities" and "lots to do for kids and adults," making it suitable for family tent camping trips. Most tent camping areas near Buffalo require reservations during peak season, particularly on weekends. The region offers a mix of developed campgrounds with amenities and more basic tent camping experiences, catering to different preferences for primitive tent camping areas and established sites.

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Best Tent Sites Near Buffalo, New York (4)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Buffalo, NY

444 Reviews of 4 Buffalo Campgrounds

  • Jess W.
    Aug. 19, 2018

    Letchworth State Park Campground

    Amazing state park, crappy campground

    The state park is breathtaking. The campground is horrendous. The restrooms were disgusting. The site barely fit our one tent (8man Coleman) even though it was advertised as a two tent site. The camp fire ring had no solid base- it just sat on the grass and fires would not stay lit. The quiet hours were not enforced. Yelling and loud music kept us up until ridiculous hours. I would not rate this as family friendly.

  • Danielle S.
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Four Mile Creek State Park Campground

    Field Camping

    It's not all bad! It took a while to find our site in the dark as site markers are small. The sites are decent size, the bathrooms are clean but spiders will hang out. Showers are hot. Sites are available with electric and there is an RV dump station if you have one. There are a lot of RVs at this campground, a large playground, and a field with soccer goals (no net). Niagara Falls is 15 or so miles away, and Buffalo NY is a short drive. The bathroom building has an outdoor sink with heated water, and this is also where the trash bins are.  Firewood is available in front of many nearby homes (a couple of miles, max,and $4-5 a bundle). The fire pits are either low or leaning, so we found a camp stove to be essential. It can get quite windy, we saw a tent buckle and our stakes were pulled up from the wind. It can get loud at night and it doesn't seem as if quiet hours are enforced. I'd stay again but only if a more private campground was unavailable.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Evangola State Park Campground

    Great campground

    We stayed here three nights to ride out a heat wave and really liked it. Sites are electric only, with a dump station available at the entrance and one in the campground loop. There are potable water spigots throughout the campground, where you awkwardly pull over to the side of the road and fill your tank. Sites are pretty much wide open, with zero separation between you and your neighbor. Most are out in direct sun but the ones along the edge have some tree cover and shade. 

    There are yurts here as well, and a playground, and a huge disc golf course. You can walk to the beach from the campground (dogs aren’t allowed on the beach). The nature center is right in the campground, by the basketball and tennis courts. 

    Showers were dirty and buggy, but they’re free and you can actually choose your own water temperature. NY State campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccinations for your dogs.

     Good cell reception for Verizon, ATT wasn’t great but the cell booster helped. Trash bins, but no recycling. Beautiful sunset on the lake.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Evangola State Park Campground

    Great campground

     We stayed here three nights to ride out a heat wave and really liked it. Sites are electric only, with a dump station available at the entrance and one in the campground loop. There are potable water spigots throughout the campground, where you awkwardly pull over to the side of the road and fill your tank. 

    Sites are pretty much wide open, with zero separation between you and your neighbor. Most are out in direct sun but the ones along the edge have some tree cover and shade. 

    There are yurts here as well, and a playground, and a huge disc golf course. You can walk to the beach from the campground (dogs aren’t allowed on the beach). The nature center is right in the campground, by the basketball and tennis courts. Showers were dirty and buggy, but they’re free and you can actually choose your own water temperature. 

    NY State campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccinations for your dogs. Good cell reception for Verizon, ATT wasn’t great but the cell booster helped. Trash bins, but no recycling. Beautiful sunset on the lake.

  • Randall K.
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Genesee Country Campground

    Great spot - esp for tents!

    What a great place this was!

    Everyone was very nice and bathrooms were so clean! To top it off the sites for tents are amazing - so private and pretty. In fact it’s so private we were able to set up our own portable toilet and have complete privacy.

    Nice little store too! Overall this place was great and we’d stay here again in a heartbeat. Very easy place to spend the night.

    Also they have golfing here and tent areas back up to the 9th hole (but still separated so you don’t feel like you are right on top of it) so you can easily knock around there and do a little golfing too!

  • Leah L.
    Aug. 2, 2020

    Golden Hill State Park Campground

    Quiet Campground Over Lake Ontario

    We camped at Golden Hill over the weekend of July 24-26, 2020. Due to COVID, advance reservations are required to book a spot at any NY state campground. We had site 47 in loop C, which was across the road from the lake view sites. I recommend sites 40-45 for lake-front views. Loops A and B were more crowded and more suitable to RV trailers and rigs (we were camping in a pop-up camper). Site 47 was large and had a few trees. The campfire ring was right against the pad, which made it difficult to position our pop-up so that it was away from the fire ring. 

    Things to consider: There are 2 bathrooms in the campground, one near the A-B loops and one near the entrance. It was quite a hike in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom from our site. Some sites in the A-B loops are right next to each other, and we preferred the space for the sites in the C loop. 

    Wonderful things: The views are spectacular, particularly at sunset. The campground was quiet at night. The Niagara Wine trail is close to this campground, and Niagara Falls is about a 50 minute drive away. We hiked Devil's Hole and Whirlpool State Parks on this camping trip. The showers in the bathrooms were phenomenal - very clean with hot water and a private dressing area next to the shower. Showers were ADA compliant and had shower seats.

  • Erin H.
    Sep. 14, 2020

    HTR Niagara Campground

    Covid update on one of my favorites

    Once again, the Branches of Niagara comes through stunningly. Even in the midst of the lockdowns and augmented restrictions, TBON went above and beyond to be sure we had the safest and most enjoyable time we could during our stay.

    Bathrooms, as usual, were pristine, with regular visits from the staff to disinfect and make sure campers were satisfied. This is a campground of several lakeside cabins and mostly RVs, so they were also seldom in use, making them even more accommodating for us during this time of distancing. They notified us in advance that they were still open and what was functional under the strict and ever changing NY requirements. Note: as of Summer 2020, masks were required to enter the store and check in areas, but not required elsewhere. Kids activities were augmented to allow for distancing and remain completely outdoors.

    We got site 10, which was excellent both for proximity to everything, hookups, privacy, space and views. This particular site had ample, mowed and cleared room behind the spacious site as well where you can set up your hammocks and relax in the wooded shade. Directly in front of the site is a clearing which allows a view to the pool and pond-side of the campground. It was quiet and clean.

    Stef is always friendly, and the camp store rents a number of items to add to the fun - paddle boats, kayaks, 4 seater bike surreys, peddle carts, and other fun things. Zip lines were both still open. Activities were updated to reflect safety during C-19.

    Beautiful, peaceful, spacious campground with so many hidden gems. The lake is pretty and the campground’s access from the Grand Island side of Buffalo to Niagara Falls is very convenient, yet away from the loud commotion and traffic. We highly recommend!

  • Michael M.
    Jun. 23, 2020

    Letchworth State Park Campground

    Beautiful Park

    So Letchworth State Park is beautiful. It's also tremendous, 18 miles long covering the east and west side of the Geneseo River. There is over 100 miles of trails intersecting the park. The campground itself is made up of loops with only electrical hookups , no water or sewer connections , just water spiquets positioned throughout the loop and 1common bathroom in each loop. There is no wifi in any of the camping areas so if you are dependant on it for any reason this is not the place for you. Only at certain points in the park will you get a signal

Guide to Buffalo

Tent camping near Buffalo, New York offers varied options across western New York state, with most campgrounds open seasonally from spring through fall. Sites range from basic tent platforms to full-service campgrounds with modern amenities. Several campgrounds are located within 50 miles of downtown Buffalo, making them accessible for weekend trips or longer stays.

What to do

Lake activities: Dream Lake Campground features fishing opportunities and water recreation that attracts families throughout the camping season. A frequent visitor notes, "I love this campground very family friendly lots of activities been going here 6 years now and never have had a bad time."

Weekend events: Many Buffalo-area campgrounds schedule regular activities for campers. Dream Lake Campground offers organized weekend events that appeal to multiple age groups. As one camper explains, "Weekend activities. The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love."

Nature exploration: The rural countryside surrounding Buffalo provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature walks. Streamside Eriegrove offers tent camping in a natural setting that one visitor described as "Absolutely Perfect! Will become your go to campsite!"

What campers like

Diverse camping styles: Tent camping options near Buffalo accommodate various preferences. Streamside Eriegrove offers multiple access types including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in sites, allowing campers to choose their preferred camping style based on how close they want to be to their vehicles.

On-site amenities: Many campgrounds offer convenience services that reduce the need to leave the campground. Campers at KOA Campground Medina Wildwood Lake appreciate having essential services within the campground property, located approximately 40 miles northeast of Buffalo.

Food options: Some campgrounds offer food service for campers who prefer not to cook all meals. Nick O. mentioned about Dream Lake Campground, "The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love."

What you should know

Seasonal operation: Most tent camping areas around Buffalo operate on limited seasonal schedules. Dream Lake Campground runs from May 1 through October 25, which is typical for the region due to western New York's cold winters.

Ownership experiences: Management styles vary significantly between campgrounds. One candid review of Riverview Camp Ground & Marina suggests researching current ownership and management practices before booking.

Reservation requirements: During peak summer months, particularly between Memorial Day and Labor Day, advance reservations are strongly recommended for tent camping near Buffalo. Weekends fill quickly at popular campgrounds, sometimes months in advance.

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Families report higher satisfaction when choosing campgrounds with planned programming. One parent shared about Dream Lake: "Nice friendly environment, clean facilities. Lots to do for kids and adults."

Food service availability: For families who want breaks from camp cooking, some campgrounds offer food service. As Nick O. noted about Dream Lake Campground, "The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking."

Site selection: When tent camping with children near Buffalo, request sites away from water features if camping with non-swimmers. Streamside Eriegrove offers varied site locations that can accommodate different family safety needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Buffalo, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Buffalo, NY is Streamside Eriegrove with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Buffalo, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Buffalo, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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