Buffalo's camping options extend beyond traditional sites, with yurt camping gaining popularity at parks within 20-30 miles of the city. The region experiences warm summers averaging 80°F and cold winters with substantial lake effect snow. Campers find a range of facilities catering to tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those seeking cabin and yurt accommodations throughout the May-October camping season.
What to do
Explore local hiking trails: Four Mile Creek State Park Campground offers pleasant trails along Lake Ontario with panoramic views. One camper noted, "We camped at site 161 which was fairly shaded and had a large open field with a view of Lake Ontario. Sunsets were beautiful and a lot of campers come to the lake in the evening to watch it."
Visit Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday provides convenient access to this natural wonder. "You can schedule tours of the falls in the office. Tour bus stops at office. Restaurants nearby," shares one reviewer who appreciated the amenities.
Experience the Genesse River gorge: At Letchworth State Park Campground, visitors can witness what locals call the "Grand Canyon of the East." A camper described it as "stunning" with "three serious drops in as many miles, the Genesse River winds its way through what locals call the 'Grand Canyon of the East.'"
What campers like
Clean facilities: HTR Niagara Campground consistently receives praise for maintenance and cleanliness. "The bathrooms were seriously nicer than most home bathrooms. Beautiful! Grounds were very well kept & staff friendly," one camper observed.
Lake views: Many campers appreciate sunset viewing at Four Mile Creek. "The views are absolutely breathtaking! The sunsets you'll catch on Lake Ontario are some of the best you'll see," commented one visitor who found the experience worthwhile despite limited amenities.
Family activities: Darien Lakes State Park Campground offers numerous recreation options. One camper described it as "a nicely kept, clean and quiet gem" with "miles of hiking trails, nice 'lakes' to fish and swim in" and "a fairly new Frisbee golf course."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Book early for Darien Lakes State Park Campground, especially during summer months. "This park is a nicely kept, clean and quiet gem," explains a regular visitor who appreciates the escape from daily noise.
Site variations: Campgrounds offer different levels of privacy and shade. At Evangola State Park, a camper reported, "Our site was large enough, but there was no privacy. Every site is just open to all the rest."
Seasonal considerations: Most Buffalo area campgrounds, including those with yurt accommodations, operate from May through October. Visiting during weekdays means fewer crowds at popular destinations like Four Mile Creek where "it quieted down like a library on the Monday night we stayed over."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sleepy Hollow Lake Campground offers dedicated play areas for children. "Great for families. Very safe, spaces were a bit small for a tent site. Great amenities pool/showers/games for kids," notes one family who visited.
Theme park proximity: Six Flags Darien Lake Campground connects directly to amusements. "Obviously being connected to Six flags is a fun family stop, but every part of the camping experience is treated with attention to detail and great services," shared an impressed visitor.
Kid-friendly yurts: Buffalo area yurt camping appeals to families wanting comfort without full RVs. HTR Niagara Campground features activities specifically designed for children. A visitor mentioned, "This was the most perfect family campground we've been to... Our favorites were the 3 pools and brand new playground. We have little kids and they were just as entertained as all the big kids."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Niagara Falls North/Lewiston KOA offers full hookups but has space limitations. "The campground is very small. It makes for challenging entry and exit for Class A, especially if towing," warns one RVer who still appreciated the convenient location.
Site surface conditions: Different campgrounds offer varied parking surfaces. Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA provides "rock bed for the sites, you are escorted to site. Easy access to local attractions, including Niagara Falls."
Parking passes included: Four Mile Creek State Park Campground includes valuable benefits for RVers. "About 30 minutes from Niagara Falls. Staff inside office were very friendly... Comes with state park parking pass to park free and access to town shuttle. Electrical hook up, worked great for our RV."
