Glamping in Cattaraugus County combines natural landscape with accessibility, situated where the northern edges of the Allegheny Mountains meet New York's Southern Tier region at elevations ranging from 1,400-2,400 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing between November and March, making seasonal planning essential for upscale outdoor accommodations. Most luxury camping options close during winter months, with select weatherized cabins available for cold-weather stays.
What to do
Hiking at Thunder Rocks: Explore the unique boulder formations at Allegany State Park Red House Area where trails lead through massive rock formations. "This park is a fun place to hike and explore. Check out Thunder rocks and climb boulders the size of a house," notes Jeremy H.
Swimming at beaches: Public swimming areas offer summer recreation opportunities when temperatures reach the 70s-80s°F. "The beach was nice, but wear water shoes, as the rocks stick up and are sharp in spots," advises Trina W. about Evangola State Park Campground.
Water activities: Kayaking and small watercraft rentals provide different perspectives of the region's lakes and waterways. "The lake is a great place to spend some time. There is a nice big playground. Spot to grab some ice cream/snack. The kayaks and small water craft rentals are a little pricy," shares Verity S.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Tracy Ridge Recreation Area offers secluded camping with substantial space between sites. "The sites are beautiful, but there are little to no amenities. The only water was from a hand pump at the far end of the loop, near the pit toilets. Loved this place," says Thomas M.
Rustic cabin options: Traditional cabins with wood-burning stoves provide authentic experiences without sacrificing comfort. "The rustic cabins offered through most of the Quaker Area are a bargain and never have a problem staying toasty on cold nights with their wood burning stoves," explains Megan P.
Year-round accessibility: Select locations maintain winter operations despite seasonal closures elsewhere. "We have made it an immediate family tradition to stay here for Thanksgiving. This place is great for family camping. It has a nice variety of cabins along several loops. Cabins range from rustic to downright homey," shares Mark S. about Allegany State Park Red House Area.
What you should know
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds have minimal enforcement of quiet hours, affecting light sleepers. "The campsites were a little too closely spaced, and no one enforced quiet hours. We could hear people laughing and carrying on all night long," notes Kate C.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. "Little bit of Verizon coverage," reports Jeff N. about Tracy Ridge Recreation Area, while others note complete disconnection: "Poor, to no cell phone reception in the Quaker Area adds to the remoteness."
Firewood costs: Outside firewood may be prohibited, making on-site purchases necessary. "My problem is when you get to the park the small bundles way over priced 35$ lasted for a night. The next day we found camp wood 32"x60" rack for 15$ that lasted us 2 days. Buy firewood outside the park save yourself some cash," advises Bobby C.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Chautauqua Lake KOA offers multiple play areas throughout their property. "There's another playground in the back that was getting used. There was supposed to be a splash pad, but I didn't see any evidence of that," mentions Cynthia K.
Social camping sites: Some locations intentionally position sites closely to facilitate children making connections. "This area, all of the camp sites are right on top of each other. It was great for the kids because they were able to find instant friends and ride their bikes around," explains Verity S.
Nature programs: Structured outdoor education opportunities exist for children during summer months. "We enjoyed the hiking trails and the beach with a new modern beach house. There were lots of nature programs put on by the park," shares Kate C.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Triple R Camping Resort offers unusually spacious accommodations for larger vehicles. "By far the best campground we have ever stayed at. Had an awesome time for both Halloween weekends. Owners make you feel like family," says Jennifer T.
Winter options: Select locations offer year-round access with appropriately equipped sites. "The park has a lot to do in the summer but a group can still have a blast in the winter," notes Alex B. about cabin options.
Reservation systems: Some facilities require payment by check only, which affects planning. "NO CREDIT CARDS; cash or check only. It makes it a little clunky to get a reservation because you have to mail in a check," warns Ian H. about Arrowhead Campground.
