Best Campgrounds near Clarence, NY

Clarence, New York provides access to several established campgrounds within a short drive, primarily concentrated around Darien Center and extending toward Niagara Falls. The area features a mix of state park camping and private campgrounds, with notable options including Darien Lakes State Park Campground and Sleepy Hollow Lake Campground in Akron. Most developed campgrounds in this region accommodate various camping styles, from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, with several properties also offering cabin rentals and glamping options. Campground density increases toward the Niagara Falls area, where additional options like HTR Niagara Campground and Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday provide developed sites with amenities.

Camping in the Clarence area follows distinct seasonal patterns, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when family-oriented campgrounds reach capacity. The region experiences typical northeastern seasonal variations, with warm summers and cold winters that limit camping opportunities. Water access represents a common feature in many local campgrounds, with several offering swimming areas, fishing opportunities, and waterfront sites. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities, though amenity quality varies between properties. As one camper noted, "Clean and well maintained. Also has a nice beach and all newly remodeled bathrooms."

Families and recreational campers comprise the primary demographic at campgrounds near Clarence, with many properties offering activities geared toward children. State park campgrounds like Darien Lakes typically provide more natural settings with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas. According to visitor feedback, sites at these campgrounds tend to be well-spaced and shaded. Private campgrounds in the region often feature additional amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. Several visitors mentioned proximity to attractions as a key benefit, with Darien Lake Theme Park frequently cited as a popular nearby destination. Some campgrounds in the area maintain a high percentage of seasonal campers, which can affect availability for short-term stays but contributes to a community atmosphere at certain properties.

Best Camping Sites Near Clarence, New York (84)

    1. Darien Lakes State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Darien Center, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (585) 547-9242

    $20 - $29 / night

    "The lake is awesome, and great for all water activities. I really enjoyed stand up paddle boarding as well as fishing with my parents!"

    "I live local to the area and still find a time to setup the tent and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the noise of daily life. There are miles of hiking trails, nice "lakes" to fish and swim in."

    2. Six Flags Darien Lake Campground

    17 Reviews
    Darien Center, NY
    11 miles
    Website

    "Unless you're a season ticket holder at Darien Lake, you will be forced to purchase tickets to the Darien Lake amusement park when camping here."

    "Walking distance to the theme park. Campground fees include admission to the theme park. The sites are very nice and well maintained."

    3. Sleepy Hollow Lake Campground

    11 Reviews
    Akron, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 542-4336

    $30 - $42 / night

    "Plenty of activities around the campground. Golf cart rentals available. Clean restrooms near the store."

    "Clean bathrooms near the campground store."

    4. HTR Niagara Campground

    36 Reviews
    Grand Island, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 773-7600

    $77 / night

    "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."

    "The staff was very pleasant and knowledgeable, the price was high but not unexpected considering the location. Our site was pleasantly shaded with rubbish bins a short walk away across the road."

    5. Cherry Hill Campground

    12 Reviews
    Darien Center, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (585) 813-5099

    $39 - $69 / night

    "We got there by renting a car on Rental24h.com and took a tent with us and had a great time"

    "We have stayed at Cherry Hill a couple times, mostly for Darien Lake concerts. It's VERY convenient to get to the convert as the campground offers shuttles before the events."

    6. Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday

    24 Reviews
    Grand Island, NY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 773-7583

    "With it being close in proximity to the Niagara Falls made nice but many turn over of campers making this a busy park. The sites were level and our site had full hook ups."

    "Stayed here to easily get back and forth to the NY side and border crossing at the falls. Nice sites and access right to the amusement park located next door."

    7. Four Mile Creek State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Youngstown, NY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 745-3802

    $20 - $100 / night

    "The sites were right next to the bathrooms/showers/laundry. The bathrooms were very clean. The showers had 2 separate privacy shower curtains and a bench to put your things in the shower stall."

    "The quick walk down to the waterfront was easy and I loved the rocky beach and dips in the refreshing waters of Lake Ontario. There is a camp store on site for ice, firewood, and other supplies."

    8. Darien Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Darien Center, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (585) 599-2211

    "It was a busy place with lots of RVs, but my campsite was in a field bordered by wild flowers at the end of the campground with no one else around."

    "Pros: Picturesque Lake Some close Wildlife Kept Clean Double dump station Cons: Playgrounds, lack of and deteriorating Not much for children to do

    The site we had was secluded, spacious and perfect"

    9. Niagara Falls Campground & Lodging

    9 Reviews
    Sanborn, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 731-3434

    $72 - $78 / night

    "It’s right off the main road and nearby trains blared their horns throughout the night. Might not be that bad if you’re in a camper."

    10. Letchworth State Park Campground

    77 Reviews
    Perry, NY
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (585) 493-3600

    $300 / night

    "Letchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East and is located in Mt. Morris New York. My husband and I visited regularly when we lived near Rochester, NY."

    "Not technically in the Finger Lakes but still one of the most beautiful parts of Western New York State. Splurge and eat at the Glen Iris Inn! Great for cycling and hiking but no swimming."

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Recent Reviews near Clarence, NY

495 Reviews of 84 Clarence Campgrounds


  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday

    Large KOA

    This was a large KOA campground with many sites, cabins, activity center, etc. We were there in late October and it was partially closed down. Quite pricey. Clean facilities. Somewhat close to interstate noise. Convenient to access Niagara Falls.

  • Scott H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Big Guys Campground

    Activities for all ages!

    There is so much to do at this camp! They have a jump pillow, pool arcade, movie room, RC track, and bingo for everyone. They have live music at tavern on the property with great food! They have a disc golf field, fishing, and so many places to go on the golf carts! They also go in big on their themed weekends. Great place to go if you want the kids exhausted at the end of the day!!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Niagara Falls North / Lewiston KOA

    Niagra Falls

    We enjoyed this campground. Attendant advised he had a full connect site available and upgraded. Gravel pad farely level. Filled propane while there. They do trash pickup every morning.

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Niagara County Camping Resort

    Niagra County Camping Resort

    Arrived late at night to this established site. This is a mixed accommodation campground with established long term residents & short term sites.

    Some sites include a table, power access and tire rim for fire-ring. Showers & flushing toilets are near RV sites in back area. Small camp store, swimming pond & fishing pond. Manager, Christine very nice & helpful.

    Campground is relatively close to scenic drives along Lake Ontario & Niagra State Park, Niagra Falls.

  • Christopher  T.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Evangola State Park Campground

    What a shame

    This used to be real nice but NY has let all it's park go to pot with lack of funding and no updates

  • MacKenzi G.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Sleepy Hollow Lake Campground

    Kid friendly but Bee Problem

    We had a lot of fun here and there’s a lot of activities for kids I would typically give this campsite 5 stars but our only problem was there were bees everywhere. I get some bees are apart of the camping experience and nature but we’ve never ran into this problem elsewhere. They were all over the campground it was very unpleasant and there was a nest under the playground we did advise management of.

  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Four Mile Creek State Park Campground

    Niagara Falls visit

    We stayed here when seeing the falls easy 18 min drive to the falls. One perk we were not aware of was free parking at one of the three New Yark park parking lots with our campground pass. Showers clean and warm. Staff helpful and friendly.

  • Scott H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Hamlin Beach State Park Campground

    Relaxing 2 weeks

    The camp store is closed along with no firewood and no laundry.

    We stayed for 2 weeks and it was so relaxing. We loved biking through the loops and by the beach at the park. There was live music at the park during the week. The campground has an activity room full of things to do. As a state park, there are a lot of different people with different values, so be ready for the occasional obnoxious family. Our site was secluded and in the pines. We love it here and will definitely do this again!

  • Miranda
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Woodstream Campsite

    Rip off

    Have to stay at least 2 nights. Employees say one thing. Then boss charges me even though I was told it was okay. Aren't willing to reason with. Also traffic very loud at night


Guide to Clarence

Camping spots near Clarence, New York provide diverse seasonal experiences with an operating window primarily from May through October. The region sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level in the western New York plains, creating moderate summer temperatures that average in the mid-70s. Local campsites feature a mix of wooded and open sites with varying levels of privacy, with many campgrounds utilizing former farmland converted to recreational use.

What to do

Amusement park access: Six Flags Darien Lake Campground offers camping with theme park privileges. "The campground fees include admission to the theme park. The sites are very nice and well maintained. There are campers for rent, cabins for rent, tent sites, RV sites and premium RV sites," notes Mary H.

Winter camping opportunities: Darien Lakes State Park Campground provides off-season options for adventurous campers. "We did some winter camping here. We backpacked into the lean to along the Conservation Trail. It was in good condition and we had a large clearing for activities. No issues with animals," explains Leah W.

Frisbee golf: Local parks have expanded their recreational offerings beyond standard hiking. "There are miles of hiking trails, nice 'lakes' to fish and swim in. There is a fairly new Frisbee golf course as well," reports Jeremy H.

Balloon festival access: The spring season offers unique aerial activities. "Try to get to the balloon fest on Memorial Day - and book a flight if you can," recommends Rebecca E. about Letchworth State Park Campground.

What campers like

Multiple swimming options: Branches of Niagara Campground offers diverse water activities. "Lots of activities at this park, staff is friendly, clean pools, facilities, zip line, boat rentals, spacious sites, and minutes from the falls!" shares Keri.

Flexible site selection: Four Mile Creek State Park Campground allows campers to choose their preferred camping environment. "This is a friendly and clean state park campground where you can choose your own environmental experience. Camping with kids and enjoy interacting with other camping families? Then the 100 loop with large playground is for you!" advises Paula.

Lake views with sunset watching: Many campers value the natural spectacle of evening sky views. "You can't swim off the ledges, but this place is worth it. The sunsets you'll catch on Lake Ontario are some of the best you'll see," reports Laura Nicole A.

Dishwashing stations: Some campgrounds offer convenient cleaning facilities. "We timed our visit well, the park was pretty empty in mid-October but the weather was still nice," notes Thomas S. about Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday.

What you should know

Concert transportation: Cherry Hill Campground provides services for event attendees. "We have stayed at Cherry Hill a couple times, mostly for Darien Lake concerts. It's VERY convenient to get to the concert as the campground offers shuttles before the events," says Cory W., though he warns "getting back across the road to the campground can be challenging."

Seasonal resident concentration: Many campgrounds maintain year-round campers. "Place is filled with campers which don't move all summer. There are decks, low fences, and stuff around their campers. Clearly they visit annually for the season," observes Kerrie about Sleepy Hollow Lake Campground.

Environmental noise considerations: Urban proximity creates sound challenges. "Basic, clean campground about 20 mins from the Falls. Very convenient with nice workers but likely wouldn't book again. The noises of the town made it very difficult to sleep in our tent," reports Shan Q.

Post-concert atmosphere: Campgrounds near venues experience predictable patterns. "I haven't been here in a while but people mostly stay here for one of two reasons. Because they don't want to drive home drunk from a concert, or they have 14 loud kids that want to be at the amusement park. Both options come with about 2 hours of sleep," Laura Nicole A. shares.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and recreation: Sleepy Hollow Lake Campground offers multiple family activities. "Plenty of activities around the campground. Golf cart rentals available. Clean restrooms near the store," notes Sydney W.

Pet accommodation: Many campgrounds permit animals with documentation. "About 30 minutes from Niagara Falls. Staff inside office were very friendly. Electrical hook up, worked great for our RV. Water and dump site available on grounds. Small beach on Lake Ontario. Dog friendly but bring proof of rabies vac," advises evan.

Bee awareness: Certain campgrounds report seasonal insect issues. "We had a lot of fun here and there's a lot of activities for kids. I would typically give this campsite 5 stars but our only problem was there were bees everywhere," warns MacKenzi G.

Family shower facilities: Some locations offer specialized bathroom facilities. "Bathhouses with bathrooms and showers are up-to-date and SUPER CLEAN. (Note: No dishwashing station in this loop, so bring your own system)," recommends Paula.

Tips from RVers

Reservation timing: Book ahead for premium locations. "We needed help with our water heater in our own RV and the camp team sent over a mechanic to sort it out within minutes. Free of charge," reports lionel O. about Six Flags Darien Lake Camping Resort.

Site surface variations: Different campgrounds offer various parking surfaces. "Level gravel sites. Sites are close together, but not busy now, so not a problem," notes Dave D.

Alternative routes: Highway costs can be offset by more efficient travel. "Note: if you are coming in from the southern side, DO NOT GO THROUGH DOWNTOWN BUFFALO like we did! PAY THE TOLLS!" advises Mike H.

Internet access: Some campgrounds offer reliable connectivity. "Internet is really good and has been upgraded recently with 2G and 5G access. Bathrooms are clean and functional. Staff is very polite," reports Kirk S.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clarence, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clarence, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 84 campgrounds and RV parks near Clarence, NY and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Clarence, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clarence, NY is Darien Lakes State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clarence, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Clarence, NY.