Best Campgrounds near Ellicottville, NY

Camping near Ellicottville, New York, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, it’s a perfect spot for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

What to do:

• Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Quaker Area — Allegany State Park, have lakes where you can fish and swim. One camper mentioned, "From fishing to beaches, the whole family will have a blast."
• Hiking: Trails abound in the area. A visitor at Red House Area — Allegany State Park said, "Great place to explore. Many trails, boating, swimming, camping... just a great place to go."
• Kayaking: If you enjoy paddling, Red Bridge Recreation Area is right on the Allegheny Reservoir, making it easy to launch your kayak. One reviewer noted, "You can launch right from the campground."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Evangola State Park Campground said, "The facilities in the campground are very good (relatively new bathhouse with nice clean showers)."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large, private sites. A camper at Willow Bay Recreation Area mentioned, "Some pros were water access, fire pits having grates, privacy."
• Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park of Western New York have tons of activities for kids. One parent said, "This place is great for a family. Water park, fishing, kayaking, swimming. It has it all."

What you should know:

• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Quaker Area — Allegany State Park shared, "We did have visits from wildlife, which was great; the bear boxes help protect the food."
• Seasonal Limitations: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Red Bridge Recreation Area is open from May 16 to December 15.
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Dewdrop Recreation Area noted, "The bathrooms were stinky porta potty things that never had toilet paper or lights at night."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park of Western New York, which has a water park and activities for kids. A reviewer said, "They had amazing fireworks and activities galore for the kids."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A camper at Evangola State Park Campground mentioned, "You can walk to the beach from the campground."
• Pack Essentials: Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen and bug spray. A camper at Tracy Ridge Recreation Area advised, "Bring plenty of water and bug spray."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Red House Area — Allegany State Park mentioned, "Our site had a huge space for the kids to run and play."
• Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have cell service. A camper at Tracy Ridge Recreation Area noted, "Intermittent Verizon service with a mobile router and external antenna."
• Bring Your Own Firewood: Firewood can be pricey at some campgrounds. A camper at Quaker Area — Allegany State Park suggested, "Buy firewood outside the park to save yourself some cash."

Camping near Ellicottville, New York, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.