Best Campgrounds near Ellicottville, NY
Western New York's Allegany State Park dominates the camping landscape near Ellicottville, with both the Quaker Area and Red House Area offering extensive facilities within 30 minutes of town. The Quaker Area operates seasonally from May through early October, while the Red House Area remains open year-round, both providing tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options. East Otto State Forest, located about 15 miles north of Ellicottville, offers more primitive camping experiences with free sites and minimal amenities. Private campgrounds like Shamrock Pines in Franklinville and Triple R Camping Resort provide additional options with full hookups and resort-style amenities, catering to both overnight visitors and seasonal campers.
Most campgrounds in the region require reservations during peak season, particularly for summer weekends and autumn when fall foliage attracts visitors to the area. Winter camping is limited primarily to the Red House Area of Allegany State Park and a few dispersed sites in state forests where road access may be challenging. As one camper noted about Shamrock Pines, "Close enough to Ellicottville to enjoy the shops, brewery and restaurants there." Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with better coverage in developed campgrounds and limited to no service in more remote areas. Bear activity has been reported in some areas, particularly in the nearby Pennsylvania portions of the Allegheny National Forest, requiring proper food storage.
Campers consistently praise the wooded settings and recreational opportunities throughout the region. Allegany State Park receives high ratings for its extensive trail system, with one visitor commenting, "The park is so big I only got to do some of the hiking." Water activities are available at several campgrounds, though they're not as prominent as in other parts of New York State. Private campgrounds like Shamrock Pines feature amenities such as dog parks, fishing ponds, and swimming pools. Site privacy varies considerably, with state forest camping offering more seclusion than the more developed campgrounds. Many sites throughout the region feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to basic restroom facilities, with more developed campgrounds providing showers and laundry facilities.