Camping options near Fillmore, New York extend throughout the western region of the state, positioned in the rolling hills of Allegany County at approximately 1,325 feet elevation. The area experiences cool summers with average temperatures around 78°F and cold winters that typically reach below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region maintain seasonal operations from May through mid-October due to the northeastern climate patterns.
What to do
Hiking trails with gorge views: At Letchworth State Park, visitors can access multiple hiking paths directly from campsites. According to one camper, "All are close to the gorge/river and wooded, and connect to trails directly from your campsite. There are also nice cabins to rent scattered around the park."
Fishing in stocked ponds: The Ridge Campsite offers multiple fishing ponds for recreation. A visitor noted, "Sites are very big and clean has plenty to do with multiple fishing ponds, swimming pool and playgrounds. They have a nice little store for necessities and a snack shop."
Natural swimming opportunities: Several parks feature unique swimming areas beyond standard pools. At Stony Brook State Park, "a 'pool' carved from the mountain" provides a distinctive swimming experience, and as one visitor mentioned, "My favorite part about this park has to be their natural pool. It's beautiful and so refreshing."
What campers like
Clean, maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-kept grounds at area campgrounds. At Stony Brook State Park, visitors appreciate that "the trails were clean and well established. The picnic area is nice. There's a ton of picnic tables and the area is spread out."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting provides chances to observe local fauna. One camper at Stony Brook State Park mentioned, "A great park for bird watching. Particularly if you like Blue Jays. I couldn't get over how many there were!"
Seasonal celebration weekends: Triple R Camping Resort organizes special seasonal events that draw repeat visitors. One camper shared, "Had an awesome time for both Halloween weekends. Owners make you feel like family. Can't wait for the spray pad to open in 2021."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region can experience varied conditions. At Darien Lakes State Park, one camper noted they "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."
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites fill quickly, especially for premium spots or glamping close to Fillmore, New York. At Arrowhead Campground, "the full hookups fill up quickly in the high season. Campground is right on the river with a private boat launch. NO CREDIT CARDS; cash or check only."
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly across the region. At Stony Brook State Park, "The actual campsite set up is always what gets me, because I prefer to be secluded and remote, which you never get in a state park! However, we were happy with our campsite choice because we did not stay in the typical loop."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-specific amenities: Families report highest satisfaction at campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities. At Triple R Camping Resort, "The campground has so many fun things for kids. It is a very clean campground and well maintained."
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly settings sometimes mean more activity. At Jellystone Park of Western New York, a visitor noted, "I feel like it is pretty crowded. the water area always seems to be over crowded and never enough room for sitting!"
Check for seasonal programs: Many campgrounds offer structured activities during peak seasons. One camper at Jellystone Park mentioned, "There is something for everyone at this campground. They made recent addition as that are awesome. The added a new section of premium sites (pull-thru and back-in), the added a beach to their pond and allow swimming."
Tips from RVers
Utility hookup availability: Confirm specific hookup types before booking glamping near Fillmore. At Beaver Meadow Family Campground, "We had a site that was 'lake view' which was funny because it's a pond. It was stocked so fishing was fun. They have a nice heated pool."
Driveway considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access points. At The Ridge Campsite, an RVer observed, "Driveway getting in and out is a little tight for big units, definitely have to swing wide."
Site spacing and layout: RV site configurations vary significantly between campgrounds. At Beaver Meadow Family Campground, "most of the sites with full hook-ups are practically on top of each other. They advertise long walking trails but they are all overgrown and non-existent."
