Frewsburg campers find diverse terrain across the Allegheny region, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,300 feet creating varied camping conditions. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Fall camping requires extra layers as overnight temperatures can drop below 40°F even in September.
What to do
Hiking and bouldering: Chapman State Park Campground offers miles of trails accessible directly from the campground. "Miles of hiking trails accessible right from the campground. The lake was off limits due to the dam reconstruction, but is a big draw when open," notes a visitor. The nearby Kinzua Dam and Reservoir provide additional outdoor recreation options.
Waterfall exploration: Bent Run Waterfalls near Red Oak Campground offers a short hike to "fairy-garden like waterfalls stepping down the side of a mountain that overlooks the reservoir," according to one camper. These cascades create natural pools perfect for cooling off during summer months.
Water activities: Despite seasonal restrictions, water recreation remains popular. "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," reports a visitor to Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Campsites at Willow Bay Recreation Area offer natural surroundings with varying degrees of seclusion. "Most beautiful and peaceful place to tent camp! Definitely a long drive for us but it was beautiful before we got the snow and even during (what we could see)," shares one visitor. Many sites feature water access and wooded surroundings.
Clean facilities: The region's campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. At Chapman State Park, one camper noted: "Showers were clean and we have Verizon cell service... It was my wife's first time tent camping and the cleanliness of the campground really helped her want to camp again."
Fall camping: Autumn brings spectacular colors to the region. One visitor to Maple Lane RV Park shared: "We stayed here on 9/19 after spending the day hiking at Letchworth. Campground there was booked, and we preferred not to drive home. Got in around 6pm and got a nice site."
What you should know
Service limitations: Cell reception varies dramatically across the region. At Willow Bay Recreation Area, "You'll get a chance to relax as there is no cell service or wifi available. The closest town is about 15 miles away so stock up before you get there."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate seasonally, typically April through October. Maple Lane RV Park operates from April 1 to October 31, while others like Red House Area in Allegany State Park remain open year-round with reduced services during winter months.
Campsite access variations: Some campgrounds require walking to tent sites. At Willow Bay, "The reason this was 4/5 is because you have to unload the car then walk everything to the camp. There is no drive up access for tent camping. A wagon is highly encouraged."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "This was amazing for my kids and they enjoyed every minute of their camp experience," notes a visitor to Red Oak Campground, which features "a field, a little kids play area (many huge sized Legos for fort building mini-golf, horseshoes and an inflatable jump pad)."
Nature programs: Allegany State Park offers educational opportunities. "This is an awesome place to camp. New improvements to the park have been made the last few years! They runs daily activities you can go to and learn about different things in nature," reports a camper at Red House Area.
Campsite selection: For families, choosing the right site matters. At Quaker Area, "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." Consider more secluded sites if noise concerns exist.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites near Frewsburg, New York offer different levels of service. At High Pines RV Park, "Our site only had 30a power. Most seem to be that way. Looks like some updates are on the way. The price was great. We will go back again but making sure it's not peak summer due to not having 50A."
Site features: Many campgrounds offer dedicated RV areas. At Willow Bay, "The RVs had their own loop and tents and cabins were on the water down a wooded trail." A visitor noted their spot had "Electric was 50 & 30A. Nothing disappointing, just very quiet and private."
Extension cords: Because of site layouts, additional equipment may be necessary. At High Pines RV Park, sites in the full hookup back-in section are described as "very nice spacious sites. The park is close to the Allegheny Reservoir and the Kinzua Bridge. Very nice owners were able to get us in even though we didn't have a reservation."
