Dann D.
Scout
ScoutCamp Emerald Acres
Rest & Relaxation
Love it here. It's away from city life in the heart of nature. Very family-friendly!!! A place to go!!! Check them out!!
Best Campgrounds near St. Bonaventure, NY
The forested hills surrounding St. Bonaventure, New York provide a range of camping experiences within a short drive of town. Allegany State Park, located about 20 miles southwest, offers two distinct camping areas: the Quaker Area (open May through October) and the Red House Area (open year-round). Both areas feature tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options with high visitor ratings. Closer to St. Bonaventure, Riverhurst Park Campground in Olean provides boat-in access along with traditional camping from May through November. Smaller private campgrounds like Firefly Acres offer more intimate settings with just three tent and cabin sites. The region's camping options extend into nearby Pennsylvania, where the Allegheny National Forest provides additional developed and primitive camping opportunities.
Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season. The camping season generally runs from May through October, though some facilities remain open year-round. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55-80°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Fall brings spectacular foliage but cooler temperatures, particularly at night. As one camper noted about Allegany State Park's Quaker Area, "The park is so big I only got to do some of the hiking. Very nice." Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly in the valleys between hills. Bears are present throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential at all campgrounds.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with several campgrounds offering access to lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Riverhurst Park Campground earns praise for its riverside location, with one camper sharing, "The grounds are huge and very well maintained. There are large, beautiful trees to tent camp in the shade. There's entrance spots to kayak/play in the river." Fall camping is particularly popular for the colorful foliage. A visitor to Allegany State Park noted, "We were traveling I-86 through the area and wanted to spend a few days in the woods admiring the beautiful fall colors and this turned out to be the perfect place to do that." Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to surrounding natural areas, with varying difficulty levels from paved paths to more rugged backcountry routes.
Best Camping Sites Near St. Bonaventure, New York (154)
1. Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park
28 ReviewsSteamburg, NY19 milesWebsite+1 (716) 354-2182"great New York state park. stayed here for 2 nights and I will be back. the park is so big I only got to do some of the hiking. very nice."
"There office/store is not located in the loop we parked in but it was an easy in and out with our 45’ motorhome and tow car."
2. Red House Area — Allegany State Park State Park
13 ReviewsSalamanca, NY14 milesWebsite+1 (716) 354-9121"Cabins are pretty large and have some great surounding areas, like creeks right next to the cabins. Great place for family camping with tons of different activites offered around the park."
"We've been coming to this campground since I was a kid, and love the fact that you can have the amenities of home away from home."
3. Riverhurst Park Campground
5 ReviewsPortville, NY6 milesWebsite+1 (716) 373-0535"There’s lots of amenities like volleyball, basketball, playground, swings, all in a safe area away from roads. There’s entrance spots to kayak/ play in the river."
"It was a lovely site situated right on the bank of the Allegheny River. It was very beautiful,relaxing and peaceful there. We would definitely go back if we’re ever back in the area."
4. Bova Cottages — Allegany State Park
4 ReviewsSalamanca, NY13 milesWebsite+1 (716) 354-9121$229 / night
"Allegany State Park is nearby for hiking, snowshoeing, XC skiing, leaf peeping,etc."
"After the last bad winter storm we had (2/2018) trees fell all over the park, including on my favorite hiking trails."
5. Firefly Acres
1 ReviewPortville, NY6 miles+1 (347) 824-9867$35 - $89 / night
"Firefly Acres is a great spot to setup camp with tons of activities nearby including trails for hiking & mountain biking. Check them out and share some pics of your stay!"
6. Windfall Ponds
1 ReviewSalamanca, NY8 miles"There are 2 ponds with room for large tents near them and plenty of wood around. The nearest stores are at the rez, and the people who work there are delightful."
7. Triple R Camping Resort and Trailer Sales
4 ReviewsFranklinville, NY18 milesWebsite+1 (716) 676-3856"There’s definitely something for everyone here; pool, splash park, hiking trails, playgrounds, & activities for all ages are just some of the things. Highly recommend!"
8. Camp Emerald Acres
2 ReviewsFranklinville, NY15 milesWebsite+1 (716) 676-3225"It's away from city life in the heart of nature. Very family-friendly!!! A place to go!!! Check them out!!"
"Away from the city life and hearing nature makes you at ease. The owner is a sweet and kind woman. Just learned she's owned it for the last 20 years! Here's to another 20 more! "
9. Willow Bay Recreation Area
11 ReviewsSteamburg, NY23 milesWebsite+1 (814) 368-4158$20 - $100 / night
"There is a central bathhouse near the oak loop. Closer to the boat ramp sites- most of which are tent ready, there are vault toilets. These sites are less than a mile from the North Country Trail."
"Gorgeous setting on the edge of the Kinzua Reservoir. The sites are spacious and cabins are also available to rent. Staff are friendly and helpful."
Recent Camping Photos near St. Bonaventure, NY
149 Photos of 154 St. Bonaventure Campgrounds
JoJo S.
Riverhurst Park Campground
Erik E.
Red House Area — Allegany State Park State Park
Kevin C.
Camp Seneca
Jennifer T.
Triple R Camping Resort and Trailer Sales
Chelsea B.
Cain hollow campground
Sara V.
Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park
Diane B.
Hanging Bog Big Bass Serenity Camp
Linsey S.
Kinzua East KOA
Tim J.
Willow Bay Recreation Area
Ian B.
Handsome Lake Campground
MsTrailBlazer 🏔.
Red Oak Campground
Ryan P.
High Pines RV Park
Recent Reviews near St. Bonaventure, NY
448 Reviews of 154 St. Bonaventure Campgrounds
- Dann D.Scout
Camp Emerald Acres
A Must See and Stay
The campground is amazing! So peaceful and relaxing! Away from the city life and hearing nature makes you at ease.
The owner is a sweet and kind woman. Just learned she's owned it for the last 20 years! Here's to another 20 more! Great job!
We will be returning annually!!!
Charles S.
GuideRed Bridge Campground
Hidden Treasure
Medium sized campground. All the sites are large and private ish. Not a bad or uneven site anywhere. Showers and bathrooms are clean. Ice and firewood available at the host. Easy access to the shoreline for fishing or boating. Their are 2 trading posts 1.6 miles outside the campground going towards Kane, PA. They are well stocked and have everything you forgot plus live bait.
michael R.GuideCherry Springs State Park Campground
Great Stars, Better Campsites Elsewhere
The campground was decent enough, but I would probably skip it next time and stay in the state forest instead. The campsites are not especially private and while they are not directly on top of each other, you are definitely aware of nearby campers. That said, it is a great location for stargazing and the pit toilets are convenient if you prefer at least some amenities.
The biggest downside was the lack of firewood. None was available on site and there was little opportunity to gather any from the surrounding woods. After one night, I felt like I had gotten the experience. For my money, I would rather camp nearby in Susquehannock State Forest where you can find far more private and secluded spots for less cost. You give up amenities like toilets, but if privacy and a quieter camping experience matter more, the state forest feels like the better option while still keeping you close enough to enjoy the dark skies near Cherry Springs State Park.
One nearby spot that is absolutely worth the short drive is the Water Tank Vista overlook. The view alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially around sunset or on a clear day. If you are camping in the area, it is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem and adds a lot to the overall experience.
- Charles S.Guide
Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite
Great Free Boondocking
If your coming here off of Rt. 666 the access gate is closed and has been for years. Continue to Crary Ave. Rt.6 in Sheffield and head East. About 6 miles ahead turn right onto Mill Ln., then Right on Curtis Rd., left onto Curtis Road extended, then turn right onto Forestry Rd. There are posted private property signs everywhere, just keep going as this is the only access to this area. I asked the locals and it is fine. Do not come here if you have a car or low riding vehicle. SUV, Jeeps, and trucks only. The access road is fine, but getting to campsite takes a higher frame vehicle. It is a perfect place for peaceful Boondocking. This area can accommodate 2 camp sights. Maybe 3.
- michael R.Guide
East Fork Rd Sites — Susquehannock State Forest
East Fork Road Site 011 Susquehannock Forest
The campsite is located about three miles down from Cherry Springs State Park and Campground, just off the road. It is visible from the road, so if complete privacy is important to you, keep that in mind. That said, the setting itself is beautiful, especially the drive in through the tall pine forests which immediately gave the area a peaceful feel.
The site has two good level tent spots and one semi level spot, all within view of where you park, which made unloading and setup easy. It took me roughly an hour to get camp fully set up. One thing to know going in: there is absolutely no cell service at least with T mobile, which can either be a huge positive or a dealbreaker depending on what you’re looking for.
One of the best features of the site is a nice trail leading back to a creek that you can hear flowing from camp. I spent some time walking along it and tossed a fishing line in a few times. The current was moving pretty fast and I did not see signs of fish during my visit, but it was still a relaxing place to explore.
Firewood was a mixed bag. There are plenty of fallen trees around, but much of it was surrounded by poison ivy, so gathering wood took a little caution. Bugs were present enough that I ended up using a head net in the evening, especially after dark.
For stargazing, the location was solid. I stayed up late and managed to catch three shooting stars. I brought a telescope but the angle of the sky from my setup made it harder to use than expected. If astronomy is your main goal, you may still want to head up to Cherry Springs proper for the best viewing experience.
Overall, this is a peaceful, simple campsite with good access to nature and a quiet atmosphere. Best suited for people who are okay disconnecting completely, enjoy creekside wandering and do not mind a more rustic experience. I would camp here again, especially for a quick getaway near Cherry Springs.
Ilce H.GuideEast Otto State Forest
Good and Free
I stayed for one night on my way to Niagara Falls. Google map directions end at a house but keep driving straight and you’ll see the sign of the park and directions to campground.-easy to find. I got to use my generator and was not too busy. I did notice a camper that belonged to someone that was living in it full time but parked away from it. I have a 16 ft long travel trailer and worked great. It gets very muddy after rain (just saying)
Marlena R.
TravelerWindfall Ponds
Calm, peaceful and out of the way
This place is beautiful and secluded. We stayed 2 nights caught in some storm weather but the storm barely shook us. There are 2 ponds with room for large tents near them and plenty of wood around. The nearest stores are at the rez, and the people who work there are delightful.
Site conditions: not trashed, but littered with spent ammunition and some trees are damaged. A little bit of broken glass around some boulders. We picked up what we could fit in the trash.
Signal notes: 0/5 for AT&T. You have to go up the road a bit to call out.
Wildlife notes: signs of deer, raccoon and wild dog. We saw falcons, frogs, a skunk and red eft newts. In the pond are bluegill and red efts. !!! RED EFTS !!! (Eastern Newts) do secrete toxin so DO NOT TOUCH. Pests: ticks, mayfly, mosquitos
Ashlee C.TravelerPalmers Pond State Forest
Beautiful spot!
Will absolutely be back here. Easy to find with multiple spots around the pond. Stayed in the furthest spot, just past the parking lot. Fire pit and pond access. Cleaned up a bunch of diapers and some socks though (shame!). Please leave it better than you found it.
Guide to St. Bonaventure
Campsites near St. Bonaventure, New York range in elevation from 1,400 to 2,300 feet above sea level across the region's varying terrain. The area sits within the northern reaches of the Allegheny Plateau, where summer temperatures can fluctuate by up to 20 degrees between day and night due to the hilly topography. Winter camping options remain limited to Red House Area at Allegany State Park and select sites at Willow Bay Recreation Area where roads receive regular snow clearance.
What to do
Trail exploration beyond the popular routes: At Red House Area — Allegany State Park, hikers can access less-traveled paths beyond the main attractions. "This park is a fun place to hike and explore. Check out Thunder rocks and climb boulders the size of a house," notes camper Jeremy H. The park maintains over 65 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels.
Kayaking on the Allegheny River: Riverhurst Park Campground offers direct river access for paddlers with multiple entry points. "There's lots of amenities like volleyball, basketball, playground, swings, all in a safe area away from roads. There's entrance spots to kayak/play in the river," shares JoJo S. Kayak rentals available at $15/hour or $45/day.
Educational nature programs: Seasonal ranger-led activities teach visitors about local ecology and wildlife. "This is an awesome place to camp. New improvements to the park have been made the last few years! They run daily activities you can go to and learn about different things in nature," explains Kelly B. about Red House Area programs, which typically run Thursday through Sunday during summer months.
What campers like
Tree identification trails: Some campgrounds feature educational elements integrated into the camping experience. At Riverhurst Park Campground, visitors appreciate the labeled flora: "QR codes labeling different trees on the property. Coming from Arizona this was a nice feature and something I'd never seen at another park," notes Ryan M.
Off-the-grid disconnection: Many camping areas in the region have limited connectivity, providing a true escape. At Willow Bay Recreation Area, "You'll get a chance to relax as there is no cell service or wifi available. The closest town is about 15 miles away so stock up before you get there," advises Amy W.
Multi-season amenities: Some campgrounds offer year-round activities. "The cabins are awesome all year round. The park has a lot to do in the summer but a group can still have a blast in the winter," shares Alex B. about Quaker Area — Allegany State Park.
What you should know
Early booking essential: The most desirable sites fill months in advance. "Upon entering the park it was a 20-minute drive to our site. Our site was perfect wooded, gravel pad, water spigot across the street, bear proof box (a first for us)," notes Bobby C. about Quaker Area, recommending reservations 6+ months ahead for summer weekends.
Firewood purchasing strategy: Campers report significant price variations for firewood. "My problem is when you get to the park the small bundles way over priced 35$ lasted for a night. The next day we found camp wood 32"x60" rack for 15$ that lasted us 2 days. Buy firewood outside the park save yourself some cash," advises Bobby C.
Variable bathroom facilities: Facilities differ widely between campgrounds and even between camping loops. At Willow Bay, "vault toilets on the tent side and plumbing and showers on the RV side. Bathrooms were very clean and didn't smell, the showers were hot," explains Sean C., noting this setup is common throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-rich campgrounds for kids: Some campgrounds provide extensive child-friendly amenities. At Triple R Camping Resort, "So much for the kids to do with splash pad, pool, playground and Rec room. Worth every penny," says Joshua G. The splash pad operates from late June through August, weather permitting.
Site selection for social opportunities: Certain campgrounds naturally facilitate interaction between families. "We stayed at site 131. It was nice and clean. We were not far from the bathrooms. But this area, all of the camp sites are right on top of each other. It was great for the kids because they were able to find instant friends and ride their bikes around," explains Verity S. about Quaker Area.
Evening entertainment options: Many campgrounds host structured activities after dinner. At Shamrock Pines Campground, "On Saturday night there was a band in an outdoor stage that was great," reports Douglas, noting their Saturday evening entertainment runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips from RVers
Site slope considerations: Many campsites in the region have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. "The fresh water spigot was at the end of our driveway, which is on a slight incline. A couple of extra tongue blocks would've been useful since the site slopes in the front and at the back," advises Tim J. about Willow Bay Recreation Area.
Cell service variability by loop: Coverage can change dramatically within the same campground. "First of all, the Hemlock loop has literally zero Verizon coverage. If you walk up to the entrance of the loop, you'll get 2 bars. We're staying at Willow Bay again in a few weeks, but in the Aspen Loop. We already drove by our future campsite and it registered 3 bars," reports Tim J., highlighting the importance of choosing sites based on connectivity needs.
Water hookup planning: Many campgrounds have limited full-hookup sites. "We ran low on fresh water, so a 75' hose was long enough to reach the fresh water spigot. The other campers used the spigot, but they toted water carriers," notes Tim J., recommending bringing extra-long hoses or portable water containers for partial hookup sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near St. Bonaventure, NY?
What camping is available near St. Bonaventure, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, St. Bonaventure, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 154 campgrounds and RV parks near St. Bonaventure, NY and 13 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near St. Bonaventure, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near St. Bonaventure, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Bonaventure, NY is Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Bonaventure, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Bonaventure, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near St. Bonaventure, NY.
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