East Otto State Forest and surrounding areas in Chautauqua County offer diverse camping experiences across 790,000 acres of public land. The region has a humid continental climate with temperatures ranging from 65-80°F in summer months, with possibility of evening temperatures dropping to 50°F even in July. Campers should prepare for variable weather conditions as rain can create muddy camping areas throughout the spring and early summer.
What to do
Hiking at Allegany State Park: The Red House Area features well-marked trails through diverse terrain with multiple difficulty levels. "This park is a fun place to hike and explore. Check out Thunder rocks and climb boulders the size of a house," notes Jeremy H. from Red House Area — Allegany State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and lakes provide fishing opportunities with varying catch potential. At Allegany Mountain Members Resort, Kevin D. mentions "This place has larger sites and a nice size lake to fish I[n] along with a few other small stocked ponds." The Allegany Mountain Members Resort offers several fishing locations within the property.
Water recreation: Lake Erie access provides swimming, kayaking and boating options at several parks. "The lake was one of the coolest lakes I've ever seen and the sites are beautiful right on the lake," shares Meike W. about Lake Erie State Park Campground. Water activities are particularly popular during summer weekends.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at certain campgrounds that provides seclusion. At Sprague Brook Park, Sarah K. explains: "If you, like me, tend to prefer camping to NOT include seeing other humans, this is not the place for us!" The park offers "a lot of tent sites, a few sites have electricity but most do not," making Sprague Brook Park better suited for social campers.
No-cost camping options: Free primitive camping draws budget-conscious travelers. At East Otto State Forest, Aidan C. states: "After sleeping in parking lots and rest stops, it is so nice to have a place where you don't fear law enforcement knocking at your car/tent, and it's FREE!" The reviewer continues: "There are 14 designated spots and I am unsure of the popularity of this place but it's a Friday night and there were multiple open stops rolling in at 8 PM."
Proximity to Buffalo: Several campgrounds provide quick access for weekend trips from nearby urban areas. Nicholas K. writes about East Otto State Forest: "I think we have decided to go back again this year as it is close enough to Buffalo, NY that there isn't a lot of planning involved."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely throughout the region. Courtney C. reports about East Otto State Forest: "Also, it said there would be verizon cell service, there was absolutely nothin. I will absolutely be back!" Campers should download offline maps before arrival.
Bathroom facilities vary: Some locations have well-maintained facilities while others offer none. At Evangola State Park Campground, Sue H. notes: "However, this year the restrooms were disgusting!!!. We were here for 3 nights and the same washcloths were on the floor all weekend. Sinks and counter never cleaned, mouse feces were everywhere."
Weather impacts: Rain can quickly change camping conditions at primitive sites. Lizzy K. shares about East Otto: "This was a nice secluded feeling site, neighbors are pretty close by and you can hear them but a good amount of private space to yourself. Maybe non rainy season is better for this site, my boots became very muddy."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature play areas for children of different ages. A reviewer at Sprague Brook Park mentions: "There is a playground for the kiddos and a pond to fish in. No swimming in it though. There is a creek that runs through the state park which was nice for the kids to splash around in."
Pet friendly camping near Gowanda, New York: Most campgrounds welcome pets with varying restrictions. Maddie C. from East Otto State Forest shares: "We went for a quick weekend trip with 3 people and 4 dogs. What a great spot! We were nice and secluded, which was great for the dogs to run around, be safe, and not bother other campers."
Activities for different ages: Some parks organize scheduled nature programs. Kelly B. says about Quaker Area — Allegany State Park: "They runs daily activities you can go to and learn about different things in nature." These programs typically operate during summer weekends.
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Electric options exist at several parks but full hookups are limited. Brian P. from Lake Erie State Park notes: "There are tent and RV sites available, with 15/30/50 amp electric service. The water hookups are NOT at each site, but there is one CLOSE to each site, so you can run your house over, fill your tank, and disconnect."
Site leveling considerations: Pay attention to campground maps when selecting sites. At Colden Lakes Resort, Raquel H. explains: "We were able to park deeper off the road due to the kindness of the owners letting us borrow an extension cord. :) Behind us was a field and we parked between two trees which was awesome."
Weather preparation: Bring extra leveling blocks and ground protection. Bobby C. advises campers at Allegany State Park: "Our site was perfect wooded, gravel pad, water spigot across the street, bear proof box (a first for us)." RVers should prepare for varied terrain throughout pet friendly campgrounds near Gowanda, New York.
