Best Tent Camping near Gowanda, NY

The forested areas surrounding Gowanda, New York offer several tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both established and primitive experiences. Streamside Eriegrove provides tent campsites with walk-in access options and basic amenities including picnic tables and toilet facilities. For those seeking primitive tent camping, Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest, located approximately 30 miles southwest of Gowanda, offers a more rustic experience. Big Oak Hill, a working hay farm with a single tent site, provides a unique camping backdrop on a hillside setting with fire rings and trash collection.

Tent campgrounds in the Gowanda region vary significantly in their amenities and accessibility. Most primitive tent sites lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply or utilize water treatment methods for nearby natural sources. Fire rings are common at established tent campsites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Warner Road Dispersed Camping features basic fire pits but no other facilities, making it suitable for self-sufficient backcountry tent camping. Access to some sites, particularly at Big Oak Hill, may require four-wheel drive vehicles after rainfall, as noted by campers. Most tent-only camping areas maintain a 14-day stay limit, though specific regulations vary by location.

Tent campers visiting the region frequently comment on the natural setting and relative seclusion. According to reviews, Warner Road Dispersed Camping offers quiet and dark surroundings, though visitors have reported litter issues at some sites. One camper noted that Big Oak Hill features "wonderful landscapes" and a responsive host, though four-wheel drive may be necessary after rain. The tent sites at Streamside Eriegrove received positive feedback for their setting, with one visitor simply stating it "will become your go-to campsite." Walk-in tent sites throughout the region generally offer more privacy than drive-up options, making them preferred choices for backcountry tent camping enthusiasts seeking solitude. Bear activity has been reported in the broader region, particularly at Allegany State Park, requiring proper food storage for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Gowanda, New York (11)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Tent Camping Photos near Gowanda, NY

1 Photos of 11 Gowanda Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Gowanda, NY

428 Reviews of 11 Gowanda Campgrounds


  • Bill  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2020

    Willow Bay Recreation Area

    Quiet nights, Easy days

    Willow bay campground is run by the National Forest Service. The reservable lots are wide and numerous for a out of the way sight. The campground services tent sites, RV sites as well as small cabins with electricity. 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. Other, smaller trails are here as well. The New York State lone is less than five miles away- providing access to Allegheny State Park. The closest town of note is Bradford, which is about 18 miles away. It has all you need to get your necessities. The cabins were small- one twin bed and a set of single bunks. You need to bring your own sheets. There is a small heater imbedded in the wall. It keeps things from getting too cold, as it was when I was there. Fire ring and picnic table provided. Charcoal grill as well. The only problem I had was with the wildlife. A mouse or something kep crawling in the space between the roof and ceiling. There is no cel service here, and you shouldn’t need it either. Places to visit are too numerous to mention, but I will give a shout out to the zippo case museum, absolutely a must.

  • Mary S.
    Sep. 24, 2018

    Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park

    This is a great vacation area.....spend a week!

    Did you know this is NY's largest state campground? We stopped here on a rainy night, but what we saw convinced me we need to return. I know this campground is a vacation destination for families in western NY.

    Cain Hollow is in the Quaker Run area which includes Quaker Lake. There is another campground in the Red House Area, and there are also lots of cabins. This is definitely a 4 seasons park - hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing....

    I was able to take photos of a few sites the next morning. You can see that sites are private and you're definitely in the woods. There are food storage boxes at all campsites because you're in bear country.

  • Travis S.
    Jun. 30, 2020

    Dewdrop

    Spacious

    Campsite layouts are non traditional with large driveways and often times the tables and fire rings are below the driveway.  With this layout you get more privacy with very few sites having and overlapping with other sites. Pitching a tent was easy on the driveway and fairly level. Some sites had large high sided fire rings which take away from the fireside relaxation of a shorter camp chair. 

    Bathrooms and shower house was below the standards of many of PA State Parks which we regard as the benchmark for campgrounds at reasonable prices. 

    Boating and biking all accessible from the grounds. No need to drive to the trails at Jakes Rocks.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Evangola State Park Campground

    Great campground

    We stayed here three nights to ride out a heat wave and really liked it. Sites are electric only, with a dump station available at the entrance and one in the campground loop. There are potable water spigots throughout the campground, where you awkwardly pull over to the side of the road and fill your tank. Sites are pretty much wide open, with zero separation between you and your neighbor. Most are out in direct sun but the ones along the edge have some tree cover and shade. 

    There are yurts here as well, and a playground, and a huge disc golf course. You can walk to the beach from the campground (dogs aren’t allowed on the beach). The nature center is right in the campground, by the basketball and tennis courts. 

    Showers were dirty and buggy, but they’re free and you can actually choose your own water temperature. NY State campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccinations for your dogs.

     Good cell reception for Verizon, ATT wasn’t great but the cell booster helped. Trash bins, but no recycling. Beautiful sunset on the lake.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Evangola State Park Campground

    Great campground

     We stayed here three nights to ride out a heat wave and really liked it. Sites are electric only, with a dump station available at the entrance and one in the campground loop. There are potable water spigots throughout the campground, where you awkwardly pull over to the side of the road and fill your tank. 

    Sites are pretty much wide open, with zero separation between you and your neighbor. Most are out in direct sun but the ones along the edge have some tree cover and shade. 

    There are yurts here as well, and a playground, and a huge disc golf course. You can walk to the beach from the campground (dogs aren’t allowed on the beach). The nature center is right in the campground, by the basketball and tennis courts. Showers were dirty and buggy, but they’re free and you can actually choose your own water temperature. 

    NY State campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccinations for your dogs. Good cell reception for Verizon, ATT wasn’t great but the cell booster helped. Trash bins, but no recycling. Beautiful sunset on the lake.

  • Christine J.
    Jun. 9, 2021

    Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    Campground in Allegheny National Forest

    Nice location near the water. Campground has three sections to it. Once you come in the main enterance, off to your right are nice walk in tent sites. Off to the left are two loops for tent and RV camping. There are two bath houses, one near each loop. They each have three hot water showers, flush toilets and sinks. All sites have a fire ring. Some sites offer more shade than others. (We were at site #31 and it didn't have much shade.) Ice and firewood is avaliable. You are better off getting firewood down the road as you will get more wood for the money. Current price is $10 a bundle. Ice is only $2 a bag. Closest grocery store is in Kane. There are hiking trails nearby. The only thing that I didn't like was that it seemed that many of the sites were quite muddy because all of the grass was worn out. Not much grassy area for tents. Other than that it was great.

  • Ian B.
    Aug. 21, 2023

    Morrison Campground

    Good hike for my young sons

    Been here a few times. Took my oldest so, 7 years old, on his first backpacking trip. It was hard for him but persevered. Camp grounds are well dispersed for privacy. Each with a fire ring and table. Even a vaulted toilet which we discovered on our last trip. It’s kinda hidden, you may have to search for it.

  • Erin H.
    Sep. 14, 2020

    HTR Niagara Campground

    Covid update on one of my favorites

    Once again, the Branches of Niagara comes through stunningly. Even in the midst of the lockdowns and augmented restrictions, TBON went above and beyond to be sure we had the safest and most enjoyable time we could during our stay.

    Bathrooms, as usual, were pristine, with regular visits from the staff to disinfect and make sure campers were satisfied. This is a campground of several lakeside cabins and mostly RVs, so they were also seldom in use, making them even more accommodating for us during this time of distancing. They notified us in advance that they were still open and what was functional under the strict and ever changing NY requirements. Note: as of Summer 2020, masks were required to enter the store and check in areas, but not required elsewhere. Kids activities were augmented to allow for distancing and remain completely outdoors.

    We got site 10, which was excellent both for proximity to everything, hookups, privacy, space and views. This particular site had ample, mowed and cleared room behind the spacious site as well where you can set up your hammocks and relax in the wooded shade. Directly in front of the site is a clearing which allows a view to the pool and pond-side of the campground. It was quiet and clean.

    Stef is always friendly, and the camp store rents a number of items to add to the fun - paddle boats, kayaks, 4 seater bike surreys, peddle carts, and other fun things. Zip lines were both still open. Activities were updated to reflect safety during C-19.

    Beautiful, peaceful, spacious campground with so many hidden gems. The lake is pretty and the campground’s access from the Grand Island side of Buffalo to Niagara Falls is very convenient, yet away from the loud commotion and traffic. We highly recommend!

  • d
    Jul. 29, 2021

    Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    Spacious Camping in the Woods

    This campground is operated by the state and they take excellent care of it. The sites are spacious with all different types of typography - large boulders, slopes, flats all with grass and dirt, handicap accessible picnic tables and fire rings. Few sites have full hook-up and those are closest to the paved roads. Several sites have electric but most are for boondocking. The sites closest to the GORGEOUS reservoir are all primitive. All sites are back-in. There are paths leading down to the reservoir throughout the campground. The pit toilets and shower houses are well-located and very clean. There is firewood available for purchase on-site.  There is an easily accessible dump site right on the property. It was a quiet place with respectful campers. Kayaking down the river from Westline back to the campground was a blast! The water was higher because of all the rains this month so we got lucky and encountered some class III rapids. Usually a trip of this distance might have you doing some portage in that same river when the water is at normal levels. We ventured away from camp this time into the town of Westline and Kane and found some great little local restaurants and even a distillery that rolled out the welcome mat for us! No other frills are available at Redbridge campground, but if you just want to be in the woods and enjoy nature, this is the place to do just that. Bring your boats, bikes and hiking boots and have a ball surrounded by the natural beauty that is the Allegheny Reservoir area.


Guide to Gowanda

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of New York, tent camping near Gowanda offers a perfect escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Gowanda

  • Streamside Eriegrove provides a serene environment where pets are welcome, making it a great choice for families traveling with furry friends.
  • Allegany Parallel Bova Loops features ample space and easy access to water and bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
  • Firefly Acres is ideal for those looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure, with nearby trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Local attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Dream Lake Campground is not only family-friendly but also offers weekend activities and a snack house with a diverse menu, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
  • Compass Campgrounds boasts numerous trails for wildlife spotting, making it a fantastic base for nature lovers eager to discover the local flora and fauna.
  • Hidden Valley Camping Area is a newer site that promises a unique camping experience, with the charm of a Jellystone campground and plenty of activities for kids.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Chautauqua Heights Campground & Park is big rig friendly and offers 50 amp hookups, catering to those who enjoy a bit more comfort while camping.
  • Bella Vista Campground features electric hookups and showers, ensuring that campers have access to essential amenities during their stay.
  • Warner Road Dispersed Camping allows for a more primitive experience, perfect for those who enjoy a quiet, back-to-basics camping adventure without the usual facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gowanda, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gowanda, NY is Streamside Eriegrove with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Gowanda, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Gowanda, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.