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 Great Valley, NY
Located in Western New York, Great Valley provides campers with access to a range of developed and rustic camping experiences. Allegany State Park stands as the dominant camping destination in the region, containing both the Quaker Area and Red House Area campgrounds with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The park's 65,000 acres feature wooded campsites with varying levels of privacy. Other notable options include Triple R Camping Resort in Franklinville and dispersed camping at East Otto State Forest, where primitive camping is permitted under state forest regulations.
Seasonal considerations affect camping in the Great Valley region, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Allegany State Park's Red House Area maintains year-round availability, though winter access requires preparation for snow conditions. Primitive camping in state forests remains open throughout the year, but forest roads may become impassable during winter months or after heavy rainfall. Permits are not typically required for dispersed camping in state forests, though campers must follow New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations regarding site selection and length of stay. A visitor noted, "East Otto State Forest offers free camping with drive-in and walk-in access, though amenities are extremely limited with no drinking water, electric hookups, or toilets."
Water features represent a significant draw for campers in the region. Allegany State Park provides access to Red House Lake and Quaker Lake, while Riverhurst Park Campground in nearby Olean sits along a waterway. Campers consistently rate water-adjacent sites highly, with many reviews mentioning fishing opportunities and watercraft recreation. Forest camping experiences vary in quality of amenities and site privacy. According to reviews, "Allegany State Park's Red House Area receives exceptionally high ratings (4.9/5) for its combination of amenities and natural setting." Sites with electric hookups tend to fill quickly during summer weekends. The region's camping areas provide access to extensive hiking trail networks, particularly within Allegany State Park where multiple loops connect scenic overlooks and natural features.
Best Camping Sites Near Great Valley, New York (134)
1. Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park
28 ReviewsSteamburg, NY16 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, NY10 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. Bova Cottages — Allegany State Park
4 ReviewsSalamanca, NY9 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."
4. East Otto State Forest
11 ReviewsCollins Center, NY17 milesWebsite+1 (716) 372-0645"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."
"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."
5. Triple R Camping Resort and Trailer Sales
4 ReviewsFranklinville, NY11 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!"
6. Camp Seneca
1 ReviewGreat Valley, NY3 miles"We picked the biggest site next to the creek. The tree canopy over our site was dense enough that w3 did not get very wet when it rains."
7. Shamrock Pines Campground
1 ReviewFranklinville, NY8 milesWebsite+1 (716) 676-2776"Surrounded by trees but grounds are well kept. Fully fenced dog park that was great for our pup. A couple of ponds for kids to fish and what looks like a nice pool. Quiet hours observed. "
8. Windfall Ponds
1 ReviewSalamanca, NY7 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."
9. Allegany Mountain Members Resort
1 ReviewEllicottville, NY10 milesWebsite+1 (716) 699-2352"This place has larger sites and a nice size lake to fish I. Along with a few other small stocked ponds. Plenty of stuff for kids to do including 2 outdoor pools and an indoor pool."
10. Willow Bay Recreation Area
11 ReviewsSteamburg, NY21 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 Great Valley, NY
123 Photos of 134 Great Valley Campgrounds
Kevin C.
Camp Seneca
Erik E.
Red House Area — Allegany State Park State Park
Jennifer T.
Triple R Camping Resort and Trailer Sales
Casey L.
Cain hollow campground
Sara V.
Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park
Backpacken P.
East Otto State Forest
JoJo S.
Riverhurst Park Campground
Tim J.
Willow Bay Recreation Area
Diane B.
Hanging Bog Big Bass Serenity Camp
MsTrailBlazer 🏔.
Red Oak Campground
Ian B.
Handsome Lake Campground
Linsey S.
Kinzua East KOA
Recent Reviews near Great Valley, NY
516 Reviews of 134 Great Valley 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.
- 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.
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)
- Ilce H.Guide
Chautauqua Gorge State Forest Campground
Great Free spot
I would 100% stay here again. Hubby & i enjoyed it and was not busy at all. A family friendly place. I have a 16 ft long travel trailer and was great but i would not recommend anything bigger. There’s only 2 spots for travel trailers, camper van’s and the rest of the 6 spots are for tents. First come first serve. You can only stay here 3 nights max
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.
Janet R.
LegendKellog's Alpaca Farm Campsites
Camping onsite with Amazing Alpacas
If you are interested in camping in the beautiful southern tier of NY, but want a quieter remote location than you get at a campground, why not try an alpaca farm? Robyn Kellog and family not only raise alpacas and run a fiber arts business on their farm, but they have developed a few campsites to provide a camping/glamping opportunity that comes with an upstate NY alpaca experience. Located just outside the quaint town of Scio, NY, and within range of Letchworth State Park, the farm is tucked away on a wooded hillside that provides a perfect home away from home for campers. I came for the first time just before they listed campsites on Hipcamp, through which you now can reserve, and I was very impressed.It would be worth staying for several days at least, because you can do plenty on the farm if you want to learn all about alpacas and maybe even take a fiber lesson or two; or you can use your farm camp as a base from which to explore all around the countryside nearby. The farm has one RV site tucked into a nice shady wooded spot just uphill from the alpaca corral and gift shop, and it is a nice spot but note that it does not have any hook-ups and you will need to be self-contained in that regard. There is also a lovely camper cabin further back in the woods, accessed by a short trail over a footbridge by a stream. There are also walk-in tent camping sites in an open meadow area near the alpacas. A porta-potty is available on site for campers, but you can also access a regular flush toiler during the day when the gift shop is open. This is a perfect camping opportunity for those inclined to fiber arts, fram stays and other novel camping experiences. Highly recommended!
Guide to Great Valley
The Great Valley region of New York sits within the northern section of the Allegheny Plateau, characterized by rolling hills and valleys carved by glacial activity. Winter camping in this area requires preparation for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from December through February, with annual snowfall averaging 65-85 inches. State forests in the region typically allow camping up to 150 feet from any road, trail, or body of water, though regulations may vary by specific location.
What to do
Hiking diverse trail systems: At Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park, trails accommodate various skill levels and interests. "We camped here with one of our children, and hiked a couple of trails, that were beautiful!" reports Trina W. The park's extensive network connects scenic overlooks and natural formations.
Boulder climbing adventures: Thunder Rocks at Allegany State Park offers unique climbing opportunities on house-sized boulders. "Check out Thunder rocks and climb boulders the size of a house," suggests Jeremy H., highlighting one of the park's distinctive geological features.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Allegany Mountain Members Resort provides fishing opportunities in multiple bodies of water. Kevin D. notes, "This place has larger sites and a nice size lake to fish I. Along with a few other small stocked ponds." Most fishing areas require a valid New York fishing license for anglers 16 and older.
What campers like
Riverfront access: Riverhurst Park Campground earns praise for its location directly on the Allegheny River. "We got site 18 & I highly recommend! It's an amazing site! Dogs were playing in the water all day plus they have a large field a few yard from our site where we would play fetch!" shares Bella S. The campground is located 20 miles from Allegany State Park.
Free primitive camping: Campers seeking no-frills options appreciate East Otto State Forest for its basic amenities and zero cost. "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," reports Lizzy K. Sites include fire rings and space for tents but lack facilities.
Educational programming: Daily ranger-led activities enhance the camping experience at certain sites. "This is an awesome place to camp. New improvements to the park have been made the last few year! They runs daily activities you can go to and learn about different things in nature," shares Kelly B. about the Red House Area at Allegany State Park.
What you should know
Firewood pricing variations: Costs for firewood can vary significantly at different campgrounds. Bobby C. advises, "The park service asks you not to transport fire wood. We understand why, 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."
Site privacy considerations: Campsite spacing varies across locations in Great Valley. "The campsites were pretty close together and did not offer much privacy unless you had a camper," notes Sara C. about her experience camping at Red House Area — Allegany State Park State Park.
Seasonal maintenance impacts: Be aware that maintenance projects may affect recreational opportunities. "At the time I went (May, 2018) the lake was reduced to about a third of its water due to maintenance, so the kayaks we brought didn't leave the roof of the car, and there was no swimming allowed," shares Sara C.
Tips for camping with families
Look for tree identification features: Some campgrounds offer educational elements for children. Ryan M. notes a unique feature at Riverhurst Park: "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."
Consider splash pad amenities: For summer camping with children, water features add value. At Triple R Camping Resort and Trailer Sales, Joshua G. shares, "Just got the pop up this year and have already done 4 trips this was by far the best. So much for the kids to do with splash pad, pool, playground and Rec room."
Choose cabins for cooler weather: For camping outside summer months, cabins offer comfort. "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," recommends Alex B. about Bova Cottages — Allegany State Park.
Tips from RVers
Understand dump station variations: Facilities for RV waste disposal differ between campgrounds. Douglas notes about Shamrock Pines Campground, "Only thing I would mention is the dump station is simply just a pipe off one of the driveways with a water hose. Not a problem and it works, just not typical of dump stations."
Watch for seasonal road closures: Access to some campsites near Great Valley becomes limited during winter. At East Otto State Forest, primitive camping remains available year-round, but as Aidan C. suggests, timing affects accessibility: "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!"
Consider big rig limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. Site selection should account for vehicle size, with some locations like East Otto State Forest explicitly noting they are not big-rig friendly, while others like Triple R Camping Resort provide suitable spaces for larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Great Valley, NY?
What camping is available near Great Valley, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, Great Valley, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Great Valley, NY and 13 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Great Valley, NY?
Which is the most popular campground near Great Valley, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Great Valley, 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 Great Valley, NY?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Great Valley, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Great Valley, NY.
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