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 (127)

    1. Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park

    27 Reviews
    Steamburg, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Salamanca, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Salamanca, NY
    9 miles
    Website
    +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. Triple R Camping Resort and Trailer Sales

    4 Reviews
    Franklinville, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +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!"

    5. East Otto State Forest

    10 Reviews
    Collins Center, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +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."

    "We were nice and secluded, which was great for the dogs to run around, be safe, and not bother other campers."

    6. Camp Seneca

    1 Review
    Great Valley, NY
    3 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 Review
    Franklinville, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +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. Allegany Mountain Members Resort

    1 Review
    Ellicottville, NY
    10 miles
    Website
    +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."

    9. Riverhurst Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Portville, NY
    17 miles
    Website
    +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."

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Recent Reviews near Great Valley, NY

505 Reviews of 127 Great Valley Campgrounds


  • Roger V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    beautiful spots near pond or in woods

    if the lake spots are busy check the woods, there are a bunch more nice spots. dispersed free LNT style. no services. would stay here again.

  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Lake Erie State Park Campground

    A very nice park and campground

    The facilities are old and outdated like most state parks but it's all clean. The staff is friendly and helpful and the camp sites are a decent size. The views of the lake aren't great but you can find it.

  • Chelsea B.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Cain hollow campground

    Come in Autumn!

    Absolutely beautiful camping loop. There are many others but Cain Hollow is completely open and on the side of a hill so beautiful views of the changing colors. Also good for Starlink users. Clean bathrooms. Beautiful paved greenway. Easy and hard trails available. Restaurant, general stores, laundry, bike rentals… this park is awesome. Absolutely zero Verizon service though. Heads up!

  • Christopher  T.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Evangola State Park Campground

    What a shame

    This used to be real nice but NY has let all it's park go to pot with lack of funding and no updates

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Westfield-Lake Erie KOA

    Overnighter

    We only stayed for an overnighter on a long trip west. The restrooms and showers are some of the best we’ve seen during our trip. Very well maintained facilities and grounds and the staff are friendly and helpful. We were able to change our site for one that was more level without a problem. The only thing that might bother some people is the road noise. However we were able to sleep well despite it. There is also a dog “park”/fenced area.

  • Miranda
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Woodstream Campsite

    Rip off

    Have to stay at least 2 nights. Employees say one thing. Then boss charges me even though I was told it was okay. Aren't willing to reason with. Also traffic very loud at night

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    Not bad for 20 bucks

    Not bad at all for 20 bucks , spots with electricity cost more. Came on a week night without a reservation and was almost unable to get a spot , host was nice though! Quiet area

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Don’t recommend

    Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you. Way too grown in as of August . Didn’t end up staying here. May be a good spot in the fall once the grass dies. Secluded spot though

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Lake Erie State Park Campground

    Great overnight stop

    Stayed one night on a long drive.  Beautiful views of lake.  Amazing grassy fields right by campsites.  Full park but still quiet with good spacing between outer ring spots.


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?

According to TheDyrt.com, Great Valley, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 campgrounds and RV parks near Great Valley, NY and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

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 27 reviews.

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.