134 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $229 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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!"
"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."
"Both were very close to the camp. I would love to visit again in the fall."
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $20 - $100 / night
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RangerLarge well maintained campground with many different types of sites. The staff is amazing and will help you find something - in person or by phone. Our site was tucked into the woods and felt very private. Lake for swimming, fishing, paddle boarding and kayaking. The bathrooms were dated but clean, with warm showers.
RangerThis was our fourth trip to SCG and it’s always a blast. The water makes this campground such a great visit with kids.
Ankle deep water to play in all day and the waterfall hikes are great.
Restrooms are always very clean and the shower house was good too.
Owners and the general store are great.
ScoutI was to Skyline in May 2026 - Opening weekend. My site was on Pine, easy in and easy out. You are in a mix of seasonals and weekenders. First off, the check in was easy and quick, the woman at the desk was friendly and upbeat. I arrived to a campsite that was clean, very clean. The lot was grass and had a slight slop to it, the trailer spot was all gravel and level. it rained one day hard real hard and there was no real standing water. There are old trees on the sites all are trimmed up and clear of dead branches. You could get a 13'6" trailer in without worrying about branches. The facilities were in clean and in working order. There was a free chili dinner on Saturday night at the rec hall. They had the hockey playoffs on a big screen and a band also. You are out in the country at this spot, Alden is not too far up the road, you have most stores there for items needed. Nice place!
TravelerBeautiful gravel and wood chip site right along a small slow moving creek that at night with a fire create a wonderful camping experience. And they are very dog freindly.
TravelerBeautiful gravel and wood chip site right along a small slow moving creek. At night when the sun sets and the fire burns it creates a wonderful camping experience. And they are very dog freindly.
GuideThese people know what they are doing. We loved that the campground had its own music at the pool instead of dealing with everyone's individual speakers. The bathrooms were very clean and obviously cleaned every morning. The campground is huge and has great places for bikes or electric golf carts! They had great music and the other campers were very nice and respectful people. We stayed here as home base to visit Ellicotville and an Alpaca farm. Both were very close to the camp. I would love to visit again in the fall.
TravelerI love this campground always clean and has a nice pool and splash pad. Another pool coming soon. Everyone is friendly and can get a lot of wood for $25
ScoutPrivacy is great there is your own spot electric and fire pit with a flip over grill to cook
ScoutFirst time actually tent camping as an adult and the campgrounds made it super easy to do so!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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?
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Great Valley, NY.
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