Evangola State Park and nearby camping areas offer diverse options for travelers around Irving, New York. Located along the southeastern shore of Lake Erie, this region experiences warm summers with highs around 80°F and cold winters dropping below 30°F. Most camping facilities in the area sit at approximately 600-700 feet elevation with varying levels of tree coverage and protection from Lake Erie winds.
What to Do
Lakeside activities: At Lake Erie State Park Campground, campers can enjoy spectacular lake views and sunsets. "The lake was one of the coolest lakes I've ever seen and the sites are beautiful right on the lake," notes one visitor. The park offers both swimming and wildlife viewing opportunities with "black squirrels, rabbits and birds" frequently spotted.
Water recreation: Multiple parks in the region feature water activities beyond swimming. "There is nice trails through the woods and nice camping spots with nice views of sunsets and the water," reports a camper about Evangola State Park. Kayaking opportunities exist at several locations, with some parks offering rentals during peak season.
Halloween events: Fall visitors should consider Jellystone Park of Western New York for seasonal activities. "Our favorite time of year to visit is around Halloween. They always have great activities and trick or treating with the kids," shares one family. The campground transforms with themed decorations and organized events throughout October weekends.
What Campers Like
Convenience to Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls Campground & Lodging offers practical access to the famous attraction. "Basic, clean campground about 20 mins from the Falls. Very convenient with nice workers," notes one reviewer. This provides a strategic base for day trips to the falls without the premium prices of accommodations directly adjacent to the tourist area.
Clean facilities: Most parks maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. At Evangola State Park, "the facilities in the campground are very good (relatively new bath house with nice clean showers)." Visitors consistently mention facility cleanliness as a highlight across multiple camping areas near Irving.
Kid-friendly amenities: Family activities abound at several parks. "There is something for everyone at this campground. They made recent additions that are awesome," writes a visitor about Jellystone Park. Features often include playgrounds, organized activities, and recreational facilities specifically designed for younger campers.
What You Should Know
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds offer limited separation between sites. At Evangola State Park Campground, "Our site was large enough, but there was no privacy. Every site is just open to all the rest." Look for edge sites when possible as they typically provide more seclusion and shade.
Noise considerations: Some locations experience traffic or neighboring camper noise. "The noises of the town made it very difficult to sleep in our tent. It's right off the main road and nearby trains blared their horns throughout the night," reports a visitor at Niagara Falls Campground & Lodging. RVs provide better sound insulation than tents at busier parks.
Water access points: Lake access varies by location with some requiring short walks or drives. "Short walk from campsite to the lake. Try to see sunset!" advises a Lake Erie State Park visitor. Beach areas can be rocky in places, with one visitor noting you should "wear water shoes, as the rocks stick up and are sharp in spots."
Tips for Camping with Families
Pool amenities: Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday offers excellent swimming options. "My child had a blast. The tent site wasn't private or fancy but the rest of the facility was great. Staff super nice. The pool is awesome," reports a family camper. Multiple parks feature swimming pools with varying hours and seasonal availability.
Playgrounds and recreation: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "There are tent and RV sites available, with 15/30/50 amp electric service. The playgrounds and picnic shelters (multiple of each) are in great condition," notes a Lake Erie State Park visitor. Check individual park websites for specific recreation options and seasonal program schedules.
Animal encounters: Wildlife viewing adds educational value for young campers. "We saw lots of wildlife (black squirrels, rabbits and birds). My dog was excited to get lots of walks during the time we were there," shares a visitor at Lake Erie State Park. Most parks allow leashed pets but require vaccination documentation.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Maple Lane RV Park provides various connection options. "Big-rig friendly drinking-water electric-hookups fifty-amp-hookups... sanitary-dump sewer-hookups," according to the amenities list. Many RV campgrounds in Irving, New York offer full service connections, though state parks typically provide electric-only options.
Accessibility: Most RV campgrounds in the region accommodate larger vehicles. "Our site was a large pull-through, nice and level and had plenty of comfortable space between it and neighboring sites," notes one RVer about the Grand Island location. Check individual park specifications for maximum vehicle lengths before booking.
Seasonal considerations: The camping season in this region typically runs April through October. "We stayed here on 9/19 after spending the day hiking at Letchworth. Campground there was booked, and we preferred not to drive home," reports a Maple Lane visitor, highlighting the importance of reservations during peak periods. Off-season camping is limited, with most parks closing entirely during winter months.
