Allegany State Park offers cabin accommodations across two distinct areas spanning 65,000 acres of forested terrain in southwestern New York. The park sits at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,300 feet, creating varied camping experiences throughout its expansive landscape. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer highs typically reach the 70s and 80s, influencing cabin selection based on seasonal needs.
What to do
Hiking exploration: 60+ miles of trails: Quaker Area features trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. "We camped here with one of our children, and hiked a couple of trails, that were beautiful!" notes Trina W. about Quaker Area — Allegany State Park.
Water activities at the beach: The Quaker Area lake includes a playground and equipment rentals. According to Verity S., "The lake is a great place to spend some time. There is a nice big playground. Spot to grab some ice cream/snack. The kayaks and small water craft rentals are a little pricy."
Nature programs: The park offers educational sessions for all ages. Kate C. of Quaker Area reports, "There were lots of nature programs put on by the park," making it easy to learn about local wildlife and ecosystems.
Bear Cave Trail exploration: This unique geological formation draws visitors year-round. Amy M. of Red House Area — Allegany State Park says, "Great fishing and hiking and lots of other stuff to do!" with Bear Cave being a highlight for many families.
What campers like
All-season accommodations: Cabins remain popular throughout the year. Alex B. notes about Quaker Area, "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."
Wood stoves in cabins: The heating systems provide reliable warmth in colder months. Brian B. explains, "The box wood stoves inside keep things toasty, warm, even on a snowy day," making Quaker Area cabins comfortable year-round.
Swimming options: Multiple parks offer water recreation. Bobby C. appreciated the comprehensive facilities at Quaker Area, noting, "Upon entering the park it was a 20 minute drive to our site. Our site was perfect wooded, gravel pad, water spigot across the street, bear proof box (a first for us)."
Scenic spots: Thunder Rocks draws visitors for its massive boulder formations. Jeremy H. recommends, "Check out Thunder rocks and climb boulders the size of a house," when staying at Red House Area.
What you should know
Cabin capacity varies: Different cabins accommodate different group sizes. The Bova Cottages at Allegany State Park are newer units built around 2014. Harry H. reports they "had everything we needed for a weekend with extended family, almost like a hotel in what they supply."
Firewood sources: Various options exist for purchasing wood. Bobby C. advises, "Buy firewood outside the park save yourself some cash. 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."
Variable cell service: Coverage differs between areas. Megan P. notes about Red House Area, "Poor, to no cell phone reception in the Quaker Area adds to the remoteness," which enhances disconnection from daily life.
Site spacing concerns: Some areas have tightly grouped sites. Kate C. mentions, "The campsites were a little too closely spaced, and no one enforced quiet hours. We could hear people laughing and carrying on all night long."
Tips for camping with families
Recreational amenities for children: Multiple campgrounds offer child-friendly activities. At Triple R Camping Resort, Anna T. shares, "The campground has so many fun things for kids. It is a very clean campground and well maintained," with specific features like a splash pad and playground.
Wildlife awareness: Food storage precautions help prevent unwanted visitors. Kate W. at Bova Cottages warns, "Do not leave food out. The bears are very ambitious," emphasizing proper food storage techniques.
Fishing options: Several locations offer fishing opportunities. Amy M. recommends Red House Area for "Great fishing and hiking and lots of other stuff to do!" making it ideal for families with varied interests.
Natural swimming areas: Lake access provides cooling recreation during summer visits. Nick O. appreciates that Willow Bay Recreation Area offers "water access, fire pits having grates, privacy," making it an excellent choice for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choosing the right loop matters. Tim J. recommends at Willow Bay, "We stayed at Hemlock #56. The fresh water spigot was at the end of our driveway, which is on a slight incline. A couple of extra tongue blocks would've been useful since the site slopes in the front and at the back."
Amenities differ by loop: Bathroom and shower quality varies within campgrounds. Tim J. adds, "My wife said the showers in the Hemlock loop were VERY nice and clean. We saw the cleaning crew go in there a couple times a day to keep it up."
Seasonal differences: Visit timing affects amenities and crowds. At Pope Haven Campground, Melissa O. notes, "The owners are very friendly and we felt welcomed. The layout is great for walking and there are so many beautiful sites from the seasonal campers."
