The campgrounds near Machias, New York sit at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than nearby Buffalo and Rochester. Spring runoff can make primitive camping areas muddy through early June, and fall temperatures drop significantly at night. Most camping options require advance planning due to the region's growing popularity among families seeking outdoor recreation within 90 minutes of metropolitan areas.
What to do
Hiking at East Otto State Forest: Access multiple secluded trails with moderate elevation changes suitable for day hikes. One camper mentioned, "This was my first real camping trip since I was a boy, almost 30 years ago. Sites were spaced out enough that you know someone was in the site next to you, but you couldn't see them." The forest offers sites with fire rings and plenty of fallen branches for campfires.
Fishing at Triple R Camping Resort: Catch bass and panfish in the stocked pond, with shore access for all campers. Fishing is catch-and-release only with no license required for registered guests. As one visitor noted, "The campground has so many fun things for kids. It is a very clean campground and well maintained."
Swimming at Jellystone Park: Cool off during hot summer days at the water park facilities with heated pools. A visitor observed, "We hit this campground on our way through to Lake George, and I was genuinely upset that we couldn't stay longer. So many fun amenities. It's like a water park, meets campground."
Creek exploration at Sprague Brook Park: Wade through shallow creek sections during summer months when water levels are safe. The creek maintains cool temperatures even during hot spells. "There is a creek that runs through the state park which was nice for the kids to splash around in. Good for a local weekend get away," shared one camper.
What campers like
Privacy at East Otto State Forest: Sites spaced far enough apart to create a genuine wilderness feel despite proximity to small towns. "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! There are 14 designated spots," one camper explained.
Clean facilities at Beaver Meadow: Regular maintenance of bathroom and shower facilities makes this a comfortable option for families. "Restrooms and showers are kept clean," noted one visitor, though they added that "most of the sites with full hook-ups are practically on top of each other."
Winter accessibility at Boyce State Forest: One of few areas offering year-round primitive camping with a lean-to shelter. "It came with some firewood and cardboard to burn as well as some emergency water. Campsite was clean and came with an 'air conditioned loo'," explained a winter visitor.
Family activities at Jellystone Park: Scheduled events keep children entertained throughout summer weekends. "There is something for everyone at this campground. The added a beach to their pond and allow swimming. They have the best fireworks for July 4 and their Halloween weekends are full of fun and fright!" shared an enthusiastic visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal road conditions at Boyce State Forest: Spring access can be challenging due to mud. "Trail was more of a stream than a trail. You'll spend more time beside the trail then actually on it," reported one spring camper, who recommended "to come in dryer season or to bring rubber boots."
Cash-only policies at Arrowhead Campground: No credit cards accepted, requiring advance planning for reservations. "NO CREDIT CARDS; cash or check only. It makes it a little clunky to get a reservation because you have to mail in a check," explained one visitor who otherwise enjoyed their stay.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by provider, with Verizon generally offering best coverage. At East Otto State Forest, one camper noted, "I used the Dyrt provided GPS coordinates and was dropped into a residential area. Used the map on the parks website to get back on track and it was really simple. Also, it said there would be Verizon cell service, there was absolutely nothin."
Pool rules at Beaver Meadow: Strict safety policies require two adults present for children swimming. "My only real issue is the ridiculous two adult pool rule if you are with kids... The lady working in the office came out and told them they had to get out because 'there has to be two adults and one has to stay on deck'," reported a frustrated parent.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access at Sprague Brook Park: Multiple play areas throughout the campground keep children entertained. "There is a playground for the kiddos and a pond to fish in. No swimming in it though," noted one family camper. The park's playground equipment is maintained seasonally.
Educational opportunities at Letchworth State Park: Wildlife viewing and historical sites provide learning experiences for children. "The scenery is remarkable, and there is a lot of informative boards, dedicated benches that provide a lot of interesting history and information," commented one visitor.
Budget-friendly options near Machias: East Otto State Forest offers free camping with basic amenities, making it ideal for families testing camping with children. "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!" reported a satisfied camper.
Safety considerations at Triple R: Well-lit pathways and attentive staff provide peace of mind for parents with younger children. "The owners are so friendly and helpful! The campground has so many fun things for kids. It is a very clean campground and well maintained," shared one family.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Shamrock Pines Campground: Most level RV sites are located in the main camping area. "Several overnight sites with electric and water. These sites were mostly gravel and cut into a bank so that there is some separation. Surrounded by trees but grounds are well kept," reported one RV camper who appreciated the layout.
Dump station considerations: Plan ahead for sewage disposal as facilities vary widely. At Shamrock Pines, "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," noted one RVer.
Road navigation challenges: Prepare for narrow access roads and tight turns at several campgrounds. At Beaver Meadow, one camper noted, "Tricky roads but hey it's camping.... Will be trying to go back at the end of the month hopefully." Higher clearance vehicles may be necessary for accessing primitive sites.
Seasonal availability: Most RV-friendly campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. Allegany Mountain Resort offers RV camping with hookups from "May 1 to October 15" according to their seasonal schedule, though one visitor noted it's "a members only resort however we got invited to do a tour and got seven nights free to check it out."
