Best Campgrounds near Machias, NY

Western New York's Machias area features a diverse range of camping options within a short drive of town. Boyce State Forest offers primitive, free dispersed camping with seasonal road access and basic amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets. For those seeking more developed facilities, Triple R Camping Resort in nearby Franklinville provides full hookups for RVs, cabin rentals, and glamping options from mid-April through mid-October. Shamrock Pines Campground, also in Franklinville, offers similar amenities with boat access. Within a 30-minute drive, East Otto State Forest provides more rustic camping experiences with fire rings and pet-friendly policies but fewer amenities than the private campgrounds.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with limited winter access. Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with better coverage at private resorts than in state forests. As one camper noted about nearby Hanging Bog, "Because you are off the beaten path, it feels like you are in the wilderness, although you are in driving distance of a hamlet where you can get supplies." Bear activity has been reported in the region, requiring proper food storage practices.

Forested sites dominate the camping landscape around Machias, with many campers highlighting the privacy and natural setting. Private campgrounds like Triple R and Shamrock Pines receive high ratings for their amenities and maintenance, while state forests appeal to those seeking quieter, more primitive experiences. Water access is available at several locations, though primarily for small watercraft. Hiking trails connect many camping areas to scenic viewpoints and fishing spots. Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities, making September and early October particularly popular camping times. Winter camping is limited but possible in some areas for experienced cold-weather campers with proper equipment. Most campgrounds welcome pets with standard leash requirements.

Best Camping Sites Near Machias, New York (127)

    1. Triple R Camping Resort and Trailer Sales

    4 Reviews
    Franklinville, NY
    6 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!"

    2. East Otto State Forest

    10 Reviews
    Collins Center, NY
    15 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."

    3. Jellystone Park™ of Western New York

    14 Reviews
    North Java, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (585) 457-9644

    $31 - $276 / night

    "What are the best things about this National Park is that you feel like you were in a Yogi Bear show although there is still a ton of beautiful nature to enjoy the novelty of Yogi Bear is always around"

    "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."

    4. Arrowhead Campground

    2 Reviews
    Machias, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 492-3715

    5. Sprague Brook Park

    7 Reviews
    Holland, NY
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 592-2804

    "Well maintained park the campground is full of hiking trails and areas to fish on multiple ponds the sites are your average size and are kept clean."

    "There is a play area for kids every time you turn around and a nice little pond for fishing. For what it is, it's a very nice spot if you're looking for a less wild camping experience."

    6. Letchworth State Park Campground

    77 Reviews
    Perry, NY
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (585) 493-3600

    $300 / night

    "Letchworth State Park is known as the Grand Canyon of the East and is located in Mt. Morris New York. My husband and I visited regularly when we lived near Rochester, NY."

    "Not technically in the Finger Lakes but still one of the most beautiful parts of Western New York State. Splurge and eat at the Glen Iris Inn! Great for cycling and hiking but no swimming."

    8. 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.  "

    9. Allegany Mountain Members Resort

    1 Review
    Ellicottville, NY
    12 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."

    10. Beaver Meadow Family Campground

    6 Reviews
    Java Center, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (585) 457-3101

    "HIGHLIGHTS: 

    Many nature trails 

    Visitors center 

    Swimming pool 

    Beautiful sunsets 

    Fishing 

    Well Sized campsites

    CONS: 

    Roads are not paved making it difficult for kids riding bikes 

    Pricey"

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Recent Reviews near Machias, NY

558 Reviews of 127 Machias Campgrounds


  • 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

  • MacKenzi G.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Sleepy Hollow Lake Campground

    Kid friendly but Bee Problem

    We had a lot of fun here and there’s a lot of activities for kids I would typically give this campsite 5 stars but our only problem was there were bees everywhere. I get some bees are apart of the camping experience and nature but we’ve never ran into this problem elsewhere. They were all over the campground it was very unpleasant and there was a nest under the playground we did advise management of.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Donna A.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Lake Erie State Park Campground

    Great Campground

    Just returned from staying over the weekend at this campgound with my dog and had a great time. We stayed in a non-electric site in my campervan and it was perfect. There is comfortable space between each campsite in most cases plus lots of trees for shade. Although the campground was full, it was quiet since I like to retire early. We saw lots of wildlife (black squirrels, rabbits and birds). The restroom and showers were nice, they were clean and only a short walk from my campsite. My dog was excited to get lots of walks during the time we were there. The beach was not close to our campsite but I drove there before checking out and walked the dog again. It was a rocky walk along the sand but a beautiful area with a playground. There were, however, many large dead fish along the water line. I can't wait to return to Lake Erie State Park because I enjoyed it so much!

  • S
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Beaver Meadow Family Campground

    Ridiculous pool rule

    The campgrounds are nice. The staff, friendly. Brought our RV so I didn’t see the bathrooms. We had a site that was “lake view” which was funny because it’s a pond. It was stocked so fishing was fun. They have a nice heated pool. My only real issue is the ridiculous two adult pool rule if you are with kids. We spent all day at the rodeo. We came back ready to swim after being in the sun all day. Of course my toddler fell asleep so I stayed with him at the campsite and my husband took our other two kids to the pool. They were able to swim for 15 mins before the other people who were at the pool took off. So it was just my husband and kids left. 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”. Like, what?!? Seriously? That’s the stupidest rule I’ve ever heard. So he gets my very disappointed kids out of the pool and they are just hanging out pool side hoping for basically a stranger to come swim so they can swim. They waited nearly an hour before they got defeated and came back to the camper. Stupid rule. I’ve never seen any campground ever have that rule. If you are that worried about a solo parent taking care of their kids, hire a life guard. Or make that pool rule known prior to booking. My kids had life jackets on and my husband is CPR certified. Literally will never come here again because of this rule. Lame lame LAME.

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Cinderella Motel & Campsite

    Nice with friendlies #18

    Check in was a breeze. No amenities to speak of except a shelter area a big lawn to walk dogs. Closest ice machine about 3 miles at a speedway gas station. Plan ahead!

    we were in #18 which has a tree that made it difficult to get the awning out and our slide out felt intrusive on the neighbor but that's the way it goes.


Guide to Machias

Camping near Machias, New York, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly campground or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: Letchworth State Park Campground is known for its stunning waterfalls and extensive trails. One visitor mentioned, "The waterfalls were amazing. The rec center had tons of activities and sports for the kids to do" while enjoying their week-long stay.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Darien Lakes State Park Campground, you can enjoy swimming in the lake and fishing. A camper noted, "The park was nearly empty... It was immaculate and the sites well spaced apart."
  • Wildlife Watching: The Quaker Area at Allegany State Park is a great spot for wildlife sightings. One camper shared, "We did have visits from wildlife, which was great; the bear boxes help protect the food."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A review from Letchworth State Park Campground highlighted, "The bathrooms were clean and cleaned frequently while we were there."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Evangola State Park Campground, offer spacious sites. One visitor said, "Sites are pretty much wide open, with zero separation between you and your neighbor."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park of Western New York are packed with activities for kids. A parent mentioned, "This place is great for a family. Water park, fishing, kayaking, swimming."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, such as East Otto State Forest, have little to no cell service. One camper noted, "There was absolutely nothing" for cell reception, which can be a nice break from technology.
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Allegany State Park is open from May 18 to October 8, so plan your trip accordingly.
  • Wildlife Precautions: If you're camping at places like Quaker Area — Allegany State Park, be prepared for wildlife. One camper mentioned, "The bear boxes help protect the food."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Make sure to check out the playgrounds and recreational centers available at campgrounds like Letchworth State Park Campground. A review stated, "The rec center had tons of activities and sports for the kids to do."
  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer shade and space for kids to play. A camper at Darien Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, "Ours had both 30A and 50A power, was pretty level left/right."
  • Pack Snacks: Campgrounds often have limited stores. One visitor at Six Flags Darien Lake Campground noted, "The camp store was really expensive, so I’m glad we remembered to bring everything."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A review from Six Flags Darien Lake Campground mentioned, "Most are actually 20 amp and run on dangerously low voltage."
  • Level Your Site: Some sites can be uneven. A camper advised, "Our site was very unleveled; bring a long cord and hose."
  • Plan for Distance: Be prepared for some campgrounds to be a bit of a drive from attractions. One camper at Allegany State Park noted, "It was a perfect overnight stop as I made my way out of NY."

Camping near Machias, New York, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Machias, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Machias, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 campgrounds and RV parks near Machias, NY and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Machias, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Machias, NY is Triple R Camping Resort and Trailer Sales with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Machias, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Machias, NY.