Tent camping near Mayville, New York ranges from primitive forest sites to established campgrounds within a 15-mile radius. The region sits at the northern end of Chautauqua Lake with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 feet, creating varied terrain for camping options. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer nights typically stay between 55-65°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Hector Falls offers a unique hiking destination approximately 30 miles from Mayville. "It's about 3/4 a mile hike into the woods. The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations. Be careful the cliffs are about a 20 ft straight drop," notes Bob J. from Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.
Wildlife observation: The wooded areas surrounding Mayville provide ample opportunities for spotting local fauna. According to Jake C., "Compass Campgrounds is more than a place to stay, they also have tons of trails so you can explore the area and search for local wildlife."
Off-season camping: Winter camping presents challenges but rewards solitude seekers. Ian B. describes his experience at Forestry Road: "It was freezing, quite literally, with nights in the low teens. The melting and refreezing had made the roads and surrounding trails a little slippery so I would be cautious if traveling alone."
What campers like
Elevated camping spots: Sites on hills offer special perspectives of the surrounding area. Thomas B. describes Big Oak Hill: "It is a newly created campsite that is located on top of a hill with a big oak tree. The campsite is accessible by drive-in, but you may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle if there has been rain."
Quiet forest surroundings: Many campers appreciate the peace found in dispersed sites. Ian H. from Forestry Road Dispersed shares: "This spot is a boondocker's delight! Big open spots with established fire rings. Quiet except for the distant rumble of a train passing the town down in the valley."
Convenience of nearby supplies: Despite the rustic nature of many sites, access to supplies remains manageable. Mark M. notes about the area: "Howe's ace hardware is about 10 miles away with a dollar general across the street. The site seeing is second to none."
What you should know
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage in the region. "There's black bears that live in the several caves in the area. I was meditating in my car one evening and a bear stood up and pushed against my window. Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night," warns Mystic S. from Forestry Road Dispersed.
Site conditions vary: Previous campers may leave sites in various states. Rose S. notes about Warner Road: "Kind of a gross site, the previous people who stayed at our site were messy and left litter, but it served its purpose as a free place to sleep along a longer trip."
Confusing signage: Some dispersed sites have unclear overnight camping designations. Denise D. reports: "Like the other review, this site has a lot of litter. Clearly people are camping here at times but there are posted signs that say Day Use Only. It was quiet and dark."
Tips for camping with families
Tick prevention: Families should take precautions against ticks when tent camping near Mayville. Ian B. advises about his experience at Streamside Eriegrove: "If you don't mind roughing it a bit, it's really quite nice. Sites are first come first serve and there is a bit of day traffic to get to Hector Falls. Which is a nice little 2 mile hike. Some good exploring. Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me."
Weather preparation: The region experiences significant rainfall, requiring weather-appropriate gear. According to one camper, "It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door. Great hiking/biking."
Alternative camping options: For families seeking more amenities, converted campgrounds offer different experiences. Shannon S. mentions about Hidden Valley Camping Area: "It's new they have a little bit to go to be a Jellystone campground."
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Accessing some forest sites requires attention to weather impacts on road conditions. Mark M. shares his experience: "I have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160. It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door."
Cell service considerations: Despite the remote setting, connectivity exists in pockets. Eliezera M. notes: "The campsite next to the hiking trail has WiFi about 70% of the time."
Gas line awareness: Understanding local infrastructure helps navigation. "Apparently the entire area is a natural gas reserve, so there are these blue and orange posts signifying gas lines, those are actually the hiking trails. They don't look like normal trail heads," explains one camper who found spotty but reliable cell service averaging "3-4 bars of 5g" daily.
