Camping near North Tonawanda, New York provides convenient access to Niagara Falls attractions while offering wooded settings for overnight stays. Temperatures range from summer highs around 80°F to winter lows below freezing, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from April through October. Winter camping options are limited to year-round facilities like AA Royal Motel & Campground.
What to do
Explore Niagara Falls State Park: Located approximately 20 minutes from North Tonawanda campgrounds, the park offers direct access to viewing platforms. At Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday, "You can schedule tours of the falls in the office. Tour bus stops at office. Restaurants nearby," according to visitor Mike H.
Visit Fort Niagara: This historic site sits about 5 minutes from Four Mile Creek State Park Campground, offering military history displays. As reviewer Stacia R. notes, "The park is located on a scenic byway with several state parks along its route and only about 20 minutes from Niagara Falls."
Watch Lake Ontario sunsets: The viewing area at Four Mile Creek provides unobstructed sunset views. Laura Nicole A. shares, "The sunsets you'll catch on Lake Ontario are some of the best you'll see. You can't swim off the ledges, but this place is worth it."
Play disc golf: Darien Lakes State Park includes a disc golf course among its amenities. Jeremy H. explains it has "miles of hiking trails, nice 'lakes' to fish and swim in. There is a fairly new Frisbee golf course as well."
What campers like
Swimming pools: HTR Niagara Campground offers multiple swimming options. Amy T. confirms, "The pool and lazy river are beautiful, the zip line is awesome and they have great sites."
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds provide more room between spaces. Keri describes, "Lots of activities at this park, staff is friendly, clean pools, facilities, zip line, boat rentals, spacious sites, and minutes from the falls!"
Clean facilities: Many North Tonawanda area campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. At Niagara's Lazy Lakes, Connie J. notes, "Bathrooms are very clean along with the showers. They are cleaned on a daily basis."
Activities for children: Family-friendly options abound for pet owners with children. At Darien Lakes State Park Campground, Wesley J. confirms it's a "kids paradise" that "has lots of entertainment for all ages."
What you should know
Interstate noise: Some campgrounds back up to highways with noticeable sound. Thomas S. observed at Grand Island KOA, "It is right off the roadway so there is some road noise. However it is a heavily populated area and we just needed a layover place."
Limited shade: Many sites offer minimal tree cover. At Cinderella Motel & Campsite, Snooz H. noted, "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."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close for winter. Niagara Falls North/Lewiston KOA operates "Apr 15 to Oct 15" while HTR Niagara Campground runs "May to October."
Varying site quality: Campground layouts can position some sites better than others. Paula from Four Mile Creek advises, "This is a friendly and clean state park campground where you can choose your own environmental experience... Interested in a less social scene, then the 200 loop (has electric hookups) or the 300 loop (no hookups) might be for you."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple bathroom locations: Larger campgrounds have several facilities. Paula shared about Four Mile Creek, "There are several bath houses with laundry located throughout the CG, and some are a bit more updated than others."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with specific child activities. At Niagara's Lazy Lakes Camping Resort, Stephanie B. confirms, "There is so much to do at Lazy Lakes! From fishing to pools the kids always had something to do."
Playground options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds include play equipment. L W. describes HTR Niagara Campground: "They have every amenity you could need and the grounds are pristine. Our favorites were the 3 pools and brand new playground. We have little kids and they were just as entertained as all the big kids."
Family shower areas: Some facilities include private family shower rooms. L W. notes HTR Niagara Campground has "Lots of bath house and some with family showering areas."
Tips from RVers
Arrival routing: Choose the easiest approach to campgrounds. Mike H. warns about Grand Island KOA, "Note: if you are coming in from the southern side, DO NOT GO THROUGH DOWNTOWN BUFFALO like we did! PAY THE TOLLS!"
Connectivity: Cell service and WiFi vary by location. Kara W. reported at AA Royal Motel & Campground, "The sites toward the front are definitely more level and have better cell service, but the sites toward the back are better shaded. Cell service and wifi was enough for me to work during the week and stream at night."
Site leveling: Ground conditions can require adjustments. Kirk S. notes at Grand Island KOA, "Sites are easy access, rock bed for the sites, you are escorted to site."
Utility hookups: Location of water and electric connections can vary. When describing Niagara Woodland Campground, Gaines B. mentions, "At checkin I asked about electrical at the site and was told, 'there should be'. There really wasn't, but there was 3 sites away. I also asked about water and was told, 'I think so'. It was 4 sites away."
