Allegany State Park cabins provide alternatives to traditional glamping in Otto, New York. The park spans over 65,000 acres of forested land in western New York state with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,300 feet. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing while summer averages reach the mid-70s, creating distinct camping seasons with varying amenities available.
What to do
Hiking at Thunder Rocks: This unique geological formation in Allegany State Park features massive boulders perfect for exploration. According to one camper at Quaker Area — Allegany State Park, "We camped here with one of our children, and hiked a couple of trails, that were beautiful!" The Thunder Rocks trail is approximately 0.5 miles and suitable for most ability levels.
Winter activities: Winter camping offers a different experience from summer stays. A visitor at Red House Area — Allegany State Park noted, "The park has a nice variety of cabins along several loops. Cabins range from rustic to downright homey... The Red House Administration building is a great central location to meet up with other camping families."
Swimming options: Beyond the lake, several campgrounds offer swimming pools. At Triple R Camping Resort, a visitor shared, "Clean campground with so much to do! There's definitely something for everyone here; pool, splash park, hiking trails, playgrounds, & activities for all ages are just some of the things."
What campers like
Cabin heating systems: Wood stoves keep cabins comfortable during colder months. One camper at Quaker Area noted, "You can go to this camp at any point in time, after Labor Day you can even get firewood delivered to your door. The box wood stoves inside to keep things thirsty, warm, even on a snowy day."
Privacy levels vary: Site selection impacts privacy. A camper at Evangola State Park observed, "The campsites were pretty close together and did not offer much privacy unless you had a camper. At the time I went (May, 2018) the lake was reduced to about a third of it's water due to maintenance."
Cell service limitations: Limited connectivity enhances the wilderness feel. A visitor to Allegany's Quaker Area shared, "Poor, to no cell phone reception in the Quaker Area adds to the remoteness. I love Allegany so much that I got married in the Quaker Pavilion 2 years ago!"
What you should know
Firewood pricing: Plan for fire costs accordingly. A camper at Quaker Area advised, "The park service asks you not to transport fire wood. We understand why, my problem is when you get to the park 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. Buy firewood outside the park save yourself some cash."
Site spacing: Some areas have tightly grouped sites. At Tracy Ridge, a camper reported a different experience: "Lots are huge and never crowed. I think there's 3 loops still open, 1 closed... Whether you're going w a group to get a little crazy or you have young children that will enjoy just being in the woods and learning primitive style camping methods there's enough space that all will enjoy."
Seasonal membership requirements: Some luxury glamping accommodations require membership. A visitor to Allegany Mountain Resort noted, "This is a members only resort however we got invited to do a tour and got seven nights free to check it out. This place has larger sites and a nice size lake to fish I. Along with a few other small stocked ponds."
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak visits: Consider timing for less crowded experiences. At Quaker Area, a camper mentioned, "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."
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer organized events. At Red House Area, a camper shared, "This is an awesome place to camp. New improvements to the park have been made the last few year! They runs daily activities you can go to and learn about different things in nature."
Playground access: Consider proximity to play areas when booking. A visitor at Jellystone Park of Western New York noted, "Your kids won't be bored while staying here. There is enough to keep them entertained for days. Down side is it is very busy if your looking to relax."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on your rig size. A visitor to Red Oak Campground explained, "The pulls ins are a bit of a draw on levelness, but none are horribly unlevel. I was in the 'B1' and it's a bit larger than the others as it's on the corner. It had a nicely level spot on a gravel drive for my 21 ft travel trailer."
Seasonal access: Check opening dates before planning. Allegany Mountain Resort operates from May 1 to October 15, while Evangola State Park is open April 29 to October 9, limiting off-season glamping options in the Otto area.
Water and utilities: Water access varies significantly. At Tracy Ridge, a camper noted, "Remote and quiet campground. About 20% occupied on a weekend in early August. Sites are all large with privacy between, generally level, partial or full shade. Vault toilets, pumps for potable water. Intermittent Verizon service with a mobile router and external antenna."
