The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Otto, NY

464 Reviews

Several tent camping options exist within the forests and state lands surrounding Otto, New York. Tent campers can find established sites at locations like Allegany State Park's Bova area, or more primitive options at Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest. The Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, though across the border in Pennsylvania, offers free tent camping within driving distance of Otto, providing a rustic alternative to developed campgrounds.

Most walk-in tent sites throughout this region have minimal amenities, with campers needing to pack in water and essential supplies. At Warner Road Dispersed Camping, sites consist primarily of small clearings with established fire rings, though visitors report varying conditions. A visitor commented that "the site was fine, fire pit, primitive spot so no services... kind of a gross site, the previous people who stayed at our site were messy and left litter." Tent campers should be prepared for potentially muddy conditions following rain, and be aware that many dispersed sites lack facilities entirely. Bear activity has been reported in the area, particularly near Allegany State Park, necessitating proper food storage.

The backcountry tent camping experience varies seasonally across the Otto region. Areas farther from main roads offer deeper forest immersion and fewer disturbances. According to one review of Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, "There are multiple spots along the main forest road. Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you can't take your car at all." This flexibility allows tent campers to choose sites based on desired privacy levels. Fall brings spectacular foliage, particularly in higher elevations, while summer offers easier access to more remote primitive tent setups. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with one camper noting the roads and surrounding trails become "a little slippery" with temperatures dropping into the low teens overnight.

Map showing campgrounds near Otto, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Otto, New York (14)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Otto Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Otto, NY

1 Photos of 14 Otto Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Otto, NY

464 Reviews of 14 Otto Campgrounds

  • Bill G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2020

    Willow Bay Recreation Area

    Quiet nights, Easy days

    Willow bay campground is run by the National Forest Service. The reservable lots are wide and numerous for a out of the way sight. The campground services tent sites, RV sites as well as small cabins with electricity. There is a central bathhouse near the oak loop. Closer to the boat ramp sites- most of which are tent ready, there are vault toilets. These sites are less than a mile from the North Country Trail. Other, smaller trails are here as well. The New York State lone is less than five miles away- providing access to Allegheny State Park. The closest town of note is Bradford, which is about 18 miles away. It has all you need to get your necessities. The cabins were small- one twin bed and a set of single bunks. You need to bring your own sheets. There is a small heater imbedded in the wall. It keeps things from getting too cold, as it was when I was there. Fire ring and picnic table provided. Charcoal grill as well. The only problem I had was with the wildlife. A mouse or something kep crawling in the space between the roof and ceiling. There is no cel service here, and you shouldn’t need it either. Places to visit are too numerous to mention, but I will give a shout out to the zippo case museum, absolutely a must.

  • Mary S.
    Sep. 24, 2018

    Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park

    This is a great vacation area.....spend a week!

    Did you know this is NY's largest state campground? We stopped here on a rainy night, but what we saw convinced me we need to return. I know this campground is a vacation destination for families in western NY.

    Cain Hollow is in the Quaker Run area which includes Quaker Lake. There is another campground in the Red House Area, and there are also lots of cabins. This is definitely a 4 seasons park - hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing....

    I was able to take photos of a few sites the next morning. You can see that sites are private and you're definitely in the woods. There are food storage boxes at all campsites because you're in bear country.

  • Travis S.
    Jun. 30, 2020

    Dewdrop

    Spacious

    Campsite layouts are non traditional with large driveways and often times the tables and fire rings are below the driveway.  With this layout you get more privacy with very few sites having and overlapping with other sites. Pitching a tent was easy on the driveway and fairly level. Some sites had large high sided fire rings which take away from the fireside relaxation of a shorter camp chair. 

    Bathrooms and shower house was below the standards of many of PA State Parks which we regard as the benchmark for campgrounds at reasonable prices. 

    Boating and biking all accessible from the grounds. No need to drive to the trails at Jakes Rocks.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Evangola State Park Campground

    Great campground

    We stayed here three nights to ride out a heat wave and really liked it. Sites are electric only, with a dump station available at the entrance and one in the campground loop. There are potable water spigots throughout the campground, where you awkwardly pull over to the side of the road and fill your tank. Sites are pretty much wide open, with zero separation between you and your neighbor. Most are out in direct sun but the ones along the edge have some tree cover and shade. 

    There are yurts here as well, and a playground, and a huge disc golf course. You can walk to the beach from the campground (dogs aren’t allowed on the beach). The nature center is right in the campground, by the basketball and tennis courts. 

    Showers were dirty and buggy, but they’re free and you can actually choose your own water temperature. NY State campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccinations for your dogs.

     Good cell reception for Verizon, ATT wasn’t great but the cell booster helped. Trash bins, but no recycling. Beautiful sunset on the lake.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Evangola State Park Campground

    Great campground

     We stayed here three nights to ride out a heat wave and really liked it. Sites are electric only, with a dump station available at the entrance and one in the campground loop. There are potable water spigots throughout the campground, where you awkwardly pull over to the side of the road and fill your tank. 

    Sites are pretty much wide open, with zero separation between you and your neighbor. Most are out in direct sun but the ones along the edge have some tree cover and shade. 

    There are yurts here as well, and a playground, and a huge disc golf course. You can walk to the beach from the campground (dogs aren’t allowed on the beach). The nature center is right in the campground, by the basketball and tennis courts. Showers were dirty and buggy, but they’re free and you can actually choose your own water temperature. 

    NY State campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccinations for your dogs. Good cell reception for Verizon, ATT wasn’t great but the cell booster helped. Trash bins, but no recycling. Beautiful sunset on the lake.

  • Christine J.
    Jun. 9, 2021

    Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    Campground in Allegheny National Forest

    Nice location near the water. Campground has three sections to it. Once you come in the main enterance, off to your right are nice walk in tent sites. Off to the left are two loops for tent and RV camping. There are two bath houses, one near each loop. They each have three hot water showers, flush toilets and sinks. All sites have a fire ring. Some sites offer more shade than others. (We were at site #31 and it didn't have much shade.) Ice and firewood is avaliable. You are better off getting firewood down the road as you will get more wood for the money. Current price is $10 a bundle. Ice is only $2 a bag. Closest grocery store is in Kane. There are hiking trails nearby. The only thing that I didn't like was that it seemed that many of the sites were quite muddy because all of the grass was worn out. Not much grassy area for tents. Other than that it was great.

  • Ian B.
    Aug. 21, 2023

    Morrison Campground

    Good hike for my young sons

    Been here a few times. Took my oldest so, 7 years old, on his first backpacking trip. It was hard for him but persevered. Camp grounds are well dispersed for privacy. Each with a fire ring and table. Even a vaulted toilet which we discovered on our last trip. It’s kinda hidden, you may have to search for it.

  • Erin H.
    Sep. 14, 2020

    HTR Niagara Campground

    Covid update on one of my favorites

    Once again, the Branches of Niagara comes through stunningly. Even in the midst of the lockdowns and augmented restrictions, TBON went above and beyond to be sure we had the safest and most enjoyable time we could during our stay.

    Bathrooms, as usual, were pristine, with regular visits from the staff to disinfect and make sure campers were satisfied. This is a campground of several lakeside cabins and mostly RVs, so they were also seldom in use, making them even more accommodating for us during this time of distancing. They notified us in advance that they were still open and what was functional under the strict and ever changing NY requirements. Note: as of Summer 2020, masks were required to enter the store and check in areas, but not required elsewhere. Kids activities were augmented to allow for distancing and remain completely outdoors.

    We got site 10, which was excellent both for proximity to everything, hookups, privacy, space and views. This particular site had ample, mowed and cleared room behind the spacious site as well where you can set up your hammocks and relax in the wooded shade. Directly in front of the site is a clearing which allows a view to the pool and pond-side of the campground. It was quiet and clean.

    Stef is always friendly, and the camp store rents a number of items to add to the fun - paddle boats, kayaks, 4 seater bike surreys, peddle carts, and other fun things. Zip lines were both still open. Activities were updated to reflect safety during C-19.

    Beautiful, peaceful, spacious campground with so many hidden gems. The lake is pretty and the campground’s access from the Grand Island side of Buffalo to Niagara Falls is very convenient, yet away from the loud commotion and traffic. We highly recommend!

  • d
    Jul. 29, 2021

    Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    Spacious Camping in the Woods

    This campground is operated by the state and they take excellent care of it. The sites are spacious with all different types of typography - large boulders, slopes, flats all with grass and dirt, handicap accessible picnic tables and fire rings. Few sites have full hook-up and those are closest to the paved roads. Several sites have electric but most are for boondocking. The sites closest to the GORGEOUS reservoir are all primitive. All sites are back-in. There are paths leading down to the reservoir throughout the campground. The pit toilets and shower houses are well-located and very clean. There is firewood available for purchase on-site.  There is an easily accessible dump site right on the property. It was a quiet place with respectful campers. Kayaking down the river from Westline back to the campground was a blast! The water was higher because of all the rains this month so we got lucky and encountered some class III rapids. Usually a trip of this distance might have you doing some portage in that same river when the water is at normal levels. We ventured away from camp this time into the town of Westline and Kane and found some great little local restaurants and even a distillery that rolled out the welcome mat for us! No other frills are available at Redbridge campground, but if you just want to be in the woods and enjoy nature, this is the place to do just that. Bring your boats, bikes and hiking boots and have a ball surrounded by the natural beauty that is the Allegheny Reservoir area.

Guide to Otto

The Otto area offers a range of tent campsites within New York's western region, where elevations range from 1,500 to 1,800 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures regularly drop into the low teens, requiring specialized cold-weather gear for off-season camping. The region features a mix of state forests and established campgrounds, with varying levels of accessibility depending on seasonal conditions.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: Hector Falls is accessible via a 3/4 mile hike from Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite. One camper reports, "There is a really cool place called Hector Falls. The trailhead is about a mile down the road from this spot. The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations."

Winter recreation: The area supports year-round outdoor activities. Bova Cottages provide an excellent base for cold-weather adventures. According to a visitor, "Cabins feel rustic but are new (2014?) and modern. Allegany State Park is nearby for hiking, snowshoeing, XC skiing, leaf peeping, etc."

Biking: Several forest roads and trails accommodate mountain biking throughout the camping areas. A camper at Firefly Acres noted the "activity filled area to camp" with "tons of activities nearby including trails for hiking & mountain biking."

What campers like

Secluded forest settings: Many tent campsites near Otto, New York provide isolation and forest immersion. A visitor to Streamside Eriegrove commented simply that it "will become your go to campsite!" due to its perfect setting.

Free dispersed options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate no-cost camping options. One camper described North Harmony State Forest as "a fine site, fire pit, primitive spot so no services" that "served its purpose as a free place to sleep along a longer trip."

Seasonal diversity: The region transforms dramatically through the seasons. A winter visitor reported, "Super peaceful. 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 you should know

Navigation challenges: First-time visitors may struggle to locate some dispersed sites. One camper warned about Warner Road Dispersed Camping, noting potential confusion about overnight stays: "There are posted signs that say Day Use Only. It was quiet and dark."

Variable site conditions: Site maintenance varies significantly across locations. A camper observed, "Kind of a gross site, the previous people who stayed at our site were messy and left litter."

Wildlife precautions: Beyond bears, ticks are a concern in warmer months. One visitor advised, "Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me."

Tips for camping with families

Cabin accommodations: Families with young children may prefer established campgrounds with cabins. A visitor to Dream Lake Campground reported it's "very family friendly lots of activities been going here 6 years now and never have had a bad time."

Guided activities: Some established campgrounds offer structured programs. One camper noted, "Weekend activities. The snack house food is great, if you don't feel like cooking they offer a nice menu almost anyone would love."

Nature exploration: Thunder Rocks provides a memorable experience for children. A visitor recalled, "There's beaches, guided nature trails, biking, hiking. Basically, Allegany has it all. Do not miss the thunder rocks, they're really, really enjoyable."

Tips from RVers

Road access considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. At Big Oak Hill, "The campsite is accessible by drive-in, but you may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle if there has been rain."

Hookup availability: While many dispersed sites lack amenities, some established campgrounds offer full services. One RVer mentioned, "There are multiple spots along the main forest road. Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you can't take your car at all."

Seasonal access limitations: Spring conditions can create challenging situations for larger vehicles. A camper advised, "It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door" and noted that local hardware stores provide supplies if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Otto, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Otto, NY is Bova Cottages — Allegany State Park with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Otto, NY?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Otto, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring