Best Campgrounds near Panama, NY

Panama, New York sits within a diverse camping landscape where Chautauqua Lake and Lake Erie influence the outdoor experience. North Harmony State Forest offers primitive tent camping with drive-in access near Little Brokenstraw Pond, while established campgrounds like Chautauqua Lake KOA provide full-service amenities including cabins, RV hookups, and glamping options. The region spans from developed lakeside resorts to secluded forest sites, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from May through October. Campers will find a mix of state-managed lands and private facilities within a 30-minute drive of Panama, creating a varied camping ecosystem that serves both wilderness seekers and those preferring modern conveniences.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping experiences in this region of western New York. Most campgrounds close by mid-October and reopen in May, with Lake Erie State Park and Chautauqua Lake KOA maintaining strict seasonal schedules. As one camper noted about North Harmony State Forest, "Finding the campsites can be a bit tricker. They are right off Snake Forest Road on a trail." Insect activity increases near water sources during summer months, with several reviewers mentioning the need for bug spray, particularly at sites near ponds or lakes. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with better coverage at developed campgrounds and limited to no service in state forest areas. Weather patterns can change quickly near the lakes, creating unique microclimates that affect camping comfort.

Lakeside camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Panama area. "Amazing sunsets right from your tent and lots of places to hang a hammock for a few hours," noted one Lake Erie State Park visitor. Water-based recreation dominates the camping experience, with boat launches, fishing access, and swimming areas available at many established campgrounds. The proximity to Amish country adds a unique cultural dimension to camping in this region, with one North Harmony State Forest camper reporting an unexpected encounter: "We saw a horse and buggy go by the campsite, having bypassed the gate." Fall foliage viewing draws significant crowds in October, with campgrounds reporting near-capacity weekends. Wildlife encounters, including black bears in some areas, require proper food storage practices even at developed sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Panama, New York (111)

    1. Chautauqua Lake KOA

    8 Reviews
    Mayville, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 386-3804

    $35 - $300 / night

    "Not too far from the Interstate & there was no highway noise at the campground. 

     "

    "Well spaced out and close to Chautauqua Lake."

    2. Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort

    5 Reviews
    Bemus Point, NY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 789-3435

    $30 - $65 / night

    "Southern Tier brewery nearby, two different casinos within 40 minutes, golf course, huge lake and more! Tons of year round campsites and campers who all seem very friendly"

    "Full hook-up and a swimming pool with beautiful views of the lake."

    4. North Harmony State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Panama, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 363-2052

    5. Buckaloons

    12 Reviews
    Irvine, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 368-4158

    $20 - $85 / night

    "We walked the campground and noticed that most campsites seemed to be a fairly decent size."

    "Dollar general close by just in case."

    6. Westfield-Lake Erie KOA

    11 Reviews
    Westfield, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 326-3573

    "There aren’t any restaurants around that deliver, so the KOA has a kitchen that delivers! We had delicious pizza and mozzarella sticks for dinner. GORGEOUS and incredibly clean bathrooms."

    "Glad we had good neighbors because our site was very close to them, even the campfire rings were only about 5 feet apart, which is a curious layout."

    7. Lake Erie State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Brocton, NY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 792-9214

    $17 - $88 / night

    "This park is right on the lake near the PA border. Flat short trails through the forests or walk along the beach."

    "Views of Lake Erie are spectacular. Nice walking trails, and there’s a disc-golf course and playground. Bathhouses are clean. Nice old trees and a few historic buildings around. Really comfortable."

    8. Brushwood Folklore Center, LLC

    1 Review
    Sherman, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 753-6636

    $10 - $45 / night

    9. Wildwood Acres

    1 Review
    Bemus Point, NY
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 386-1084

    $40 - $55 / night

    10. Big Oak Hill

    2 Reviews
    Clymer, NY
    12 miles

    $20 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Panama, NY

426 Reviews of 111 Panama Campgrounds


  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Lake Erie State Park Campground

    A very nice park and campground

    The facilities are old and outdated like most state parks but it's all clean. The staff is friendly and helpful and the camp sites are a decent size. The views of the lake aren't great but you can find it.

  • Chelsea B.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Cain hollow campground

    Come in Autumn!

    Absolutely beautiful camping loop. There are many others but Cain Hollow is completely open and on the side of a hill so beautiful views of the changing colors. Also good for Starlink users. Clean bathrooms. Beautiful paved greenway. Easy and hard trails available. Restaurant, general stores, laundry, bike rentals… this park is awesome. Absolutely zero Verizon service though. Heads up!

  • 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

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Westfield-Lake Erie KOA

    Overnighter

    We only stayed for an overnighter on a long trip west. The restrooms and showers are some of the best we’ve seen during our trip. Very well maintained facilities and grounds and the staff are friendly and helpful. We were able to change our site for one that was more level without a problem. The only thing that might bother some people is the road noise. However we were able to sleep well despite it. There is also a dog “park”/fenced area.

  • 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

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Don’t recommend

    Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you. Way too grown in as of August . Didn’t end up staying here. May be a good spot in the fall once the grass dies. Secluded spot though

  • 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!

  • Bret J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Cherry Creek Campground and Recreation

    Needs some work but definitely worth checking out

    The campground is quiet and spacious. The facilities are in need of updates but are definitely in working order


Guide to Panama

Camping near Panama, New York, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From beautiful lakes to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this scenic area.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes. One visitor at Quaker Area — Allegany State Park mentioned, "From fishing to beaches, the whole family will have a blast."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Minister Creek Campground. A reviewer said, "Easy access to hiking trails right from camp."
  • Kayaking: If you love water sports, check out Red Bridge Recreation Area. One camper noted, "The campground is settled right on the Allegheny Reservoir, so if you bring your kayaks, you can launch right from the campground."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Chapman State Park Campground said, "Very clean restrooms. Fantastic lake for kayaking, fishing, swimming, etc."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Buckaloons mentioned, "The campsites are large and not crowded on top of each other."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lake Erie State Park Campground are known for their welcoming vibe. One camper shared, "Midweek it is very quiet with less than 10% of the sites filled."

What you should know:

  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Quaker Area — Allegany State Park noted, "We did have visits from wildlife, which was great; the bear boxes help protect the food."
  • Busy Weekends: Some campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lake Erie State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground was very crowded the night we were there."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many areas have poor cell reception. A reviewer at Minister Creek Campground said, "Absolutely no cell signal."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Sara's Campground, where one camper said, "Even during the week, there are kids everywhere."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A visitor at Red Bridge Recreation Area mentioned, "Lots of things to do in the area including kayaking."
  • Pack Snacks: Campers at Lake Erie State Park Campground noted that prices can be high, so it's smart to bring your own food.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Westfield-Lake Erie KOA advised, "I recommend having an extension power cord handy just in case if you are this long."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A visitor at Westfield-Lake Erie KOA mentioned, "There is highway noise, but in your camper, you really can’t hear it."
  • Utilize Amenities: Take advantage of campground facilities. A reviewer at Lampe Marina Campground said, "Camp hosts were super friendly and helpful. This place was right near the water and very clean with all the amenities."

Camping near Panama, New York, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Panama, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, Panama, NY offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 campgrounds and RV parks near Panama, NY and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Panama, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Panama, NY is Chautauqua Lake KOA with a 5-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Panama, NY.

What parks are near Panama, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Panama, NY that allow camping, notably Allegheny National Forest and Tionesta Lake.