Camping options near Portland, New York center primarily around the Lake Erie shoreline, with elevations ranging from 570 to 700 feet above sea level. The camping season typically experiences temperature swings from daytime highs of 85°F in summer to evening lows around 55°F. Strong lake breezes can affect tent camping in exposed areas, with wind speeds sometimes reaching 15-20 mph during weather changes.
What to do
Kayaking at Lake Erie State Park Campground: Access the lake directly from the park's shoreline for paddling opportunities. "Short walk from campsite to the lake. Try to see sunset!" notes Layla P., who also mentions you can "book a solo night day of online. Otherwise it's two night minimum."
Explore local vineyards: The Westfield area is surrounded by vineyards that welcome visitors. "At night I could smell grapes from the local vineyards, a nice surprise," reports Emily L. from Westfield-Lake Erie KOA. The campground is conveniently located near several wine trail options.
Visit local parks: Within short driving distance of most campsites near Portland, New York are several scenic areas. Shannon C. recommends, "Luensman Overview Park... watch sunset on the beach... wine trail (Enjoyed Johnson's)... beach day. We went to Point Gratiot Park because they have a lifeguard on duty & they allow swimming."
Wildlife watching: Several campgrounds maintain natural areas that attract local wildlife. Donna A. from Lake Erie State Park Campground reports, "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."
What campers like
Lake access and beach options: Many campgrounds either have direct lake access or are near public beaches. "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," shares Donna A.
Family activities: Campgrounds in the area frequently offer scheduled events. At Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort, Candi G. found "lots to do, fishing, swimming pool, petting zoo, hayrides and friendly staff." This gives families multiple options without leaving the campground.
Clean facilities: Multiple reviews highlight well-maintained amenities. Brian P. notes that at Lake Erie State Park, "the shower houses are clean. There are tent and RV sites available, with 15/30/50 amp electric service. The water hookups are NOT at each site, but there is one CLOSE to each site."
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the room between campsites. "This campsite is very well maintained, with breathing room between sites. It was very quiet for most of my time," mentions Layla P., while at Chautauqua Lake KOA, John P. found "the sites are HUGE, plenty of space for our 30' TT, truck, and screen house."
What you should know
Water access varies: Most campgrounds don't have water at every site. Brian P. explains, "The water hookups are NOT at each site, but there is one CLOSE to each site, so you can run your hose over, fill your tank, and disconnect."
Road noise factors: Some campgrounds are positioned near highways. Greg D. at Westfield-Lake Erie KOA notes, "The only thing that might bother some people is the road noise. However we were able to sleep well despite it."
Seasonal variations: Campground personalities change throughout the season. Frank B. from Chautauqua Lake KOA shares his experience: "We stayed here for our first ever camping trip. The facility was clean and up kept nicely. Staff was nice and friendly."
Bathroom quality: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Cyndi B. found at Westfield-Lake Erie KOA "the bathrooms and showers here are by far the cleanest and best we have seen yet at any campground. Individual locking shower rooms large enough for the whole family if needed."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer multiple play areas. Sarah C. from Lake Erie State Park observed "amazing grassy fields right by campsites" and Brian P. noted "the playgrounds and picnic shelters (multiple of each) are in great condition."
Swimming options: Pools are available at select campgrounds. At Evangola State Park Campground, Joseph N. found "good swimming, clean bathrooms" making it suitable for families with children who need water activities.
Activity scheduling: Check campground calendars for special events. Candi G. discovered Camp Chautauqua offers "fishing, swimming pool, petting zoo, hayrides and friendly staff. Sites were a little small but we made it work with three families on three sites."
Beach preparation: Lakeshore access often requires proper footwear. Trina W. advises about Evangola State Park, "The lake was nice, but wear water shoes, as the rocks stick up and are sharp in spots."
Tips from RVers
Varying site sizes: RV sites aren't standardized across campgrounds. Ryan L. suggests at Westfield-Lake Erie KOA, "I recommend having an extension power cord handy just in case if you are this long. I was able to angle my truck as I needed a few more feet to reach the pedestal."
Electric service details: Power options vary by loop within campgrounds. Kim D. explains that at Evangola State Park, "This campground has three loops. One has 30 amp power, one has 50 amp power (with a 30 amp outlet on the same pedestal) and the third loop is for tent camping."
Navigation assistance: Some campgrounds provide escort service to your site. Cynthia K. appreciated that at Chautauqua Lake KOA, "Victoria went above & beyond & took us right to our site. Good thing, since we were at the back of a confusing layout."
Seasonal-to-visitor ratio: The mix of permanent and temporary campers affects atmosphere. Nick O. cautions about Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort, "The camp ground is not bad. Nice place overall... However the seasonal campers seem to have some sort of entitlement. That is very annoying."
