Allegany State Park provides upscale accommodations with two distinct camping areas—Red House and Quaker—where visitors can explore 65 miles of hiking trails through mixed hardwood forests at 1,400 to 2,300 feet elevation. Most campsites sit on forested slopes with good spacing between sites and remain open through October. Winter camping options include heated cabins at Red House Area, which stays open year-round.
What to do
Hiking special features: At Quaker Area — Allegany State Park, Thunder Rocks offers unique boulder formations perfect for scrambling. "We camped here with one of our children, and hiked a couple of trails, that were beautiful!" noted Trina W. The park includes seasonal interpretive programs led by naturalists.
Water activities: Red Bridge Recreation Area offers direct reservoir access for fishing and paddling. Nate & His Reina Puertorriqueña H. shared, "We lucked out and ended up with a beautiful site in view of the reservoir. Red Bridge was clean and quiet." Most water sites require a short walk from parking.
Fall foliage viewing: The surrounding Allegheny highlands transition to brilliant colors by mid-October, with peak foliage usually occurring the third week of October. "We go here in the fall or late summer, it's a big park with lots of hiking and history to explore," explained Justin S. about Quaker Area. Several overlook points provide valley views of the changing colors.
What campers like
Rustic cabin experience: Campers enjoy the authentic woodland cabins at Red House Area — Allegany State Park. According to Mark S., "We have made it an immediate family tradition to stay here for Thanksgiving. This place is great for family camping. It has a nice variety of cabins along several loops. Cabins range from rustic to downright homey." Most cabins require visitors to bring their own bedding.
Winter accessibility: Unlike many glamping options near Portville, NY, some accommodations remain open year-round. "The cabins are awesome all year round. The park has a lot to do in the summer but a group can still have a blast in the winter," reported Alex B. about Quaker Area. Winter visitors should note limited services and potential road closures.
Private sites: Tracy Ridge Recreation Area offers secluded sites with natural separation. "This is a wilderness area campground. The sites a beautiful, but there are little to no amenities. The only water was from a hand pump at the far end of the loop, near the pit toilets," described Thomas M. Sites accommodate tents or small trailers without hookups.
What you should know
Limited amenities at wilderness sites: Wilderness camping areas like Tracy Ridge have minimal facilities. "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," reported Gary G. Bring containers for water from hand pumps.
Cell service variability: Reception ranges from none to spotty across the region. At Dewdrop Recreation Area, Sarah K. noted, "There is no cell service so you really get to be away from all the hustle for a weekend." Tracy Ridge has "Only slight cell service for at&t," according to Erin.
Seasonal pest challenges: Gypsy moth caterpillars impact some areas in early summer. Amanda S. shared about Dewdrop Recreation Area: "We booked this campsite in February and we were not told of the Spray block to be used to treat that part of the forest for Gyspy Moth caterpillars that filled our campsite. We were pelted for 4 days with droppings and leaf particles."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bears frequent the region, requiring proper food storage. Katie from Dewdrop Recreation Area warned, "A mom and two cubs ran directly through our camp while having breakfast one morning. Only 10 foot away when the mom stopped to size up our threat level." Bear-resistant containers are recommended at most sites.
Space for kids to roam: High Pines RV Park offers dedicated play spaces. "They have a nice game room that offers free games for the kids along with a playground and basketball court," Nick O. mentioned. Sites are arranged to give children safe areas to explore.
Water safety considerations: Most water access points lack lifeguards and have natural hazards. Bobby C. described Red Bridge: "Great trails a lot of them, we hit 2, we will be back. My only complaint the park service asks you not to transport fire wood." Water shoes are recommended for rocky shorelines.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds, with limited full-hookup options. Ryan P. found High Pines RV Park accommodating: "We had a site in the full hookup back in section, they are very nice spacious sites. The park is close to the Allegheny Reservoir and the Kinzua Bridge. Very nice owners were able to get us in even though we didn't have a reservation."
Navigating steep terrain: Many glamping areas near Portville feature hilly access roads and uneven sites. Nick O. observed at High Pines: "Our site only had 30A power. Most seem to be that way. The pulls ins are a bit of a draw on levelness, but none are horribly unlevel."
Limited winter access: Winter RV camping requires careful planning. Mark S. noted about Red House Area: "We have made it an immediate family tradition to stay here for Thanksgiving." Four-wheel drive may be necessary for winter access, and water systems are typically winterized from November through April.
