Are you planning a tent camping trip to Portville? We've got you covered. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your New York camping adventure.
If you're passing through town on your travels or a local looking for a private get away, this is the perfect place to kick back, relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. You can sit by the fire, look across to see fireflies in the field or tilt your head back to have an amazing star-gazing experience. A one of a kind property to make memories with friends, family, or for a special romantic get away. Access to 93 acres with trails to walk or mountain bike on, fields to wander through and wildlife to observe.
$35 - $89 / night
$80 - $100 / night
In 1992 (Public Law 102-271) added 87 miles of the Allegheny River to the National Wild & Scenic River System classified as Recreational. The goal is to protect the existing outstanding and remarkable values and preserve a free-flowing condition for present and future generations. This designation applies to the following three sections: 7 miles from below Kinzua Dam to Route 6 bridge in Warren 48 miles from Buckaloons Campground to Alcorn Island (by Oil City), and 32 miles from south of Franklin to Emlenton. The corridor boundary runs along the plateau ridge on both sides and has extensive areas of privately owned lands with many homes and seasonal recreational residences along the shoreline. Public access is good generally from both sides and few hazards make this an ideal river for novice and family canoeing. Oak forests predominate along steep side slopes and there is wooded-riverine habitat in some of the floodplains. It contains the seven Allegheny Wilderness Islands often used by boaters for dispersed camping and fishing. The Allegheny Islands Wilderness contains seven islands stretched between Buckaloons and Tionesta along the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River. The islands are popular for dispersed camping, exploration, and viewing scenery and wildlife. They are mostly vegetated with fine riverine forests of sycamore, silver maple, shagbark hickory, and green ash. Dense grasses and other thick vegetation make access limited. There are no developed trails or other facilities on the islands. The Allegheny River is one of the primary tributaries to the Ohio River. It joins with the Monongahela River to form the Ohio River at the "Point" in Pittsburgh, PA. The Allegheny starts in Pennsylvania, near Cobb Hill, meanders into New York into Cattaraugus County, near Salamanca, before heading back into Pennsylvania northeast of Warren. The course of the river forms much of the northwestern boundary of the Allegheny National Forest before reaching Franklin where the river turns southeast. Within the borders of the Allegheny National Forest the river is fed by Kinzua Creek, Conewango Creek, Brokenstraw Creek, Tionesta Creek, Oil Creek and French Creek. The Clarion River joins the Allegheny near Kittanning.
Guide
Hot tent camp no problem it was awesome
Scout
My family and I had a wonderful stay tent camping here. The grounds are huge and very well maintained, including the grass being mowed. There are large, beautiful trees to tent camp in the shade. There’s lots of amenities like volleyball, basketball, playground, swings, all in a safe area away from roads. There’s entrance spots to kayak/ play in the river. Other than a few mosquito bites, we left with a peaceful, wonderful time and memories. Including seeing an eagle fly over the river!
Traveler
Most beautiful and peaceful place to tent camp! Definitely a long drive for us but it was beautiful before we got the snow and even during (what we could see). One thing I didnt like was we have to drive to the hiking trails.
Guide
Tent sites along a confluence of creeks; ankle deep clear water. Amazing miles of upstream hiking, water holes, rope swings, etc.
Perfect for little kids and adults.
Short drive from Letchwood State Park
Traveler
If your looking for no frills camping in the forest, this is the place! Couple full hookup sites, some electric but most are rustic, great tent sites! No playgrounds etc, just camping in the woods!
Scout
This is our absolute favorite park to camp! You can stay in Red House area or Quaker Area. You have the option of staying on a tent site or in a cabin. Great fishing and hiking and lots of other stuff to do!
Traveler
We have camped here at least 1x a year for the last 5 years and we love it. They have made some improvements thought the years. As a family who tent camps this place has big grassy areas which is always appreciated. It's very close to Letchworth and a short drive to stony Brooke state park.
Scout
We tent camped at site 76. Secluded and beautiful. We had the whole side of the upper loop to ourselves! Bumped up against the nature trail for a quick hike. We fished at the small section opposite the swimming area. We were alone the entire time! This park is well kept and very very clean. Attracts the friendliest people.
ScoutThe tent sites were great and spaced apart. The owners were very friendly and there was a nice pond. Showers could need updated but it was about what I was expecting. I love little campgrounds like this so it was even better than I was hoping.
Scout
Beautiful waterfalls, intermediate hiking.
Tent sites are fairly large so you have plenty of room. Bathrooms are centrally located in each loop, nice playground for kids. Dog friendly too.
only downfall, no one took the State bid to open the camp store so you need to leave the park for wood/ice.
Traveler
This campground has something for everyone-camper and RV sites with and without electric, tent sites, single cabins, group cabins, etc. It has two beaches, several hiking trails that range in difficulty, points of interest (ex-thunder rocks is a must see), two camp stores, a museum, gift shop and restaurants. It truly has something for every kind of camper.
GuideWillow 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.
Scout
I loved everything. The sites are neat. We tent camped with no electric. $23 per night. Fishing allowed in the pond. Bathrooms with showers were spotless. Grass maintained. One small complaint is checkin and out times not enforced. Checkin states 3 pm but we saw many checking in as early as 8 or 9 AM. We could have gained a whole day! Next time!
Lots of very wet, muddy sites where even mulch would have been helpful.
Guide
We booked a tent site, and there was only one small patch of grass where we could set up our tent. But the people next to us were in a big group and already had their tents set up very close to our grass, and we didn't feel comfortable camping that close to people. My brother had an RV site, so we went down to his and set up our tent there and it was much nicer. The fire pits are very nice, and the hiking trails in the park are great.
LegendMy husband and I spent his birthday weekend camping in our truck tent here. Around Halloween all the RVs decorate and the kids dress up for trick or treating. The owners of the park are very friendly and accommodating. The sites are level and spacious among the trees. The tent sites have options along the water as well. Unfortunately it stormed the night we were there and the river flooded over the road, so it was tough getting the truck out to leave the next day, but we made it after a couple hours!
TravelerThe camp grounds were great. Staff was very helpful and nice. Camp sites were decently spaced out. Fire wood was priced fairly well but they don’t usually deliver($).and they sell worms at the gate along with ice.
The RVs had their own loop and tents and cabins were on the water down a wooded trail.
The reason this was 4/5 is because you have to unload the car then walk everything to the camp. There is no drive up access for tent camping. A wagon is highly encouraged
Additionally, vault toilets on the tent side and plumbing and showers on the RV side. Bathrooms were very clean and didn’t smell, the showers were hot.
I saw some boats anchored at sites which I thought was nice. I also got to peek into a cabin and it was pretty cozy.
ScoutGreat, great campground it was very clean and fairly quiet. It seemed like a lot of RV campsites which is great but we wanted a more tent like experience. It was my wife’s first time tent camping and the cleanliness of the campground really helped her want to camp again. We did a walk to campsite as we wanted a little more privacy, which was nice, we were fairly spread out while only being 150 feet from the showers. Showers were clean and we have Verizon cell service.
Almost all the RV spots were full, but most of the walk to spots were empty which you can see the availability on the PA Parks website. Likewise you had to walk over a small bridge to get to the walk to site.
Scout
ntmnet. Overall, this is a nice place to go camping. We camp in a tent and our site was wonderful (PT1). We were pretty much alone. The facility was nice and kept up. The bathrooms were clean and well stocked. My only complaint would be that the pet rules are not enforced. I would see five dogs from my site and only one was on a leash all the time. My dog. One dog was free to roam wherever it wanted. Owners would walk with him and let him go. He came to our site several times. We did our best to keep our dog quiet but it was difficult. The dog ended up taking "a dump" on our site. The owners had not intention of cleaning it up till I talked to them when they walked by. They sent a child who didn't clean it toroughly so I had to. Called the office but no answer. Never saw an employee making rounds checking things out. Not going back.
RangerWe loved sugar creek glen! The owners were super friendly and helpful! There is a beautiful waterfall and creek in the middle of the campground. We were able to hike and climb up to more falls and swimming holes when the creek level came down one day. Other days we couldn’t due to high creek levels. There was outer edges of a tropical storm when we went so lots of rain!
The bathrooms are clean - quarter showers were nice and hot!
If you are on a tent site you have to drive through the creek which can close at times due to high water levels- one day we were there it was closed.
The store has a lot of items for sale
There is a beautiful playground and Gaga ball pit
Traveler
We went during their Christmas in July weekend. They had a good list of activities from cookie decorating to visits with Santa. The store is small, but fairly priced. A salt water pool had just been added and was going to open soon. One of the coolest things was rafting on the creek! There was also mini golf and multiple playgrounds. A lot of the sites were right on the creek. The scenery was beautiful. The tent site we had, had access to the creek which was neat. The bathrooms are outdated, but clean. Some of the showers cost a quarter and some don't, which was peculiar. Overall, one of the better campgrounds we stayed at this year. I would definitely recommend this for families which kids of any age.
GuideNice 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.
ScoutSprague Brook is a smaller, clean, well maintained ground. There are a lot of tent sites, a few sites have electricity but most do not. There is a play area for kids every time you turn around and a nice little pond for fishing. For what it is, it's a very nice spot if you're looking for a less wild camping experience. You definitely won't be getting lost in the woods around here! But for many families with small kids, it would be a wonderful place that isn't too far off the beaten track, but still offers trails, fishing, and sometimes there are activities for the campers. If you, like me, tend to prefer camping to NOT include seeing other humans, this is not the place for us! The trails are easily followed, bathrooms and showers are about average for places like this (not spotless, a bit buggy, but they do the tricks they were made for!).
Guide
If you are looking for a deep woods experience... this is it! We only stayed one night. The scenery was absolute beautiful but we were given the last open tent spot available. Because of this, we were not as prepared as we would have liked. We were in a primitive spot and we usually don’t do that. This site was beautiful. You crossed a small foot bridge to get to it. There was very little grass because it was deeply wooded. The cabins next to us were very loud so that was distracting. The cabins looked very nice though.
The shower house was clean and nice but did cost money, which I think is not appropriate. The creek that ran by our tent site had a beautiful sound but we were also distracted by the out house. We were not near the bathhouse so there was a port-a-potty there. It was clean but still a port-a-potty. The sites are very secluded though and if you want some peace get one of the sites in the woods and have some time to yourself!
GuideLyman Run holds a special place for me. It’s nestled within the gold level dark sky area. This means on a clear night and with a waning or new moon, one could see the arm of the Milky Way with millions of stars- more than most people see in a lifetime. The camp sites are a bit rough- there are two loops, with one loop catering to the mostly RV crowds and the remaining one for tents. There are a few really good and shaded tent sites in the RV loop. The location of the park is near Cherry Springs SP, which gets all the attention for the night sky viewing. We were able to use Lyman Run as a way station as we visited Kinzua, the PA Grand Canyon, and other sites in the PA Woods area. There’s even a chance to watch elk nearby. Each site has a fire ring, with wood available nearby. Amenities include a beach at a nearby lake, warm showers, and good hiking trails. There is a general store nearby, but the nearest town is almost 45+ minutes away. But hey, there’s a Fox’s Pizza there, so ... win? Since Cherry Springs (at the time of this writing) does not take reservations, we opted for the sure thing. Tent pads are well taken care of and the bathrooms are clean. This park is worth the time and view- you will not be disappointed.
Legend
This is a gem of a campground, located on a private homestead adjacent to the Hanging Bog Unique Area, a special state forest preserve maintained by the DEC. Because you are off the beaten path, it feels like you are in the wilderness, although you are in driving distance of a hamlet where you can get supplies. I was there in October, at the peak of fall colors, so the camping and hiking trails and on the forest road to the bog was exquisite. The host has created a wonderful haven here, with tent sites, a few places where camper vans can park, and a glamping cabin option. Each site has a nice fire pit supplied with firewood, and you can drive up right to your site or get there by a short walk. The campground has a central cabin with a sitting room where you can hang out in the evening or if it is raining; a great retreat spit for writing or reading or journaling! There is potable water and a privy, and also a shelter where you can wash up dishes etc after campfire cooking. This is an amazing place for a retreat; I only stayed one night with my dog, but would live to come back for a week to fully enjoy camping here!
Guide
This review will be based on tent camping not w an rv. I 1st came here in late 90’s w friends from school. If you like The feeling of being in the middle of nowhere and extreme fresh air this is the place for you! Lots are huge and never crowed. I think there’s 3 loops still open , 1 closed. Last time we went it was a honor system - put $ in envelope at box near entrance . Ranger might come by to check people and payment - and he/ she may not. There are no hook up electric /water ... just you and nature . Kinzua dam is about 40-45 min drive . Rim rock is a great hiking trail/park you ll pass on way to dam. Before that and much closer to Tracy ridge is boat launch or fishing area . 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. We have a camper now and will Definitely visit this place after we get a inverter/ generator .. ya spoiled now hahaha I can’t think of better camp spot for your dogs either ... as long as they listen they ll be able to stretch their legs a little too. Oh and the trail system for hiking is great too, one trail head takes to to the reservoir due East . There a also a campground out on main rd to the north just past a lil camp/country store that lets you pay couple bucks to shower there . Plenty of dead wood around to not even worry about bringing firewood and plenty of options for hanging multiple hammocks 😎 I’ve camped here maybe 15x over the yrs and still my favorite primitive get away.
Guide
Twin Lakes is a beautiful spot, tucked away in a stream valley in the Allegheny National Forest. It's mainly locals who come here, since few outsiders know about it. If you come in the spring or fall, you're likely to have the whole recreation area to yourself, though the swimming beach can get crowded in summer. Originally, there were supposed to be two small lakes--more like ponds--on this site. But money for the second pond was redirected elsewhere--to construct the swimming area at the Lolita Campground instead. And so, the little body of water called "Twin Lake" sits solitary and with a misleading name. The campground is quiet and pleasant, with large, sunny sites for trailers in the lower loop and shaded tent sites in the upper loop. Unfortunately, nearby gas drilling has made the drinking water unsafe, and so the National Forest Service first closed the upper loop, and now for the 2018 "camping year" it has closed the entire campground. The ANF website promises that this is temporary, and the campground will reopen. In every way, Twin Lakes is a lovely location, with dark, towering hemlock trees, rustic old CCC architecture, and a serene little lake completely encircled by a walking trail. Black bears have long been habituated to humans at Twin Lakes! Keep your food and toiletries in the car. To my knowledge, no one has ever been attacked by a bear here. The wild and overrun Twin Lakes Trail is a linear backpacking route that starts here and heads westward toward the North Country National Scenic Trail. But unfortunately, the Twin Lakes Trail ends up getting lost in those dismal parts of the forest that have been completely trashed by gas drillers. I hope this campground reopens. I have fond memories of bringing my kids here when they were little, flying kites, picking berries, swimming in the frigid spring water! PS: If you've got a tall trailer, be sure to check the Twin Lakes page on the ANF website; there's a way in, but it's not all that easy to find.
Nestled in the scenic landscapes near Portville, New York, tent camping offers a perfect escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Portville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Portville, NY is Firefly Acres with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Portville, NY?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Portville, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
