Ripley, New York sits near the shores of Lake Erie at an elevation of 750 feet, where the climate features mild summers with temperatures typically ranging between 65-80°F. The camping season runs primarily from May through October, with most facilities closing before the first snow. Local camping options include both waterfront locations with views of Lake Erie and forested settings with extensive trail systems.
What to do
Mountain biking at Jake's Rocks: Near Dewdrop recreation area, access trails without driving. "Boating and biking all accessible from the grounds. No need to drive to the trails at Jakes Rocks," notes Travis S.
Fishing and boating: The Alleghany River and Kinzua Reservoir offer excellent fishing opportunities. A camper at Camp Chautauqua shared, "Full hook-up and a swimming pool with beautiful views of the lake," making it easy to combine water activities with camping.
Visit Kinzua Dam: Located within 45 minutes of multiple campgrounds. "Real close to the dam, not too far from the outfitters for a canoe trip (which was always amazing with friendly staff), and about 45min from the kinzu bridge, which was worth the drive," writes Jenn G. about her experience.
Hiking at Allegany State Park: Extensive trail systems for all skill levels. "We camped here with one of our children, and hiked a couple of trails, that were beautiful!" says Trina W. about Quaker Area — Allegany State Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention facility maintenance. "Bathroom was great. It was a single room with toilet and shower - and it was incredibly clean," reports Cassandra C. about Chautauqua Lake KOA.
Spacious campsites: Sites at many campgrounds provide ample room. At Dewdrop, one camper noted, "The site was spacious and was not close to other campers giving a feeling of secludedness and alone time in nature!"
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Ripley, New York, several campgrounds offer these accommodations. At Presque Isle Passage RV Park, a visitor mentioned, "Room for big rigs, and tents. Yurts and cabins available."
Winter camping opportunities: Some facilities 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," explains Alex B. about Allegany State Park.
What you should know
Bear awareness: Prepare for wildlife encounters. "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," warns Katie about camping at Dewdrop.
Weather preparedness: Lake Erie can create unpredictable conditions. "We arrived just before sunset on a rainy evening. Our site was a pull-through by request, and the beautiful surroundings of greenery and dew with shimmering sunshine had us wishing we could stay longer," says Lisa D.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no connectivity. At Chapman State Park, Spencer S. notes, "Showers were clean and we have Verizon cell service," but many other areas report no service.
Seasonal pest issues: Some campgrounds experience seasonal insect problems. "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," reports Amanda S. about her experience at Dewdrop.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's activities. At Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort, Candi G. reports, "Lots to do, fishing, swimming pool, petting zoo, hayrides and friendly staff."
Easy access sites: For families with young children, consider accessibility. "We were in a tent on a electric/water site. Sites were a little small but we made it work with three families on three sites," notes a Camp Chautauqua visitor.
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas. At Virginia's Beach Campground, the facilities are described as "clean, quiet and serene" by Chelsea W., making it suitable for families seeking a peaceful environment.
Swimming opportunities: Beaches and pools provide recreation for children. "The pool is very nice, playgrounds for the kids and activities to do. Very friendly staff," says Nick O. about Camp Chautauqua, though he notes some issues with seasonal campers.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites. A visitor to Presque Isle Passage RV Park noted, "Sites are not level and are close to each other. They do have a pool but that's it."
Hookup variations: Electric options differ between campgrounds. "Our site was right on Lake Erie. There was nothing except a drop of about 25' to the lake. There is lake access for swimming, boat launch and Jetsons etc.," reports Sean M. about Virginia's Beach Campground.
Water pressure considerations: Some campgrounds have infrastructure limitations. "We had extremely low water pressure so we filled our tank and used our pump. Problem solved!" advises Gus S. about Virginia's Beach Campground.
Seasonal site availability: For RV camping near Ripley, New York or yurt accommodations, consider timing. Quaker Area at Allegany State Park is open "May 18 to October 8" according to their information, typical of the seasonal pattern for most campgrounds in the region.
