Best Campgrounds near Salamanca, NY

Salamanca, New York serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences in the Allegheny region, with Allegany State Park offering two major developed areas—Quaker Area and Red House Area—that provide extensive camping options. The park features tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations across its expansive grounds. Nearby Camp Seneca offers more primitive dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more rustic experience. The region includes both New York state park facilities and access to the Allegheny National Forest across the Pennsylvania border, where additional camping areas like Willow Bay Recreation Area provide alternatives with varying amenities.

Access to camping areas varies seasonally, with most developed campgrounds operating from May through October, though Red House Area in Allegany State Park remains open year-round. Winter camping requires additional preparation as temperatures can drop significantly. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and fall foliage season when the area becomes especially popular. The terrain features rolling hills and forested landscapes, with some campgrounds situated near lakes or reservoirs. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, especially in the state forest regions. According to one visitor, "This park is so big I only got to do some of the hiking. Very nice."

Campers consistently highlight water access as a significant draw to the region's campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned the beauty of Allegheny Reservoir and the surrounding forest areas as key highlights of their camping experience. The area is known for its wildlife, including black bears, which necessitates proper food storage at all campgrounds. Noise levels vary significantly between the more developed family-oriented campgrounds and the quieter dispersed sites. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The sites are spacious with all different types of typography - large boulders, slopes, flats all with grass and dirt, handicap accessible picnic tables and fire rings." Hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and boating access points are available throughout the region, with many campgrounds offering direct trail connections or water access, making them popular bases for outdoor recreation.

Best Camping Sites Near Salamanca, New York (123)

    1. Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park

    27 Reviews
    Steamburg, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 354-2182

    "great New York state park. stayed here for 2 nights and I will be back. the park is so big I only got to do some of the hiking. very nice."

    "There office/store is not located in the loop we parked in but it was an easy in and out with our 45’ motorhome and tow car."

    2. Red House Area — Allegany State Park State Park

    13 Reviews
    Salamanca, NY
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 354-9121

    "Cabins are pretty large and have some great surounding areas, like creeks right next to the cabins. Great place for family camping with tons of different activites offered around the park."

    "We've been coming to this campground since I was a kid, and love the fact that you can have the amenities of home away from home."

    3. Bova Cottages — Allegany State Park

    4 Reviews
    Salamanca, NY
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 354-9121

    $229 / night

    "Allegany State Park is nearby for hiking, snowshoeing, XC skiing, leaf peeping,etc."

    "After the last bad winter storm we had (2/2018) trees fell all over the park, including on my favorite hiking trails."

    4. Willow Bay Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Steamburg, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 368-4158

    $20 - $100 / night

    "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."

    "Gorgeous setting on the edge of the Kinzua Reservoir. The sites are spacious and cabins are also available to rent. Staff are friendly and helpful."

    5. Camp Seneca

    1 Review
    Great Valley, NY
    4 miles

    "We picked the biggest site next to the creek. The tree canopy over our site was dense enough that w3 did not get very wet when it rains."

    6. East Otto State Forest

    10 Reviews
    Collins Center, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 372-0645

    "This was a nice secluded feeling site, neighbors are pretty close by and you can hear them but a good amount of private space to yourself."

    "We were nice and secluded, which was great for the dogs to run around, be safe, and not bother other campers."

    7. Tracy Ridge

    7 Reviews
    Steamburg, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 368-4158

    $12 - $75 / night

    "This isn’t next to the Allegheny River but you can hike to it from here. Nice simple site to enjoy nature."

    "It was a nice campground, affordable, Access to hiking trails, I was confused by the water pumps honestly. Only slight cell service for at&t"

    8. Triple R Camping Resort and Trailer Sales

    4 Reviews
    Franklinville, NY
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 676-3856

    "There’s definitely something for everyone here; pool, splash park, hiking trails, playgrounds, & activities for all ages are just some of the things. Highly recommend!"

    9. Kinzua Lake Campgrounds

    1 Review
    Steamburg, NY
    10 miles
    +1 (716) 354-2335

    "Be near aware and make certain you’ve put all your food away because black bears can be an issue!"

    10. Allegany Mountain Members Resort

    1 Review
    Ellicottville, NY
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (716) 699-2352

    "This place has larger sites and a nice size lake to fish I. Along with a few other small stocked ponds. Plenty of stuff for kids to do including 2 outdoor pools and an indoor pool."

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Recent Reviews near Salamanca, NY

404 Reviews of 123 Salamanca Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Miranda
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Woodstream Campsite

    Rip off

    Have to stay at least 2 nights. Employees say one thing. Then boss charges me even though I was told it was okay. Aren't willing to reason with. Also traffic very loud at night

  • 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!

  • S
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Beaver Meadow Family Campground

    Ridiculous pool rule

    The campgrounds are nice. The staff, friendly. Brought our RV so I didn’t see the bathrooms. We had a site that was “lake view” which was funny because it’s a pond. It was stocked so fishing was fun. They have a nice heated pool. My only real issue is the ridiculous two adult pool rule if you are with kids. We spent all day at the rodeo. We came back ready to swim after being in the sun all day. Of course my toddler fell asleep so I stayed with him at the campsite and my husband took our other two kids to the pool. They were able to swim for 15 mins before the other people who were at the pool took off. So it was just my husband and kids left. The lady working in the office came out and told them they had to get out because“there has to be two adults and one has to stay on deck”. Like, what?!? Seriously? That’s the stupidest rule I’ve ever heard. So he gets my very disappointed kids out of the pool and they are just hanging out pool side hoping for basically a stranger to come swim so they can swim. They waited nearly an hour before they got defeated and came back to the camper. Stupid rule. I’ve never seen any campground ever have that rule. If you are that worried about a solo parent taking care of their kids, hire a life guard. Or make that pool rule known prior to booking. My kids had life jackets on and my husband is CPR certified. Literally will never come here again because of this rule. Lame lame LAME.

  • 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 Salamanca

Camping near Salamanca, New York, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at HTR Niagara Campground. A guest noted, "The sites are very nicely spaced and level."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. At Lyman Run State Park Campground, a reviewer said, "The night we arrived... the facilities were very well kept and clean."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Cook Forest State Park Campground are noted for being great for families. One visitor stated, "This is truly one of my favorite state parks to camp at."

What you should know:

  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A camper at Quaker Area — Allegany State Park mentioned, "We did have visits from wildlife, which was great."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Cherry Springs State Park Campground, lack certain amenities. A reviewer noted, "There’s no camp store in the campground, which is something they could improve upon."
  • Check-in Challenges: Be aware of potential check-in issues at places like Quaker Area — Allegany State Park. One camper shared, "We were greeted with a closed sign and directed to Quaker rental... with no map and no cell service."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. At Niagara Falls/Grand Island KOA Holiday, a parent said, "The play areas and pool were great for my 9-year-old."
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A visitor at Darien Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site was spacious, clean, and pretty darn level."
  • Plan for Meals: Since some campgrounds lack stores, plan meals ahead. A camper at Lyman Run State Park Campground noted, "If you forgot an essential item, you've got to go out from the park."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to check the level of your site. One RV camper at Darien Lakes State Park Campground said, "Ours had both 30A and 50A power, was pretty level left/right but about 6” high in front."
  • Use Dump Stations: Take advantage of clean dump stations available at many campgrounds. A reviewer at Letchworth State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station was clean and convenient."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving, as some campgrounds have limited supplies. A camper at Clear Creek State Park Campground noted, "Firewood is available at the campground."

Camping near Salamanca, New York, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for every camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping in Salamanca, NY?

Salamanca offers excellent camping options, with Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park being one of the best choices. This expansive New York state park features numerous hiking trails and is highly rated by visitors who appreciate its natural beauty. Another excellent option is Red House Area — Allegany State Park State Park, which offers drive-in sites with amenities including water and toilets. Both areas provide reservable sites and are suitable for different camping styles, from tent camping to accommodating larger RVs. Allegany State Park's vast size means you'll have plenty to explore during your stay, making it perfect for extended camping trips.

Are there Spanish-language camping resources available in Salamanca?

While specific Spanish-language resources for camping in Salamanca are limited, visitors can check with Lake Erie State Park Campground and Kinzua East KOA, as larger park systems and KOA campgrounds sometimes offer materials in multiple languages. The New York State Parks website (parks.ny.gov) provides some Spanish-language information about state parks, including Allegany State Park. Additionally, the Allegheny National Forest visitor centers may have Spanish materials available upon request. For the most comprehensive Spanish-language assistance, it's advisable to call campgrounds directly before your visit to inquire about available resources or translation services.

What campgrounds are available near Salamanca, NY?

Beyond Salamanca itself, several outstanding campgrounds are within easy driving distance. Hanging Bog Big Bass Serenity Camp offers a secluded experience on a private homestead adjacent to a unique state forest preserve. This hidden gem provides a wilderness feel while still being accessible to nearby amenities. For those willing to venture a bit further, Willow Bay Recreation Area operated by the National Forest Service offers wide sites for tents and RVs, plus small cabins with electricity. The campground features a central bathhouse and boat ramp access, making it ideal for water activities. Other nearby options include Kinzua Lake Campgrounds and Beaver Meadow Family Campground.