Allegany State Park cabins and accommodations offer various options for campers near Salamanca, New York. The park spans over 65,000 acres of forested terrain in the northern foothills of the Allegheny Plateau, with elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,300 feet. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer days typically reach the 70s and 80s with cooler evenings.
What to do
Hiking and exploration: Visitors to Tracy Ridge Recreation Area can access an extensive trail system. "This isn't next to the Allegheny River but you can hike to it from here. Nice simple site to enjoy nature. Pros: very large sites, very densely wooded, lovely in fall, good day hikes nearby," notes Justin S.
Boating and kayaking: The Allegheny Reservoir provides water recreation opportunities at Red Bridge Recreation Area. A camper mentioned, "You can kayak launch right from the campground. The camp isn't far from many attractions in the area. Including the kinzu skywalk which is about a 30 minute drive."
Swimming and beach activities: During summer months, campers enjoy the renovated beach areas. One visitor at Evangola State Park noted, "The lake was nice, but wear water shoes, as the rocks stick up and are sharp in spots."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at Dewdrop Recreation Area. Katie explains, "The site was spacious and was not close to other campers giving a feeling of secludedness and alone time in nature! Could easily walk to a nearby trail and down to the lake front!"
Year-round cabins: The rustic cabin options remain popular in all seasons. According to Alex B. at Quaker Area — Allegany State Park, "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."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained grounds and amenities receive consistent praise. At Red Bridge Recreation Area, a camper said, "Red Bridge was clean and quiet. The hosts were friendly and very informative. Firewood and ice were sold in the campground."
What you should know
Bear safety: Bears are active in the region and proper food storage is essential. A visitor to Dewdrop Recreation Area shared, "Bears are very much a real phenomenon in this campground! 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."
Firewood regulations: Outside firewood may be restricted. Bobby C. noted at Quaker Area, "The park service asks you not to transport fire wood. We understand why, my problem is when you get to the park the small bundles way over priced 35$ lasted for a night. The next day we found camp wood 32"x60" rack for 15$ that lasted us 2 days."
Limited cell service: Prepare for minimal connectivity in some areas. Sarah K. observed, "There is no cell service so you really get to be away from all the hustle for a weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Interactive nature programs: Educational activities enhance family trips. Kelly B. from Red House Area — Allegany State Park shared, "This is an awesome place to camp. New improvements to the park have been made the last few years! They runs daily activities you can go to and learn about different things in nature."
Kid-friendly site selection: Some locations offer better layouts for children. Verity S. mentioned, "We stayed at site 131. It was nice and clean. We were not far from the bathrooms. But this area, all of the camp sites are right in top of each other. It was great for the kids because they were able to find instant friends and ride their bikes around."
Wildlife observation: Children can experience nature up close. One camper reported, "The wild life was great, with barred owls, many ducks, and different fish species constantly popping up by the spot."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections vary by location. Ian H. at Arrowhead Campground advises, "Nice sites but the full hookups fill up quickly in the high season. Campground is right on the river with a private boat launch."
Site leveling: Some campsites require additional preparation. A reviewer noted, "Pitching a tent was easy on the driveway and fairly level. Some sites had large high sided fire rings which take away from the fireside relaxation of a shorter camp chair."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts RV camping conditions throughout the year. Mark S. shared, "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."
