Camping spots near Sherman, New York offer diverse terrain from lakeside sites to wooded forest settings across elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows often below freezing. Most campsites in the area sit within a 30-minute drive radius of Sherman, creating convenient access to both Lake Erie and Chautauqua Lake recreational opportunities.
What to do
Visit Southern Tier Brewery: Located about 20 minutes from Chautauqua Lake KOA, this popular brewery makes a perfect day trip. "A lot to do in the area," notes one Chautauqua Lake KOA camper, highlighting the brewery as a favorite destination.
Explore wine country: The region offers vineyard tours within 15-30 minutes of most camping areas. "Wine trail (Enjoyed Johnson's)" recommends a camper from Westfield-Lake Erie KOA, who listed it among their favorite activities during a multi-night stay.
Fish at Little Brokenstraw Pond: Located within North Harmony State Forest, this small fishing spot requires a short hike in from the Wiltsie Road parking area. "There are a couple more sites around a small pond/marsh area called Little Brokenstraw Pond on our map. You have to park at a gate off Wiltsie Road and hike in, but not far," explains a camper.
Attend local cultural events: The Chautauqua Institution hosts summer programs with concerts and educational events. "We stayed here for 7 nights, & spent 1 day in Buffalo & 1 @ the falls. Wanted a chill community & this was very quiet & relaxing," writes a Westfield-Lake Erie KOA visitor who balanced day trips with relaxation.
What campers like
Lake Erie sunsets: The western-facing shoreline creates spectacular evening views. "The lake was one of the coolest lakes I've ever seen and the sites are beautiful right on the lake," shares a visitor at Lake Erie State Park Campground, who appreciated the waterfront location.
Family-friendly facilities: Many campgrounds provide organized activities for children. "Lots to do, fishing, swimming pool, petting zoo, hayrides and friendly staff," reports a visitor to Camp Chautauqua who camped with multiple families.
Clean, modern bathrooms: Some campgrounds feature excellent shower facilities. "The bathroom/shower house are duel toilet/showers. Not my favorite, but we didn't have any trouble getting in," notes a Westfield-Lake Erie KOA camper about the private shower rooms that include sinks, toilets and changing areas.
Spacious campsites: Several campgrounds offer above-average site dimensions. "Stayed here two separate times summer of '23. Each time we look loved it! The sites are HUGE, plenty of space for our 30' TT, truck, and screen house," shares a Chautauqua Lake KOA camper who appreciated the extra room.
What you should know
Road and train noise: Some campgrounds experience transportation sounds. "I gave 4 stars instead of 5 due to the noise level: I-90 abuts the back of the property so you can hear semi trucks all night long, and there also seemed to be freight trains going through nearby with some regularity," explains a Westfield-Lake Erie KOA visitor.
Water hookup logistics: Not all sites have dedicated water connections. "The water hookups are NOT at each site, but there is one CLOSE to each site, so you can run your house over, fill your tank, and disconnect," explains a Lake Erie State Park camper who planned accordingly.
Seasonal camper dynamics: Year-round residents can affect visitor experiences. "The seasonal campers seem to have some sort of entitlement. That is very annoying. Very loud and obnoxious which unfortunately has ruined our stay," reports a Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort visitor who found the permanent residents disruptive.
Primitive conditions at dispersed sites: State forest camping offers minimal amenities. "Kind of a gross site, the previous people who stayed at our site were messy and left litter, but it served its purpose as a free place to sleep along a longer trip," notes a camper at Warner Road Dispersed Camping about the trade-offs of free camping.
Tips for camping with families
Book premium pull-through sites: These offer more space and amenities. "We opted for a premium pull-thru site, which included furniture and a concrete patio. This is not our typical type of camping, but I knew that the views would be beautiful, so we splurged," shares a Chautauqua Lake KOA visitor who found the upgrade worthwhile.
Look for campgrounds with recreational options: Some facilities offer multiple activities. "Fun, family friendly campground... Lots to do, fishing, swimming pool, petting zoo, hayrides and friendly staff," writes a Camp Chautauqua camper who visited with three families.
Consider distance to amenities: Activity centers may require transportation. "If you have kids, most of the activities they would be interested in are at the front entrance. If you don't have a golf cart, you may have to drive to the front for the pool, mini golf, basketball court & jumping pillow," advises a Chautauqua Lake KOA visitor.
Bring insect protection: Marshy areas attract mosquitoes. "We stayed at one close to the water, so the skeeters were pretty bad - bring bug spray," warns a North Harmony State Forest camper about the insects near water features.
Tips from RVers
Bring extension cords: Some electrical hookups may be distant from parking. "We have a very long travel trailer (37.5 feet). I recommend having an extension power cord handy just in case if you are this long. I was able to angle my truck as I needed a few more feet to reach the pedestal," advises a Westfield-Lake Erie KOA RVer.
Use the delivery food options: Some campgrounds offer on-site food service. "There aren't any restaurants around that deliver, so the KOA has a kitchen that delivers! We had delicious pizza and mozzarella sticks for dinner," shares a Westfield-Lake Erie KOA visitor who appreciated the convenience.
Expect tight sites at some locations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs well. "Stayed here on several occasions. This is a well kept campgrounds but very tight sites. Next to interstate so a bit noisy at night," reports a Westfield-Lake Erie KOA visitor whose RV experience was impacted by the limited space.
Check site leveling: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "We were able to change our site for one that was more level without a problem," notes a Westfield-Lake Erie KOA visitor who appreciated the staff assistance in finding a better spot for their rig.
