Summer is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. Get close to nature by planning a family camping experience. Not only is camping a less expensive alternative to other accommodation options, but it provides plenty of opportunities to engage in fun summer activities like biking, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, wine tours and more.
Camping in Chautauqua County provides guests with unique sites and plenty of options. Stay by the shores of Chautauqua Lake, the bluffs above Lake Erie or a lush forest area. Sleep under the stars, in a cozy cabin, rent an RV or bring your own. We’ve rounded up information on top area campgrounds to help plan your camping adventure. Each will provide the setting for creating lifelong memories.
Bella Vista Campground: Sit back, relax and watch the sunset beyond the hills at this beautiful campground. Spacious seasonal, overnight sites and tent areas with primitive wooded camping are available. The restrooms are modern and clean; enjoy a hot shower after a long day of play. Guests love the heated pool and playground! There is also a pavilion and several picnic tables.
Brookside Beach Campground: This peaceful, family-oriented campground is situated on the bluffs of Lake Erie. They offer a wonderful camping retreat for travel trailers and motorhomes as well as tent campers. Amenities include a private beach on the shores of Lake Erie, easy access to sites, full hook-ups with 30 & 50 AMP service and restroom facility with showers. Nearby attractions include a boat launch, fishing, golf courses, several wineries, and antique shops.
Camp Chautauqua: Run by the Anderson family for over 45 years, Camp Chautauqua offers the quintessential lakeside camping experience. They offer a variety of sites from non-hookup tent sites to concrete pads with 50 AMP power, cable and wireless internet. Amenities include a pool, petting-zoo, scheduled events and access to Chautauqua Lake. There are plenty of marinas nearby where you can rent a boat for the day, weekend or week.
Camp Prendergast: Located in Mayville, NY, Camp Prendergast offers a quiet, secluded, wooded area that will have you forgetting all your troubles. This 13-acre camp borders one of the finest public trout streams in the northeast and is only minutes away from Chautauqua Lake and all the fun outdoor recreation opportunities it offers. Roomy tent and trailer sites are available as well as a limited number of cabins. Guests will enjoy the swimming pool, playground, hot showers, access to nearby trails and WiFi.
Chautauqua Lake KOA: Nestled in the forested hills just ½ mile from beautiful Chautauqua Lake, this family campground resort is designed to cater to your overnight or seasonal camping needs. Enjoy outdoor sports at the paved basketball & shuffle board courts, the horseshoe pit, mini golf course and sand volleyball court. Get a workout in the exercise room then take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. Stroll nearby nature trails, challenge new friends in the game room, curl up with a book or watch a movie in the library. Be as active or as relaxed as you choose.
Hidden Valley Camping Area: A great family-friendly camp located just outside of Jamestown, NY. Enjoy the woods surrounding the campground, stay warm around a campfire, join friends for a game of volleyball, or invite family for a cookout! Amenities include a large in-ground pool, planned activities, outdoor games, a camp store, playground, hayrides and laundry facilities. Reserve a tent site or rent a park model. Daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal rates are available.
Lake Erie State Park: High bluffs overlooking Lake Erie provide a breathtaking view for the visitors of Lake Erie State Park. Whether camping in one of the 97 campsites or 10 cabins, the magnificent scenery will capture your attention. Day users can enjoy the picnic areas with shelters, playgrounds, a disc golf course, and hiking trails.
Lakeside Campground: This 95 site campground offers spectacular views of famous Lake Erie sunsets. They can accommodate any camping unit from a basic tent to a full forty-foot motor coach in need of hook-ups. Cottage and RV rentals are available. Wake-up each morning and hit the shore in search of beach glass or try an catch a monstrous walleye, perch or bass.
Sheridan Bay Park Campground: A small, friendly campground with all water and electric hookups. Fishing, playground and more, all conveniently located 3 miles east of Dunkirk, NY on Route 5. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Westfield/Lake Erie KOA: Pull into this KOA and walk right into the heart of America’s Grape Country. Enjoy the pine and oak-covered trails of Ottaway Park. Sunsets are magical over Lake Erie, which is only 300 yards from the campground. A shale-bottom creek, fun for hiking, flows through the KOA. Catch and release bass and perch in the pond, swim in the two pools, hang out in the game room or watch the kids play on the award-winning playground. Big Foot and sack races, treasure hunts, and other activities are scheduled throughout the season. Visit nearby antique shops, wineries or head out on a chartered Lake Erie fishing excursion.
Wildwood Acres Campground: 92 sites for RVs and tents. Camp here and take advantage of easy access to Chautauqua Lake, golfing, restaurants and the exciting nightlife in Bemus Point. Amenities include a pool, cabins, electrical hookups, hot showers, supplies, and a dump station.
Other Camping Nearby
Allegany State Park: The largest park in the New York State Park system, Allegany State Park, located in Cattaraugus County, offers cabins, including handicap accessible cabins, tent camping, hiking, and biking. Visitors looking for anything from a weekend retreat to an extended vacation are able to choose from Allegany State Park’s 424 campsites, 375 cabins and three group camps available for rental. There are year-round vacation rental cottages that are fully equipped with the latest conveniences located in both the Red House and Quaker areas.
Fun Attractions and Experiences
Golfing Boating and Paddlesports Museums and Historical Attractions Shopping Dining Mountain Adventures Wineries Nature Attractions Trails and Parks Beaches Farms and Markets Entertainment Other Attractions
For more information about accommodations, upcoming events and attractions in Chautauqua County, call 1-866-908-4569 to request a free travel packet or visit TourChautauqua.com.