Camping on Chautauqua Lake
A western New York lake getaway known for fishing, water play, and year-round recreation.
97% (1322 reviews)
- Chautauqua Lake
97% (1322 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Chautauqua Lake
Under $50
Available this weekend
12 top campgrounds in Chautauqua Lake
98%
(332)
Zoar Valley Forest Retreat
2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Cattaraugus, NY
🌿 Private forested land against the ledge of Zoar Valley. Large, spacious campsite areas, good for groups. A rare location that is secluded and quiet, away from people and traffic. For those that want to feel isolated and immersed in nature and the forest. Includes seven acres to primitive camp on, or bring an RV/camper in (10ft clearance at gate). Each site has a picnic table, and brick fire pit. Pergola party shelter and brick oven located at Site 2.
🔒Locked gate at each site entrance from road for privacy and security. Site 1 is closer to the road, Site 2 is deeper in the woods, with adequate privacy and space between the two sites.
♻️ Take out what you take in, leave no trace.
🌙 Porta potty toilet on site maintained regularly, shared between sites April-November
🌳The campsite borders state forest to hike freely, and is about 1000ft until the top edge of the valley with beautiful vantage points of the valley. Drive down the road a few miles to the Forty Road trail head that leads to the creek down in Zoar Valley.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$50
/ night
96%
(12)
Abandoned School
4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Tidioute, PA
Located on the legendary Route 666, this campsite offers a one-of-a-kind experience to camp or park your RV beside an abandoned schoolhouse. Whether you're a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurer, this unique location blends thrills with tranquility.
What’s Included:
Easy-to-access Campsites: Whether you're arriving by car or any size RV, you'll find convenient parking and tent-pitching spots.
Free Firewood: Available on-site, or to pick from forest.
Firepits: Some spots have firepits. If unoccupied, feel free to use them; otherwise, you're welcome to create your own.
Historic Backdrop: Capture the eerie ambiance of the abandoned schoolhouse in your photos.
Nearby Attractions:
Allegheny National Park & National Forest: Discover miles of trails and stunning natural beauty.
Allegheny Outfitters (0.7 miles): Rent kayaks and canoes for a water adventure.
George's Little Store (0.6 miles): Grab essentials or use the restroom.
Minister Creek Trail: A scenic and challenging hike for nature enthusiasts.
Pithole Ghost Town: Explore the remnants of this abandoned oil boomtown.
Tionesta Dam: Enjoy breathtaking views and various recreational activities.
Hearts Content Old Growth Forest: Walk among ancient trees and savor the tranquility of untouched nature.
Washington Park: Perfect for picnicking, hiking, and outdoor relaxation.
Minsi Bridge State Park: Discover the natural beauty and historic significance of this park.
Tidioute Overlook: Take in panoramic views of the Allegheny River and surrounding landscapes.
Important Information:
Private Property Signs: Ignore these upon entry as they are meant to deter non-campers.
Restrooms: Outhouses are not available; however, George’s Little Store nearby has facilities (24/7 Porta Potty)
If you prefer the simplicity of nature over the frills of a cabin or hotel, this place is for you. If you love exploring abandoned places, this campsite is for you. Whether you need a spot for your RV, a place to pitch a tent, or just somewhere to make unforgettable memories, the Abandoned Schoolhouse awaits. Gather your s'mores supplies, ghost stories, dog, friends, or family, and get ready for a unique adventure.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$20
/ night
98%
(20)
The Eternal Campground
4 sites · Tents3 acres · Orchard Park, NY
2 miles from and on the same road as Chestnut ridge Park, home of the Legendary Eternal Flame. Only campground in Orchard Park. A humble 3 acres but we offer very intimate sites. There are only 6 sites with all of them having access to the creek, and a recreation area featuring a volleyball/badminton net, cornhole, and at night there is a mini outdoor movie theater with a 10 foot screen where we play a movie when the sun goes down depending on the audience.
Park on the road outside the white lines or directly on the side lot where it says Park. Follow arrows to get to site, I will most likely be able to meet you at entrance though to show you around.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from
$49
/ night
100%
(12)
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
1 site · Tent36 acres · Union City, PA
This tent site sits in the woods on a hill just above the corner of French Creek (2022 PA River of the Year!) and a small tributary creek. It faces northwest over the valley providing amazing sunset views.
This location is on the high-side of the Union City Dam which is a dry bed, flood control dam. Which means during snow melt, or rainy streaks, the dam will fill up and flood the entire valley. However during dry spells, French Creek will appear as any other creek. At peak flooding, it will make its way all the way up the tributary valley, making a beautiful lake front campsite. Unfortunately, this only occurs a few weeks out of the year (typically early spring and occasionally during wet falls) and is fairly unpredictable (you can compare the high-water vs low-water views from the photos). Most of the summer you can still enjoy the view over both the tributary valley and French Creek valley. (DISCLAIMER: Once or twice a year during the wettest streaks, the water rises high enough to flood the driveway, making it impossible to drive up directly to the campsite. If this happens, you will be notified before so you can choose either to be refunded and not stay or you can park 100 yards up the road and hike into the campsite to enjoy the unique and rare lakefront views. Again, these are natural events that are infrequent and unpredictable, but also provide a truly spectacular setting.)
Located at the end of a dead end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagles nest has been located 1 mile north providing amazing opportunities to see either adult or juvenile eagles flying over French Creek hunting for fish. Deer can be seen early morning and late evening in the fields, as well as frequently crossing both valleys. All types of waterfowl flock the lake when it's flooded. I've personally seen up to 1000 geese at one time.
Beyond relaxing and wildlife watching, there are plenty of other activities to explore in the area. Access to many nature walking trails. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. Kayaks/canoes can be used to float the creek when dry or paddle up and down the reservoir lake when flooded. Centrally located between the 2 small towns of Union City and Waterford with gas stations, grocery stores, great local dinning options, and more. About a half an hour drive to Erie and Presque Isle State Park.
Come enjoy this extremely unique stretch of French Creek and Pennsylvania woods!
DISCLAIMER: There is an active gravel pit to the North of the campsite. During weekdays from about 7 AM-5 PM, you will likely hear and possibly see some activity from the gravel pit.
Pets
Campfires
from
$40
/ night
100%
(9)
River Island Cabin & Campsites
8 sites · Lodging, Tents46 acres · PA
Located on Fuellhart Island, Tidioute, Pennsylvania
Allegheny River, Allegheny National Forest, PA Wilds
Perfect for kayaking, camping, fishing, tubing - all types of river trips!
Go Primitive and book secluded campsites (there is a Treehouse and Canvas Bell Tent options!)
Rent the cabin and island privately for your group
46 acres of Private Island on the scenic Allegheny River. PA Wilds, Gameland Access, Allegheny National Forest.
We provide:
HAMMOCK AND TENT CAMPSITES (view listings)
CABIN AND ISLAND RENTALS (Call it a glorified cabin in the woods!)
- fully equipped!
- non-motorized boat rentals (Angler single kayaks and canoe)
- Fishing pole and gear rentals
- Tent/Hammocks
- Cold Weather Sleeping Bags
This is a secluded private island on the Allegheny River. It has been a family property for years and many people have created great memories here. It is great for solo campers wanting a peaceful space, kayakers on river trips, family groups (magic for kids and dogs!)
*Tent camping, outdoor shower, fishing, kayaking, groomed trail paths from end to end, fully equipped kitchen, outdoor cooking, firepits, outdoor and indoor seating. Dog friendly!
Supreme sunsets and starry nights!
Everyone always ends up staying another day if they can get away with it!
Arrive by car to our parking area where we will boat you and your gear over to the island campsite. There will be 1 round trip in the motorized john boat per group. Guests are permitted to use the aluminum canoe with lifejackets only to ferry items.
PADDLE IN! KAYAKERS/CANOES/MULTI-DAY RIVER TRIP PADDLERS!
Arrive by kayak or canoe off the river while you are on a paddle trip. Singles, small groups and large groups.
Campsites are PERFECT for Scouts trips, team building trips with kayak rental options.
Cabin rentals are great for couples, families, friends, reunions, fishing trips, large groups trips and more! Wildlife photographers must see location!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$55
/ night
Booked 2 times
Cherry Creek Campground &Recreation
3 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Cherry Creek, NY
Cherry Creek Campground & Recreation is a small picturesque campground nestled in NY’s largest Amish community with over 137 shops and woodworking businesses. We do offer guided horseback trail riding . Inbox us to schedule a guided horseback ride or to book our Camper Rentals or to book your Rv on one of our 24 Rv Sites with full hook ups! Check us out at
our website for more info or to www.cherrycreekcampground.com
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$30
/ night
99%
(89)
Steelhead Run Recreation Area
2 sites · RVs7 acres · Westfield, NY
When arriving at Steelhead Run you are greeted by the sounds of Lake Erie in a tranquil wooded setting. Only steps away from beautiful Lake Erie and Chautauqua Creek. Our location offers an array of experiences from walks along the beach, wildlife viewing, relaxing to the view of incredible sunsets and so much more. Cocktails, food, and public boat launching can be found just half a mile up the road. A quick drive inland, the historic town of Westfield provides weekend farmers markets, wineries, eateries, and antique shopping.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from
$70
/ night
97%
(628)
The Heron Farm & Event Center
86 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Panama, NY
The Heron is an Organic Farm, Event & Wedding Venue, and Campground.
A place to connect deeply with nature & art, eat real food and create lasting memories!
We are the home of the Great Blue Heron Music Festival and the Green Heron Growers. For more information on our farm, our Farm Store and our Events, visit our website, theheron.org
You'll notice a handful of weekends that the campground is closed or would appear fully booked; those may be times that we have ticketed music festivals happening, in which case you can find that information on our main website.
Our many camping and lodging options allow families to relax, enjoy nature, and create memories. We have around 100 sites throughout our 300 acres, some woodsy, some with views of the rolling hills and some with electric service.
The Heron grounds boast a swimming and fishing pond, and over 4 miles of on-site hiking trails. Located on over 400 acres in beautiful Chautauqua County, NY, we are a working organic farm with a shiitake mushroom yard and on-site farm store.
We host weddings, educational workshops, retreats, private events, captivating music festivals, and much more!
We offer many different options for camping, from tent sites nestled in the woods to RV sites with electric hook-ups (electric site reservations are to be made on that specific listing and are limited).
We allow pets, all dogs must on a leash 6ft or shorter in length and held by an adult, there is a $20/stay pet fee for pets that can be paid prior to arrival.
Beach/Swimming Rules: Two adults 18 or over are required to supervise when there are children swimming. (Even if only one child is present.)
No swimming outside of the designated/roped swim area.
No watercraft allowed anywhere in the pond.
Do not use soap in the water, we have showers!
No alcohol, no glass or open containers.
On-site Phone is for Emergencies only (located in the beach hut to the left of the beach area). Creating a reservation is your agreement with this rule.
Local Attractions: Panama Rocks, Chautauqua Institute, Chautauqua Lake Overland Trail (The Westside of Trail) over 35 miles of hiking, Chautauqua Gorge, Audubon Nature Center, Rails to Trails, Ellicottville Brewery, Southern Tier Brewery & Distillery, Lake Erie Wine Trail, and much more!
Please contact us with questions and inquiries.
Come and share the Magic of The Heron!
Welcome Home!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$40
/ night
98%
(68)
Lake Erie Views
3 sites · Lodging41 acres · Brocton, NY
Great views, Local wineries & Breweries, off grid camping. Enjoy!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
Cooking equipment
from
$49
/ night
97%
(15)
Roller-Coaster Road Ranch
3 sites · RVs, Tents350 acres · Cooperstown, PA
The Roller-Coaster Road Ranch offers many maintained trails, perfect for hiking or horseback riding, The property is mainly forested, but does contain numerous open spaces perfect for a rustic camping experience. The farm has a few large open fields that are plowed and planted seasonally. Various wildlife populates the area; whitetail deer, turkey, black bear, and bald eagles. A stocked trout stream passes through portions of the property and connects to a larger stream with many options for swimming, wading, and crayfish hunting. Many different campsites are available in various uniquely situated sites.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
99%
(48)
Hideaway Valley
1 site · RV, Tent6 acres · Springville, NY
Learn more about this land:Over 1000 feet of frontage on Cattaragus creek. Great for fishing. Large gravel pad for cars or RV. Great spot to start or end Kayaking trip. Zoar valley tavern with food and live music is less than 1/4 mile away.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from
$25
/ night
100%
(13)
Rustic Acres Rentals
13 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Pittsfield, PA
Rustic Acres Rentals is 50 acres of mostly dense woods with a beautiful stream running through the property that is great to cool off in the summer or just to sit by and relax. The property sits in a valley, so it blocks the lights from town at night to create super bright stars. We are 12 minutes to the closest boat launch on the Allegheny River, 20 minutes from Rocky Gap ATV Trail, and 40 minutes from Kinzua Dam and Kinzua Reservoir where you will also find the heart of the Allegheny National Forest. Endless things to do here including miles of biking and hiking trails that have amazing overlooks of the reservoir.
Pets
Campfires
from
$15
/ night
Dog-friendly getaways
Star Hosts in Chautauqua Lake
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping on Chautauqua Lake guide
Overview
Set in western New York and surrounded by several state forests, Chautauqua Lake stretches for 17 miles. A popular lake getaway in the summer, visitors flock here to go swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating. Several lakeside parks and charming towns can be found around the lake, including “home of comedy” Jamestown, Chautauqua, Mayville, and Bemus Point. Also nearby is Lake Erie, one of the great lakes. In winter, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are popular, along with downhill skiing in nearby ski resorts.
Where to go
South Shore
Located near the southeast end of the lake, Jamestown is home to a lively performing arts scene, along with the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, the National Comedy Center, and Audubon Nature Center. You can camp along the lakeshore and find options for tents and large RVs with full hookups and cabins, plus plenty of amenities.
West Shore
The town of Chautauqua is the home of the Chautauqua Institution, a renowned cultural and performing arts venue. Tucked away in a secluded wooded area just south of the town is Camp Prendergast, which offers tent sites and RV sites with full hookups and amenities like a swimming pool.
East Shore
At the town of Bemus Point, Long Point State Park juts out into the lake and offers a modern boat launch, fishing dock, pavilions, and several trails. Just north, one of the oldest amusement parks in the country can be found at Midway State Park. The only bridge across the lake can also be found here, connecting to Stow on the western shore of the lake.
North Shore
The county seat of Mayville can be found at the northern end of the lake. Continue north and you’ll hit Lake Erie, with plenty of options for enjoying the water, and more than 20 wineries. Lake Erie State Park offers easy lake access and a campground on a bluff overlooking the lake, and more than 100 tent and RV campsites and cabins. Further south along the shore, Evangola State Park is another option, while several private campgrounds sit right along the shores of Lake Erie.
Top regions near Chautauqua Lake
Top cities in and near Chautauqua Lake
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.