Discover the best campgrounds in Allegheny Reservoir with wildlife watching

United States
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New York
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Allegheny Reservoir

98% (1975 reviews)

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97%

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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!

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.

Clarion Heights

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents53 acres · Johnsonburg, PA

The Property has been previously used for its Large stone, coal, and clay mine. The property has been virtually untouched for 60+ years. Beautiful views of the surrounding hills.Small private spot on the top of the hill.. Lots of wildlife and close to many area attractions like 4 wheeler trails fishing, hunting, boating and more...

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(42)

Campground Adventures

42 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · NY

Pitch your tent, bring your RV camper or stay at one of our glamping sites at Campground Adventures and stay next to the Ischua Creek. Bring your kayak/canoe and fishing pole and enjoy the adventure. At your site you will have access to water hook-ups and 20 Amps service. Bath house is short walking distance away with hot showers and toilets. Each site will have a picnic table and a fire ring.

Austin Dam Memorial Park

135 sites · RVs, Tents76 acres · PA

Just outside the quaint town of Austin sits a vivid reminder of one of Pennsylvania's worst disasters – the Austin Flood. In 1909, the dam was constructed on Freeman Run to power the Bayless Papermill downstream. Many wondered if the dam was safe. On September 30, 1911, Austin found out. Poor construction, coupled with torrential rain, resulted in the dam's collapse. Nearly 400 million gallons of water were released, destroying everything for 8 miles. At least 78 people perished in the tragedy. It was the second worst flood disaster in Pennsylvania's history and sixth worst dam failure in U.S. history. The tragedy sparked new legislation to improve dam safety, and the Austin Dam was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The ruins of the dam still stand, surrounded by a 76-acre park, as a tribute to the lives lost in the Austin Flood. Don't miss one of Potter County's best kept secrets!

12 top campgrounds in Allegheny Reservoir with wildlife watching

98%

(748)

Austin Dam Memorial Park

135 sites · RVs, Tents76 acres · PA

Just outside the quaint town of Austin sits a vivid reminder of one of Pennsylvania's worst disasters – the Austin Flood. In 1909, the dam was constructed on Freeman Run to power the Bayless Papermill downstream. Many wondered if the dam was safe. On September 30, 1911, Austin found out. Poor construction, coupled with torrential rain, resulted in the dam's collapse. Nearly 400 million gallons of water were released, destroying everything for 8 miles. At least 78 people perished in the tragedy. It was the second worst flood disaster in Pennsylvania's history and sixth worst dam failure in U.S. history. The tragedy sparked new legislation to improve dam safety, and the Austin Dam was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The ruins of the dam still stand, surrounded by a 76-acre park, as a tribute to the lives lost in the Austin Flood. Don't miss one of Potter County's best kept secrets!

Stargazing Field at Olga Farm

5 sites · Tents133 acres · Coudersport, PA

Olga Farm is a working organic vegetable farm with a Stargazing Field for primitive camping & it also offers a number of glamping options. Please contact us if you're interested in glamping at Olga Farm. The Stargazing Field at Olga Farm is perfect for camping, breathtaking sunrises, peaceful meditation, & you guessed it...stargazing in some of the darkest skies in the northeastern United States. It's adjacent to a working organic vegetable farm. Olga Farm is 4.4 miles from the charming town of Coudersport & its shops & eateries, including Olga Gallery, Cafe, & Bistro which is only 5.9 miles away. There's a great swimming hole less than 5.5 miles away. Cherry Springs State Park, a stargazing Mecca is 21 miles away. Olga Farm is a great base to explore the Pennsylvania Wilds. We are 36 miles from the Kinzua Skywalk & 46 miles from Leonard Harrison State Park, one of our favorite places to view the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. We're only 14 miles from the Austin Dam Ruins & 37 miles from Rock City Park just over the border in New York State.

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!

Clarion Heights

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents53 acres · Johnsonburg, PA

The Property has been previously used for its Large stone, coal, and clay mine. The property has been virtually untouched for 60+ years. Beautiful views of the surrounding hills.Small private spot on the top of the hill.. Lots of wildlife and close to many area attractions like 4 wheeler trails fishing, hunting, boating and more...

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.

Campground Adventures

42 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · NY

Pitch your tent, bring your RV camper or stay at one of our glamping sites at Campground Adventures and stay next to the Ischua Creek. Bring your kayak/canoe and fishing pole and enjoy the adventure. At your site you will have access to water hook-ups and 20 Amps service. Bath house is short walking distance away with hot showers and toilets. Each site will have a picnic table and a fire ring.

Clear Creek Cook Forest Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Sigel, PA

This is your spot. Your own private campground on 5 acres of forest canopy that we unofficially call "Fern Gully", this site is literally adjacent to scenic Clear Creek State Park (1211 acres) and pristine "old-growth" Clear Creek State Forest (16229 acres). Accessible by RVs of any size. Tent campers welcome! Don't have an RV?? Check out RVshare.com to discover loads of options! A driveway leads to a large, flat landing where RVs can set up. Electric (50 and 20 amp) + pressurized water hook-up at sites. UPDATE: we recently added a second site for "friends/family"(full hook-ups) at the other end of the parking pad for those wishing to camp with guests. Fire pit on location. Firewood can be found on the property, but always smart to bring some. The road in can be rough, just go slow. We are working with the state to fix it. Do it your way! Come relax and unwind or get out and get active. Enjoy the serenity and solitude that nature provides at this quiet hideaway for peace and tranquility. POINTS of INTEREST: -Clear Creek State Park swimming area is minutes away, right down the road! -Only a few miles to Clarion River (2019 River of the Year) launch access! You can bring your boat and do some fishing, or rent canoes/kayaks/tubes and float away the day. -25+ miles of hiking trails within walking distance from camp. -Beartown Rocks is within hiking distance or a short drive. -The Seneca Point Overlook/Firetower is a must-see -For those looking for a leisure walk or cyclists, Rails-to-Trails paved trail is a unique experience, stop and see our friends at Lost In The Wilds brewery for a cold refreshment. -10 miles to North Country Trailhead. -10 miles to Cook Forest State Park (8500 acres), known as a National Natural Landmark for some of America's finest virgin white pine and hemlock timber stands. Cook Forest State Park was rated one of America's top 50 state parks by National Geographic Traveler magazine and was chosen by the Pennsylvania DCNR and its Bureau of Parks as one of "25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks". -10 miles to Allegheny National Forest. State Game Lands nearby. -Farmer's Inn restaurant has that rustic country flair, great food and a "zoo" that all ages can appreciate. -A local meat market, drive-in movie theatre and RV sales/service a short drive on Route 36 toward Brookville. *Check Out the following websites for some great, detailed information on the surrounding area: **AIRBNB - check out my "Guidebook" there and booking fees are LESS $$!!!** DCNR PAWILDS VISITPAGO

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The Highlander

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Pittsfield, PA

Rustic cabin with some creature comforts. Electric cooking range, microwave, coffee pot, small refrigerator TV and blu-ray player. Outdoor propane grill, charcoal grill and fire ring. There is no running water in the camp. There is an outhouse for toilet facilities. We provide filtered water for drinking and cooking. We also provide fire wood.

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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.

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Chappel Hill Tree Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Grand Valley, PA

This 140-acre property is an old farmstead last farmed in the 1950's. It lies in the Allegheny Plateau region of NW Pennsylvania and is mostly hardwood forest today. It is surrounded by thousands of acres of private forestland and is very secluded. Our goal is to provide a private and secluded yet accessible camping experience where you will see more deer than people. AANR friendly. There is excellent Verizon and T-Mobile service. The skies are dark at night and the sounds of nature will surround you. Campsite 1 is near where the farmhouse and barn once stood. The site is shaded by large, old maples that once shaded the farmhouse. Old fields surround the farmstead, but the woods are a short walk away. It is the most popular campsite with an outhouse, fire ring and picnic table available. Campsite 2 is on the other side of the property. There is a fire ring but no picnic table. Both sites easily accommodate anything from tents to RV's. Each site has a separate, gated, gravel road access. These are the only 2 campsites on the property and they are far enough apart (1/4 mile) to avoid any contact should both sites be occupied. There is a 2-mile loop hiking trail on the property that traverses a variety of habitats which are home to many animals and birds. The trail is well maintained and mowed. The terrain is flat to gentle slopes. The 1/2-mile Narnia Loop trail weaves through a young spruce forest like a maze. It is so cool, literally, even on the hottest days. The Allegheny River is about 10 miles away, near Tidioute, PA, and has excellent paddling and fishing. Titusville, PA is about 15 miles away and is home to Oil Creek State Park which has great trout fishing, an excellent paved bike/hike trail, and Drake Well Museum site of the first oil well ever drilled. Finally, you will be on the doorstep to the Allegheny National Forest with all the outdoor recreation it has to offer. We hope you enjoy the peace and quiet of nature on our property as much as we have. If you are curious about more details of the history and management of the property, please ask your host, Dave Trimpey, and he will be glad to share his knowledge of the land. Learn more about this land: The property was a family farm from the late 1800's to the mid-1950's. Aerial photos of the 1940s and 1950s show much of the surrounding area was being farmed for crops and dairy cattle. Agricultural farming ended around 1956 and the farmer, Mr. Matkovich, planted acorns in many of the fields. An observant hiker may notice rows of red oak trees today in former fields which are now forests. In the 1970s the property was acquired by Lester Noll. He planted some of the remaining fields with spruce and fir for Christmas trees. The old farmhouse was still standing until it burned down in 1975. Mr. Noll sold the property to Dave and Rhonda Trimpey, your hosts, in 1992. We continued and expanded the Christmas tree business for 20 years and one point having nearly 6,000 Christmas trees growing in the fields around campsite 1. The Christmas tree part of the business ended in 2014 and management of the land now focuses on timber and wildlife. We have always used the property for personal recreation - primarily hunting, hiking and camping - and decided to open it up for others to enjoy by camping through Hipcamp in 2020.

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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.

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Hanging Bog Big Bass Serenity Camp

12 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Caneadea, NY

This forested country property was purchased in 1923 by my great grandfather as a farm. My father was born here. All that was left when I arrived six years ago was the old stone house foundation -n it took me three days to find that! It is an honor to share a place this beautiful, creek, hills n trails ... Learn more about this land: Bordering Hanging Bog Wildlife Management Area and Crabb Hollow State Forest this charmed creek laced forest has been in my family for over 100 years. Recently turned camp with 10 well spaced camp sites with fire pits, deep well potable water, dish washing station and a couple of electrical outlets for charging, blender, hot pot.... We have what you need for comfort. We just finished a glamping cabin for those want maximum comfort and amenities all set up! ( Airbnb ) We are located right next to Wildlife Management and State Forest property and are on the snowmobile trail. Enjoy central (communal) and/ or individual camp fire pits (some rustic wood provided). Camp fire wood available near by ($5.00 bundle). RV's will want to use the somewhat level primary and secondary drive areas (sites 1, 2, 3 or 6). You can have privacy or enjoy socialization here. We are truly in the woods well spaced between sites and away from all traffic except very light country road travel. Spaces 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 are drive -in. Spaces 8, 9 and 10 are short walk-ins (50-250 feet) from parking. These locations, are across the creek FOOT bridge. You can not drive to them. Nice n private with rustic campfire wood, piled or to gather, near by. We have cut many beautiful walking trails on the forested hills out back and along the creeks. We sit 1/4 mile (through two meadows and up one tall and one small rise) from three ponds FULL of bass (fishing license required). I love to use the tiny beach at the first pond for a quick cool off swim. For a group swimming or tanning spot try Rushford Lake, where the beautiful little sandy Rushford Lake Public Beach is exactly 3 miles away. (Opened through Labor Day) Just down the road you can put your kayak or canoe in the Hanging Bog or go over to Genesee River access, 6 miles away to paddle or fish. Genesee Valley Greenway Trail is minutes away to go for a nice hike. See the hidden jem, Wiscoy Falls in 20 minutes or hike around Moss Lake. Approximately 25 miles in either direction will get you to a great day at Allegany or Letchworth State parks. You may want to take a nature path walks right here so you can hug trees and kiss rocks... or Play In The Creek ! All us kids and kids at heart love to play in the creek! Enjoy a fire in the communal pit or in your own and the firefly show which starts at dusk! All Cuba area attractions including Cuba Cheese, Garlic Festival, Block Barn, Palmer Opera House, Moonwinks and Cuba Lake are within 10 miles. The superb Amish community and offerings lace the entire area. I love all the doggies and have a big lab mix, Dino, who thinks all the people and all the other doggies were made to play with him. We understand everyone may not see it that way. Out of respect for everyone lets all keep our dogs in our space and clean-up after them. All are invited to cross the creek bridge for off leash romps and hikes. Children love it here! My Verizon phone and Hotspot work great here. There is a three week maximum stay limit at this time. Only sites 1, 2, 3 and 6 can accommodate larger RV's. Please come on down and enjoy this special spot. Rustic campfire wood provided for 1st night stay. Bring wood or purchase it from my next door neighbor. Do send any questions. Plan to arrive before 9pm for any site. Please take all trash away as there is no trash service in this area. Thank you!

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Allegheny National Forest

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Clear Creek State Park

Vowinckel, Pennsylvania

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Cook Forest State Park

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Camping in Allegheny Reservoir with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Spanning more than 12,000 acres across New York and Pennsylvania, the reservoir, along with the surrounding Allegany State Park, Allegany Reservation, and the Allegheny National Forest, form one of the largest outdoor recreation complexes in the northeast. It’s a prime destination for water recreation, including swimming, paddling, boating, fishing, and flat water windsurfing, while hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling trails surround the area. Numerous camping options let you camp waterside, in the backcountry, or in the woods, and span primitive tent-only sites, RV sites with hookup, rustic cabins, and cozy cottages.

Where to go

Allegany State Park

On the north end of the reservoir, Allegany State Park offers 65,000 acres of rare, old growth forest, two lakes, and rugged terrain with plenty of trails for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling. Two developed areas—Quaker and Red House—offer more than 300 campsites, 350 cabins (142 winterized), and eight cottages. Amenities include swim beaches, playgrounds, playing fields, boat and bike rentals, and boat launches. Just west of the state park, in the Enchanted Mountains of New York, Onoville Marina Park offers nearly 100 seasonal and transient camping sites, some right along the shores of the reservoir.

Allegany Indian Reservation

The northwestern part of the reservoir is surrounded by the Allegany Reservation of the Seneca Nation of Indians, which also includes several towns, the city of Salamanca, and the Seneca-Allegany Casino. Campers can stay at the Highbanks Campground, across the reservoir from Allegany State Park’s Quaker Area. Options include tent sites and RV sites with water and 30-amp electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire pits, along with spacious cabins and chalets, and amenities that include a boat launch, pool, picnic areas, and playground.

Allegheny National Forest

A mecca for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the forest features 10 developed campgrounds. Willow Bay, Dewdrop, Kiasutha, and Red Bridge are the closest to the reservoir, and together offer more than 400 tent sites, RV sites, and rustic cabins. Most sites include picnic tables and fire rings, while many RV sites offer hookups and a dump station. For the best views, book a waterfront site or stay at a boat-in campground, such as Hopewell, Pine Grove, or Hooks Brook. With more than 500,000 acres, there’s plenty of space for dispersed camping.