Camping on Chautauqua Lake

A western New York lake getaway known for fishing, water play, and year-round recreation.

98% (1491 reviews)
98% (1491 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Chautauqua Lake

Available this weekend

Under $50

12 top campgrounds in Chautauqua Lake

97%
(38)

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). Hallers General Store has very nice bathrooms, but is a bit farther out (9 Minutes). 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.
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from 
$18
 / night
98%
(353)

Zoar Valley Forest Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Cattaraugus, NY
*SAVE ZOAR* Attention: The surrounding Zoar Valley state forest will be compromised due to specious claims and a faulty logging management plan by the state/Audubon organization. These campsites will be impacted and the surrounding forest. Sign the petition! https://www.change.org/p/save-zoar-valley 🌿 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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$50
 / night
89%
(28)

Compass Rose Campgrounds

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents49 acres · Ripley, NY
Compass Rose Campground is 49 acres of camping fun. You can choose to go deep into the woods for a maximum camping experience or stay closer to the modern amenities. A full kitchen is available as well as bathrooms with showers. No potable water is available. The pond was created and stocked in 2022. Bring your fishing poles and rafts!! Kayaks are available for campers also. There are many, many trails available for hiking including an enchanted fairy trail. Train lovers will especially welcome the distant sounds of the iron horse passing by. Numerous activities on-site and nearby including mountain biking, fishing, boating on Lake Erie, horseback riding, many, many wineries, antiquing, pottery shops, Panama Rock (28 min), Chautauqua Institute (25 min), Lillydale (35 min), Waldameer Amusement Park and Water World (40 min), Presque Isle (40 min), Casino (30 min) and much more. The nearby towns have unique down home diners and shops. Only 4 sites per night will be rented out. Monthly discount rates are available. Please contact me for the discount code.
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$25
 / night
100%
(6)

The Nason Trust

5 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Marienville, PA
The Nason Trust is a 4th generation owned outdoor enthusiasts haven tucked away on private land in the outskirts of the Allegheny National Forest. We offer primitive camping along with equestrian primitive camping. We have a dedication to preserving natural habitat, as well as the cooperative efforts of people with diverse interests in the outdoors to provide a positive recreational experience for all of our visitors. The Nason Trust is located by a significant amount of trail systems that traverses gorgeous, rocky, stream-filled trails that pass by remnants of Kellettville's boomtown. While guests get to enjoy the geology, elevation changes, with dramatic views while enjoying their favorite outdoor activities. Campers will have access to the North Country National Scenic Trail that is the longest in the national trail system it spans across 8 states from North Dakota to Vermont covering 4,800 miles. Minister Creek Trail is a short drive away. It's a moderately challenging hike that passes several outstanding rock outcroppings. After your hike you can drop by frog rock the local's favorite swimming hole that's along the same short drive back from Minister Creek trail back to the Nason Trust. Tionesta Creek and Salmon Creek are well stocked to lure in any avid fishermen. Along with another local gem; Ross Run's Habitat Improvement area it's a half mile set aside for Children 15 and under and people with Special needs giving them their very own special stocked fishing area.
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$30
 / night
100%
(16)

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!
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$55
 / night
97%
(641)

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!
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$40
 / night

Star Hosts in Chautauqua Lake

Dog-friendly getaways

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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. 

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