Camping on Chautauqua Lake
A western New York lake getaway known for fishing, water play, and year-round recreation.
97% (1228 reviews)
- Chautauqua Lake
97% (1228 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Chautauqua Lake
Star Hosts in Chautauqua Lake
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top campgrounds in Chautauqua Lake
97%
(623)
The Heron Campground
86 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Sherman, NY
The Heron is a mindful community, raising conscious vibrations through art, music, farming, education and events while enriching lives and the land. 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.
For more information on our farm, The Farm Store, and our festivals, visit 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 educational workshops, 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. Welcome Home!
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from
$40
/ night
99%
(70)
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.
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$65
/ night
88%
(24)
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%
(7)
Rustic Acres Rentals
12 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Youngsville, 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.
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$15
/ night
99%
(44)
Angie's Country Cabins B&B
11 sites · Lodging10 acres · Cassadaga, NY
Amazing little camping spot, we have 6 cabins on site and a glamping tent nestled in the woods as well as a guest room we rent. Nice back porch with hot tub- bar- table- grill. Pavilion with picnic table at the main house. Plenty of Parking. Only the country cabin you can drive right up to the cabin. The rest of the rentals you MUST WALK to. No big hills. Super quiet spot in nature. Unplug and reconnect with nature and each other. Leashed dogs are welcome. No cats allowed inside any rentals. Please do not bring animals who are known to be unfriendly towards humans & other animals.
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$65
/ night
99%
(63)
Lake Erie Views
3 sites · Lodging41 acres · Brocton, NY
Great views, Local wineries & Breweries, off grid camping. Enjoy!
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$49
/ night
95%
(11)
Goodschoolfarm
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents26 acres · Forestville, NY
We are a former homestead with a swimming pond, two beautiful art campers and camp spots. We have trails in the woods and are located near many places to explore: Lake Erie, Amish trail, excellent fishing and beautiful woods. We are on a dirt road very secluded and quiet but not far away from main traveling routes.
Note to eclipse travelers: April is cold and often wet in Western New York, please be prepared for winter-like camping conditions. Including overnight temperatures in the 30’s and mud.
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$45
/ night
98%
(96)
Toboggan Hill Farm
3 sites · RVs, Tents1 acres · Westfield, NY
Located in the heart of wine country three miles from Lake Erie, we have 60 acres of pasture for our sheep and goats, 16 acres of Concord grapes, 1 1/2 acres of vegetable garden, and 20 acres of woods. Learn more about this land:Our camp site is near woods and pasture. You would have a chance to visit our sheep, goats, chickens, and pigs. We also have a vegetable garden and a grape vineyard. Purchases of meat, eggs, vegetables, and maple syrup may be made at our farm. You could cook a breakfast of bacon and eggs from our farm at your campsite. A view of Lake Erie is within walking distance from the campsites. We are in the heart of grape country with several wineries nearby. We are 12 miles from Chautauqua Institution, which offers concerts and other cultural opportunities.
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$35
/ night
90%
(5)
Big Sky Relaxation Station
12 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Gerry, NY
Our 75 acre property is located on a hilltop near Chautauqua Lake affording “ big sky” views and spectacular sunsets in a secluded natural setting .
Our campsites range from partially wooded ,partially open meadow sites you access in your vehicle, to more remote sites accessed on foot . Most sites will be mowed in some areas and surrounded with woods and natural areas and views . Most sites have room for several tents , and some can accommodate campers and moderate size RVs. All sites are located far apart affording you privacy and a true wild experience .
Note : though we will accept campers anytime of the year , May-Early Oct. is the best time weather wise to have access most all of our land . Nov. - April is normally quite wet or deep snow ( greatly limiting vehicular travel to camping areas ) . Between Nov 1 and May 1 you may be restricted a 4 acre open area for your vehicle .
Wooded , open , half and half sites available . Rock fire rings , free fire wood . All sites are far apart , you likely won’t see other campers unless you go looking for them ! We offer privacy and nature’s beauty at its best . Spectacular sunsets , 360 degree star filled night sky with no light pollution . Our property abounds with wildlife and wild flowers . This weeks sightings have included Barred Owl , Pilated Woodpecker , Beavers , Red fox, deer with red wing blackbirds hitching a ride on back !
We have a network of trails for walking enjoying nature and viewing wildlife . Nearby activities and attractions include Chautauqua lake and surrounding attractions , Amish Country , Allegheny State Park , Allegheny National Forest,National Comedy Center , canoeing and Kayaking , hiking , fishing . We offer FREE firewood and fresh well water access to all campers and your pets are welcome here . We look forward to meeting and hosting you and will do all we can to make your experience all you want it to be !
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$30
/ night
100%
(10)
May Farms
4 sites · Lodging, Tents97 acres · Erie, PA
Secluded area of field and trees on old family farm. Property is 97 acres. Near Presque Isle state Park and Lake Erie beaches. Hike Wintergreen Gorge near by too. The surrounding area and city offers amusement park, bicentennial tower, shopping and indoor water park. We are only about 10 minutes off I90.
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$45
/ night
100%
(9)
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.
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$40
/ night
94%
(9)
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.
Pets
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from
$60
/ night
Available this weekend
Under $50
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.
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