Camping near Jamestown

With camping and lakes galore, Jamestown lets you explore the best of western New York.

97% (1552 reviews)
97% (1552 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Jamestown

97%
(37)

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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$15
 / night
96%
(27)

Firefly Acres - Star Gazing Views

5 sites · Lodging, Tents93 acres · Olean, NY
Welcome to Firefly Aces where our land offers beautiful views of the valley and "Enchanted Mountains" by day and star filled skies at night. If you look long enough, you may even see some shooting stars. The property is 93 acres and offers well manicured hiking trails that can even be used for Mountain Biking enthusiasts. Wild animals such as deer, raccoons, fox, owls, hawks, humming birds, bald eagles and more have made the land their home. Fireflies tend to take over in the summer months, its a beautiful thing to see. It's the perfect place to get away and enjoy nature all while being close to restaurants and downtown Olean if needed. Enjoy cooking on our rustic fire pits or light a fire to just enjoy the crackling sounds and warmth at night. A safe place for kids to run around, enjoy family time and the simple pleasures Mother Nature has to offer. It's perfect for anyone who just wants to get away and immerse themselves in the country. We have 2 camp sites ready right now both come with a fire pit. One is more secluded which is campsite #2 and the one with the valley view is campsite #1. Showers are seasonal. The last day for shower use is Oct 15th. You’re more than welcome to bring your own portable shower hook up and use the shower house for privacy. We apologize for any inconvenience. Shower use ends Oct 15th. You’re more than welcome to bring your own portable shower hook up. You can use it inside our shower house for privacy. Apologies in advance for any inconvenience.
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$31.50
 / night
94%
(89)

Ruby's Rocks

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Wilcox, PA
Learn more about this land: Our property is located near the tiny village of Glen Hazel, our unique area offers close proximity to many watersports and hiking opportunities. Visitors can watch bald eagles and osprey as you enjoy kayaking, fishing and nature at this primitive campsite. We have just one site. Our campsite is very private and includes a fire ring, a picnic table a trash can and a swing. Parking is available right at the site. It's just a 2 minute walk to the northernmost kayak launch on the East Branch of the Clarion River. Here you will find a public porta potty for use during the summer only. Several small jack dams will make your kayak experience a delight. We have a private 1 acre pond just a stones throw from the campsite that visitors can enjoy. Fishing is permitted in the pond, no license needed. Fly fishermen will enjoy the thrill of catching native and stocked trout in the most beautiful section on the East Branch of the Clarion River (PA fishing license and trout stamp required). Nearby is Bendigo State Park that offers free use of picnic areas and swimming in an immaculately kept pool. Just 1 1/2 miles away is the Dam Inn where you can stop for a beer or for a nice dinner on the deck. Adjacent to the campsite is State Gamelands #25. This enormous tract of public land is open to all for hiking, biking and fishing the pristine native trout streams, including Middle Fork, Crooked Creek and several others. Only a 3 mile drive will land you at the East Branch Lake, a seven mile long lake where you can put your boat in and fish, kayak or water ski to your hearts content.
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$29.75
 / night
100%
(24)

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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$40.05
 / night
99%
(156)

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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$15
 / night
98%
(352)

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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$50
 / night
100%
(109)

Triple Dream Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents99 acres · Smethport, PA
Hipcamp hosts since 2017 on a 99 acre farm, we are located approximately 2 hours south from either Erie, PA or Buffalo, NY, 3 hours north of Pittsburgh, PA and just west of Potter County, PA, our Open Pasture Campsite offers the peace, privacy and relaxation to campers looking to be out in the PA Wilds on our 99 acre family horse farm. Our Boondocking Site offers a inexpensive, safe and quiet alternative for those looking to stay 1 - 2 nights with a self-contained RV. OPEN PASTURE SITE: A row of trees, underbrush, small forest area and bridge over a creek separates your open pasture campsite from the main area of the farm, further providing a semi-private separation and an unbelievable clear angle of the southern night sky. Our camping site affords you the opportunity to play with your children, guests and pets without disturbing other campers or vice versa. The open pasture campsite is perfect for outdoor games, hiking and dog walks up the trails or just relaxing and decompressing from your hectic schedule to reconnect with family and friends. BOONDOCKING: This option affords you a inexpensive place to park your self-contained RV to relax on our farm. Please know that parking for your RV will be dependent on weather, time of the year, farm activities and safety. Before booking, please communicate your arrival dates and needs so we can accommodate them. OUR FARM: We are a recognized 501(c)(3) for the rescue, daily care of equines and related activities and community outreach. We are close to the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk with breathtaking views and beautiful year-round hiking, the Kinzua Dam for boating and other water activities abundant outdoor activities at the nearby Allegheny National Forest will insure that you will have plenty to do during your stay! We are 30 minutes from Bradford, PA, home of the Zippo/Case Museum and Flag Ship Store and Penn-Brad Oil Museum. Lumber Museum, Rock City Park and hidden gems of small town Americana such as Smethport, Coudersport, Wellsboro, Kane PA as well as Olean, NY are well worth the short drive. These towns boast various festivals all year long for your enjoyment as well. Scenic views can be had at Rim Rock, various trails in the Allegany National Forest and all along U.S. Route 6 - a popular drive! The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is a short 2 hour drive for additional hiking and other outdoor activities along with wondrous views and activities. * Although you will not hear traffic, horns or sirens, please remember that nature can be loud during the night (crickets, frogs, sometimes coyote in the distance or even our sometimes resident Screech Owl) as well as our roosters, ducks or horses calling to each other.
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$25
 / night

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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 near Jamestown guide

Overview

Located near the southeastern end of Chautauqua Lake, Jamestown is known for its connection to comedy—the hometown of Lucille Ball is now home to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the National Comedy Center, and has a vibrant performing arts scene. It’s also close to several lakes and one of the only old growth forests in New York, along with easy access to outdoor recreational opportunities year-round. There are also plenty of options for campers, from lakeside tent and RV sites to rustic cabins and luxurious cottages in the woods.

Where to go

Chautauqua Lake

Stretching for 17 miles, Chautauqua Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, paddling, and swimming. Several quaint towns can be found around the lake, including Chautauqua, home of the Chautauqua Institution, and Bemus Point, home to Midway State Park, one of the oldest amusement parks in the country. Camping locations range from lakeside to secluded woods, and include sites for tents, RVs, cabins and cottages, and amenities like hookups, picnic areas, beaches, pools, and boat rentals.

Lake Erie

This spot is less than an hour away from Jamestown and offers ways to enjoy the water and Lake Erie wine country. Stay at Lake Erie State Park, with more than 100 rustic tent and electric campsites and cabins overlooking Lake Erie, or nearby Evangola State Park.  Or follow the shoreline into Pennsylvania and Ohio, where camping options include Geneva State Park Lake and numerous private campgrounds that let you stay right along the lakeshore. 

Allegany State Park and Allegheny National Forest

Head east to explore Allegany State Park, a rare old growth forest in New York, with 65,000 acres of rugged terrain ideal for outdoor adventures, hundreds of campsites, plus winterized cabins and cottages that let you stay year-round. Or head south to Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania, which offers dispersed backcountry sites, developed campgrounds for tents and RVs, boat-in campgrounds around Allegheny Reservoir, and cabins, plus hundreds of miles of trails and wilderness.

Niagara Falls and Buffalo

Less than two hours away, Niagara Falls is a dazzling natural wonder. A visit to niagara falls State Park lets you experience the power of the falls up close, including the Cave of the Winds and riding the Maid of the Mist. Nearby Four Mile Creek State Park offers a campground full of amenities. There are also several private campgrounds near the falls, with features like cabins, swimming pools, and wifi. Or see the falls from the Canadian side and camp in Ontario. For urban adventures, head into nearby Buffalo.

When to go

Spring and summer are popular times to visit, and feature the best weather. The lakes in the region are a big draw over the summer, especially on the weekends. The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival and America’s Grape Country Wine Festival both take place every August. Visit in the fall to see dazzling fall foliage. Winter is a popular time for winter activities such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.

Know before you go

  • Although Jamestown has an airport, the closest ones for commercial flights can be found in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Buffalo, New York. You will need transportation to get around the region.
  • Most New York state parks require advance reservations to camp. It’s best to plan ahead, especially during peak season.
  • Bring water shoes to swim in Chautauqua Lake, as sharp mussel shells can be found in certain swimming areas.
  • Ticks can be an issue in the region, especially in late spring and early fall.
  • Bring your passport if you want to cross into the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

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