Camping on Chautauqua Lake

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

97% (1484 reviews)
97% (1484 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Chautauqua Lake

Available this weekend

Under $50

12 top campgrounds in Chautauqua Lake

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.
Pets
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Trash
from 
$15
 / 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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from 
$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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from 
$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.
Pets
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from 
$50
 / 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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Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$55
 / 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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