Forest camping in Chautauqua Lake

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

98% (1286 reviews)
  1. Chautauqua Lake
98% (1286 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Chautauqua Lake

Community favorites in and near Chautauqua Lake

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in and near Chautauqua Lake

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Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

12 top forest campgrounds in Chautauqua Lake

98%
(363)

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 May-October 🌳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. Dogs welcome, and can be off-leash!
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$50
 / night
97%
(647)

The Heron Farm & Event Center

86 sites · RVs, Tents400 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
97%
(47)

Abandoned School

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Tidioute, PA
Camp Beside History on the Legendary Route 666 Welcome to a one-of-a-kind camping experience—where you can pitch a tent or park your RV beside a hauntingly beautiful, abandoned schoolhouse deep in the PA woods. Located on the legendary Route 666, this private campsite offers an unforgettable blend of eerie history and peaceful seclusion. There is only one site—and it’s all yours. No other campers. No shared space. Just you, your group, and the freedom to explore. What’s Included: Exclusive Access: When you book, the entire property is yours. Roam, relax, and make it your own. Tent & RV Friendly: Separate areas for tents and RVs of any size. Water Available: On-site spigot Firewood: Purchase bundles on-site or collect fallen wood from the forest behind the schoolhouse. Firepits: Use an existing ring or safely build your own. On-Site Porta Potty: Clean and private, located discreetly on the grounds. Make Yourself at Home: Explore, take photos, and unwind in total privacy. Nearby Attractions: Allegheny National Forest Minister Creek Trail Pithole Ghost Town Tionesta Dam Hearts Content Old Growth Forest Allegheny Outfitters (0.7 mi) George’s Little Store (0.6 mi) – essentials + 24/7 Porta Potty Haller’s General Store (9 min) – clean indoor restrooms Important Notes: Private Property Signs: Ignore them—you’re welcome here. Restrooms: A porta potty is on-site. Additional restroom options nearby if needed. If you love peaceful nature, off-grid exploring, and a spooky twist, this hidden gem is for you. Whether it’s ghost stories by the fire or hiking nearby trails, this place was made for memory-making. One site. One schoolhouse. All yours.
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$47.50
 / night
98%
(53)

Angie's Country Cabins B&B

11 sites · Lodging10 acres · Cassadaga, NY
Amazing little camping spot, we have 6 cabins on site nestled in the woods as well as a guest room we rent.**** As a courtesy to Mother Earth and our time, new for 2025 we assume you will provide the linens unless u book the linen add on package for $30. We no longer provide linens for cabins unless its a 3 night stay or longer 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 or our lodge 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 and; other animals.
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$40.50
 / night
97%
(17)

Lake Of The Woods Cabin Camp

2 sites · Lodging, Tents4 acres · Silver Creek, NY
Welcome to our charming cabin, built in the summer of 2022 from a simple 12X26 Amish frame. *Important note: Lake Rd is busy and there will be road noise that dies down after 11pm. There is a historic and active railroad line behind the cabin and you will hear the train pass through the day and night. Some people have found it cool or relaxing but others have not. Nestled on its own 4-acre parcel within our family's 12-acre plot, this cozy retreat offers a private driveway and setting for your getaway. New additions this year include a fire ring and porta-potty, adding to the complete experience of your stay. Just a mile down the road, you'll find access to Lake Erie, boasting a small beach and kayak slip. On clear nights, don't miss the opportunity to gaze at the stunning stars above. Your host, Brian, has infused the cabin with photography and treasures from his global journeys, adding a unique touch to your stay. The hosts philosophy is to not bother you at all during your stay unless you have a specific need or concern, so your stay is all yours. The price is kept low to reflect this a campsite rental, not a hosted Airbnb. With that said every effort is made to make things comfy. Features include: - Private driveway - 12-foot porch with a porch bar - Four windows for a refreshing cross breeze (East-West orientation) - Finished floors, walls, and ceiling, with insulated walls for comfort - - 7-slot vinyl record bar for music enthusiasts - Wood stove (available November - February) - Lockable doors for security - Fire ring and camping chairs for outdoor enjoyment - Porta-potty with pump sink - Garbage bin and dish sink -Common Kitchen items like plates, bowls, cups, cutlery etc… -Garbage Bags (If garbage is used please take with you upon departure) True campsite experience and not an Airbnb rental, meaning there is no electricity, water, or sewer on the property. However, we provide battery packs and solar options for your convenience. The dish sink operates with a foot pump connected to a 5-gallon water jug. Guests are welcome to bring their own wood or explore the surrounding area for available resources. For your safety, please exercise caution when venturing into the woods and avoid approaching the active train tracks located at the back of the property. While the passing train adds to the rustic charm of the setting, it may NOT be suitable for light sleepers. Road traffic noise tends to calm down in quiet hours. Bed sleeps 2 but up to 3 welcome. We hope you enjoy your stay at what we believe is the coziest camp in WNY. Feel free to reach out with any questions or special requests. We look forward to hosting you soon!
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$36
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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) - 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. 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

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Star Hosts in Chautauqua Lake

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

Forest camping in 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. 

Top cities in and near Chautauqua Lake