The best waterfall camping in Chautauqua Lake

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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.

99% (45)

Top-rated campgrounds near Chautauqua Lake

1. Elk Valley Creekside

100%
(32)
1 site · Lodging · Girard, PA
This campsite is a wildlife paradise and a fisherman's dream come true on the banks of Elk Creek. We open April 1 each season so campers can take advantage of three months of incredible steelhead, smallmouth bass, lake suckers and stocked browns. There are seasonal fishing ponds on the property as well. Campers will marvel at the incredible nature surrounding this secluded campsite. Watch bald eagles from your tent deck, and keep your eyes open for deer, turkey, seasonal steelhead and beautiful monarch butterflies. Elk Valley Creekside is a perfect getaway for campers interested in wildlife photography - the photo opportunities are endless. This campsite is only 20 minutes from Presque Isle State Park, and 30 minutes from Erie, PA. There are solar lights around the campsite to help you see at night, and plenty of firewood is provided. The Space: Creekside Campsite with Incredible Fishing and Wildlife Guest Access: This was a former Tentrr Signature 5 star campsite. An outdoor toilet (job johnny) and fire wood are provided
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$170
 / night

2. Shine On Valley

100%
(7)
7 sites · Tents, Lodging · Conewango Valley, NY
ShineOn Valley is a 75-acre valley located on the Amish Trail on the Chautaugua/ Cattaraugus County line. This valley is quiet & secluded. The only sounds heard are nature which includes the pitter-patter of horse & buggy passings. Local Amish shops provide a wide range of products & services. New York's largest population of endangered species live at ShineOn Valley & in the surrounding area. Rare plants & animals can be seen on nature walks using our numerous trails. Guided tours are available for booking. Hunting opportunities are booked according to seasons & licensing. Both Tenting or full RV experience -we have multiple listings available. Learn more about this land: Tent and Boondocking camper options. See rare and endangered species galore of both plants and animals. Secluded Valley provides peace and protection from the unnatural around us. Engage in educational nature walks, hunting, fishing, medicinal herbs observations and more. Enjoy natural living at Shine On Valley.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night

3. The blue rooster of 3 springs

97%
(18)
1 site · Lodging · Kennedy, NY
Our farm is a 20-year project in the making. We started with our horses and grew into the alpacas about 7 years ago. And recently added a cashmere goat. The blue rooster is a perfect addition for us here as I have always loved hosting. Making time to make your stay special. The alpaca farm has a small gift shop that carries plenty of beautiful alpaca products. If you choose to just hang out here at the farm for you stay, you’ll be more than welcome to join us in the barn through the day. Or if you want to go out and about you are pretty much in the middle of everything and anything. Learn more about this land: The rooster sits high behind the alpaca barn. If privacy is important you found a great place here. Alpacas are literally inches from the living room windows. Once you settle in there are so many things to do. Comedy club , theater, dining, casino and so much more. Or just hang out and enjoy the farm.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$56
 / night

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.

99% (45)

Top-rated campgrounds near Chautauqua Lake

1. Elk Valley Creekside

100%
(32)
1 site · Lodging · Girard, PA
This campsite is a wildlife paradise and a fisherman's dream come true on the banks of Elk Creek. We open April 1 each season so campers can take advantage of three months of incredible steelhead, smallmouth bass, lake suckers and stocked browns. There are seasonal fishing ponds on the property as well. Campers will marvel at the incredible nature surrounding this secluded campsite. Watch bald eagles from your tent deck, and keep your eyes open for deer, turkey, seasonal steelhead and beautiful monarch butterflies. Elk Valley Creekside is a perfect getaway for campers interested in wildlife photography - the photo opportunities are endless. This campsite is only 20 minutes from Presque Isle State Park, and 30 minutes from Erie, PA. There are solar lights around the campsite to help you see at night, and plenty of firewood is provided. The Space: Creekside Campsite with Incredible Fishing and Wildlife Guest Access: This was a former Tentrr Signature 5 star campsite. An outdoor toilet (job johnny) and fire wood are provided
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$170
 / night

2. Shine On Valley

100%
(7)
7 sites · Tents, Lodging · Conewango Valley, NY
ShineOn Valley is a 75-acre valley located on the Amish Trail on the Chautaugua/ Cattaraugus County line. This valley is quiet & secluded. The only sounds heard are nature which includes the pitter-patter of horse & buggy passings. Local Amish shops provide a wide range of products & services. New York's largest population of endangered species live at ShineOn Valley & in the surrounding area. Rare plants & animals can be seen on nature walks using our numerous trails. Guided tours are available for booking. Hunting opportunities are booked according to seasons & licensing. Both Tenting or full RV experience -we have multiple listings available. Learn more about this land: Tent and Boondocking camper options. See rare and endangered species galore of both plants and animals. Secluded Valley provides peace and protection from the unnatural around us. Engage in educational nature walks, hunting, fishing, medicinal herbs observations and more. Enjoy natural living at Shine On Valley.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night

3. The blue rooster of 3 springs

97%
(18)
1 site · Lodging · Kennedy, NY
Our farm is a 20-year project in the making. We started with our horses and grew into the alpacas about 7 years ago. And recently added a cashmere goat. The blue rooster is a perfect addition for us here as I have always loved hosting. Making time to make your stay special. The alpaca farm has a small gift shop that carries plenty of beautiful alpaca products. If you choose to just hang out here at the farm for you stay, you’ll be more than welcome to join us in the barn through the day. Or if you want to go out and about you are pretty much in the middle of everything and anything. Learn more about this land: The rooster sits high behind the alpaca barn. If privacy is important you found a great place here. Alpacas are literally inches from the living room windows. Once you settle in there are so many things to do. Comedy club , theater, dining, casino and so much more. Or just hang out and enjoy the farm.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$56
 / night

Public campgrounds in and near Chautauqua Lake

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Nearby public parks

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

The best waterfall camping in Chautauqua Lake guide

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