Tucked into southwestern New York lies what locals and visitors alike consider a hidden gem: Allegany State Park. With three pristine lakes, sandy beaches, amazing natural rock formations, and miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding—plus snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter—there’s something for everyone at the Empire State’s largest state park. 

Allegany State Park is divided into two sections, the Red House and Quaker areas. The Red House Area features a network of paved trails and boat and bike rentals, and everything is clustered around the lake itself. The Quaker Area has two lakes, sandy beaches, and two fishing piers. You can hike to hidden caves and waterfalls in both areas, swim, fish, or enjoy horseshoes and tennis courts. 

It’s not difficult to understand why this is called "The Wilderness Playground of Western New York.” One of the best ways to experience it firsthand is with an Allegany State Park RV rental. Feel like you’re getting away from it all while also enjoying creature comforts and plenty of activities at one of the park's hundreds of RV campsites. 

Allegany State Park Facts

Whether you’re a first-timer or a local who visits regularly, these Allegany State Park facts will help you get the most out of your trip. 

• At over 65,000 acres, Allegany State Park is New York’s biggest state park.
• The park sits in both New York and Pennsylvania and can be accessed from either side.
• Reservations are required for Allegany State Park RV camping between May 15 and Columbus Day. Walk-ins are not accepted during this time. You can reserve Allegany State Park RV sites online or by phone until 3:00 PM the day of arrival. 
• It costs $7 per vehicle to enter the park from Memorial Day to mid-October. Outside of those dates, admission is free.  
• Allegany State Park was established in 1921 and developed primarily between 1933 and 1942 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). 

Don’t just take our word for it—experience the rich history of Allegany State Park yourself!

Best Allegany State Park RV Parks and Campgrounds

With over 65,000 acres, there’s plenty of room to spread out and make yourself at home as you go RV camping in Allegany State Park. 

Quaker Area Campground

Amenities: Within the Quaker Area section, there are two Allegany State Park RV campgrounds: Cain Hollow and Cabins Diehl/Campsite Trail. Sites in both areas have fire rings and picnic tables, and most have electricity hookups. Potable water and restrooms are also available at each campground. Enjoy being close to the beach, fishing piers, kayak launch, and amphitheater. Both areas are open from mid-May to late October each year. 

Capacity: 24 sites at Cabins Diehl/Campsite Trail and 158 sites at Cain Hollow

More information: Quaker Area Campground

Red House Area Campground

Amenities: When you want the best of all worlds, consider Allegany State Park RV camping at Red House Area Campground. This area is close to the lake and beach, so you can rent boats, fishing gear, or bikes, yet it feels like you’re worlds away from civilization. There are also numerous paved hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Like the Quaker Area Campground, most Allegany State Park RV sites at Red House Area are open seasonally and have electricity hookups and access to potable water and dump stations. 

Capacity: 122 sites

More information: Red House Area Campground

Allegany Group Campground

Amenities: If you have a large group—whether it’s family, a school club, sports team, corporate retreat, or something else—the Allegany Group Campground is the perfect place. There are two very large sites, each with 18 individual cabins accommodating 72 people total. The cabins are rustic, though they are insulated. In addition to the cabins, there’s a mess hall that can hold up to 85 people and seven individual bathrooms and showers. All of the buildings are situated within walking distance of one another, and there’s enough space for up to 18 RVs. 

Capacity: 18 sites

More information: Allegany Group Campground

Allegany Cabins

Amenities: There’s yet another option for camping: cabins. The park maintains 336 six-person cabins ranging from rustic to full-service. That includes seven original Fancher Cottages, named after the park’s founder, Senator Albert T. Fancher. The cabins are situated on loops throughout the park. They offer privacy but still enjoy proximity to amenities, including boat rentals and the beach.

Capacity: 336 cabins

More information: Allegany Cabins

Best Time to Visit Allegany State Park for RV Camping

With four distinct seasons, the best time to visit Allegany State Park depends on the activities you want to do and the type of scenery you want to see. 

Winter

While snowier than other places in New York (receiving about 92 inches annually, on average), there are many things to do in Allegany State Park in the winter. Winter sports are popular pastimes, including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. 

If you visit the park in the winter, dress accordingly and be prepared for extreme winter conditions. December, January, and February all usually see at least nine snowy days per month and experience temperatures below freezing. 

Spring

Spring is a lovely time to visit Allegany State Park. Temperatures are still on the cool side, averaging in the 40s in March and 50s in April with overnight lows right at or just below freezing. The days are comfortable, though April is historically the rainiest month of the year.

With so much diverse wildlife, the park comes to life with colorful blooms in the spring. As snow melts, creeks and waterfalls also begin to flow. Fishing and boating are popular springtime activities, and many Allegany State Park RV campgrounds open for the season during this time. 

Summer

Summer is the busiest time at Allegany State Park. The weather is beautiful, with highs averaging in the 70s and low 80s during the day. Overnight, it still dips into the 40s—perfect for spooky stories around the campfire.

The summer months also allow visitors to participate in all types of outdoor pursuits. Hanging out at the beaches, boating, and fishing at the lakes, and camping are particularly popular between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

Fall

RV camping in Allegany State Park is one of the best ways to experience autumn in New York. The leaves turn vibrant shades of gold, red, and orange, and the temperatures are very comfortable. Daytime highs hover in the 60s and low 70s, and overnight lows tend to be in the 40s. While October sees several rainy days, September is one of the most comfortable months. 

Every type of recreation the park offers is available to visitors in the fall. Hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing are some of the most popular activities.

Things to Do in Allegany State Park

Allegany State Park is a nature lover’s paradise, with idyllic scenery and four-season outdoor recreation. Whether you prefer a relaxed pace or packing your days with activities, you’ll find that there are many things to do in Allegany State Park.  

• Take a hike. There are 18 official hiking trails in Allegany State Park, including the popular Bear Caves and several fire towers.
• Go biking. The paved 3.1-mile loop trail around Red House Lake is one of the most popular, but over 20 miles of trails are in the park. 
• Paddle away. Rent kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards from the Red House Lake Boat House. 
• Try your hand at fishing. Both traditional and fly-fishing are popular in the park. There’s excellent trout fishing in the spring and throughout the summer and fall. You can also ice fish in the winter on Quaker Lake.
• Check out the Sky High Aerial Adventure Park. Although it isn’t technically inside Allegany State Park, this adventure park is a must when you’re nearby! It’s less than 30 minutes away and is the third-largest aerial park in the US. There are 13 obstacle courses of varying levels situated in the trees, featuring zip lines and bridges. 

You won’t want to miss out on the fun activities happening at Allegany State Park year-round, so be sure to book your campsite soon!

 

Tips on Visiting Allegany State Park

Here are some helpful tips for visiting Allegany State Park, from ways to save money to find hidden gems. 

• Pets are welcome at RV campgrounds in Allegany State Park and throughout the entire park. You must bring proof of rabies vaccination and keep your pet leashed at all times. 
• If you visit Allegany State Park often, consider getting an Empire Pass for the season.
• Allegany State Park RV campgrounds can be reserved up to nine months in advance, and popular sites often book within minutes of becoming available. 
• Bridal Falls, one of the most spectacular features in the park, isn’t listed on any park maps or the website. Look for the parking lot near Stoddard Creek. 

Now that you’ve reviewed our guide to RV camping in Allegany State Park, it’s time to book your trip! 

RV Rental for Allegany State Park

With so much to do and see, the best way to experience this beautiful region is from a Cruise America RV rental in Allegany State Park. Pick from several models, all with state-of-the-art conveniences. We have over 100 rental locations, including several in New York, so it’s easy and convenient to start planning your Allegany State Park camping trip!