Dispersed Camping in Chautauqua County, New York
Showing 30 locations in Chautauqua County.
Arkright Camp
A secluded walk-in trail shelter situated along the East Side Overland Trail in Chautauqua County, providing a basic wilderness camping option for hikers.
Arkwright Campground
A quiet, heavily wooded private campground primarily accommodating long-term residents, but offering limited overnight campsites for travelers seeking basic amenities.
Barcelona Harbor & Beach Zone
This zone encompasses the scenic waterfront parking areas along the Lake Erie shoreline in Westfield, including the harbor pier and nearby beach lot. These paved, level locations offer beautiful sunset views, access to the shoreline, and a safe, welcoming neighborhood feel. It is an ideal spot for self-contained vans and smaller rigs to rest for a night.
Blue Water Beach Campground
A private lakeside RV park and campground situated on the shores of Lake Erie in Westfield.
Brushwood Folklore Center
A rustic private campground and clothing-optional retreat hosting seasonal events in the wooded countryside of western New York.
Chautauqua Gorge Campground
A private, developed RV park located just northeast of the state forest. Offers full hookups (water, sewer, and electric), spacious sites suitable for large rigs, and direct access to local hiking trails.
Chautauqua Gorge Campsite 1
Primitive designated campsite 1 in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. Positioned closer to the forest entrance, this site is typically quieter and offers more separation from the weekend gatherings further down the road.
Chautauqua Gorge Campsite 2
Primitive designated campsite 2 in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. Nestled in a scenic wooded setting with a cleared area for a tent, fire ring, and picnic table.
Chautauqua Gorge Campsite 3
Primitive designated campsite 3 in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. Highly scenic site with a small creek running nearby. Includes a cleared tent area, fire ring, and picnic table.
Chautauqua Gorge Campsite 4
Primitive designated campsite 4 in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. Offers a lovely natural setting with a creek flowing nearby. Features a picnic table and fire ring.
Chautauqua Gorge Campsite 5
Primitive designated campsite 5 in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. Set back in the trees along the main access road, offering decent privacy. Features a picnic table and fire ring.
Chautauqua Gorge Campsite 6
Primitive designated campsite 6 in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. This site is highly exposed to passing hikers and nearby parking areas, which can result in vehicle and foot traffic throughout the day. Includes a picnic table and fire ring.
Chautauqua Gorge Campsite 7
Primitive designated campsite 7 in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. Nestled deep in the forest corridor with scenic surroundings, a fire ring, and a picnic table.
Chautauqua Gorge Campsite 8
Primitive designated campsite 8 in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. Highly desirable campsite featuring a covered picnic table and direct trail access down to the river for swimming. Can experience some weekend noise from adjacent areas.
Chautauqua Gorge Campsite 9
Primitive designated campsite 9 in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. Located near the end of the access road, offering close proximity to trailheads but prone to late-night noise on busy weekends. Features a fire ring and picnic table.
Chautauqua Gorge State Forest Designated Campsites
A collection of primitive, designated campsites nestled along the scenic access road in Chautauqua Gorge State Forest. Each site features a fire ring and picnic table, with several spots located adjacent to hiking trails and a running creek. Camping is free but strictly limited to these designated sites, which are marked with yellow markers on the trees. The area offers a public day-use section, a swimming hole, and trail access, but can become crowded and noisy on summer weekends.
Dunkirk Beach Parking
A sandy parking lot adjacent to a small public beach. While it offers scenic lakeside views, it is highly exposed, adjacent to local residential neighborhoods and a power plant. The area is subject to strict local overnight parking ordinances and active enforcement following citizen complaints.
Dunkirk Waterfront & Street Parking
Overnight parking along the Lake Erie waterfront in Dunkirk, including areas near the pier and Memorial Park. Ideal for self-contained vehicles to enjoy the scenic lake views and nearby dining.
Home Depot - Fredonia
A large commercial parking lot offering convenient overnight stays in Fredonia, New York, near shopping and dining options.
Jamestown Walmart
A standard suburban retail parking lot where overnight stays are typically allowed for a single night. Conveniently located near local dining, though active early-morning utility services can cause noise.
Lake Erie State Park Campground
A developed state park campground situated along the scenic shores of Lake Erie. Features primitive campsites as well as sites upgraded with 20/30/50 amp electrical hookups. The park offers water spigots, a dump station, and direct views of the lake with trail access down to a rocky beach area.
Mayville Trail Lean-To
A hike-in lean-to shelter located in the forested area near Mayville, accessible only on foot via local trails.
North Harmony State Forest Dispersed
A remote, wooded dispersed camping area located off Wiltsie Road within the North Harmony State Forest, overlooking scenic marshlands.
Panama Lean-To
A rustic hike-in lean-to shelter situated within the Panama State Forest. Designed for backpackers and primitive campers.
Paradise Bay Park Family Campground
A developed private family campground located near Clymer, NY, offering overnight and seasonal RV sites with standard amenities.
Planet Fitness Jamestown
An alternative paved commercial parking option located in Celoron, suitable for a quick and functional overnight stay.
Runnings General Store - Jamestown
A spacious, level retail parking area that allows overnight stays for self-contained rigs. Guests are encouraged to check in with store staff.
Sheridan Bay Park Campground
A seasonal developed lakeside campground located in Sheridan Bay Park along Lake Erie.
Walmart Supercenter - Fredonia
A highly convenient overnight stop at the Fredonia Walmart Supercenter. Campers and smaller rigs typically park on the garden center side or on the left side of the lot near the trucks. While trailer parking is prohibited by signs, camper vans and smaller RVs are generally tolerated for a single-night stay. It is recommended to ask store management for permission upon arrival.
Westfield Municipal 24-Hour Parking
A small public parking lot located behind Main Street in Westfield, offering three designated 24-hour free parking spaces. Conveniently situated within easy walking distance of local restaurants and shops.