Allegany State Park is one of the largest state parks in New York at an impressive 65,000 acres. The state park is located in the Enchanted Mountains which is an ideal destination for any nature lover. There are two developed areas where RVers can enjoy some comforts in the otherwise primitive, forested valleys. The two developed sites include Red House and Quaker, which both have swimming beaches, picnic areas, paved trails and hiking trails.
On the northeastern half of Allegany State Park, Red House is known for its tudor-style Administration building located on the shores of Red House Lake. The area is famous for offering a wide range of summer and winter activities, including boating, biking, swimming, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. There are over five miles of paved bike paths which are perfect for biking, jogging, or having a stroll through the scenic surroundings. The southwestern area of the park is where Quaker is located, with popular attractions include Science Lake, Bear Cave, Thunder Rocks, and the fire tower.
There are 424 campsites, 375 cabins, and two group camps for rent. The large size of this campground means any campervan configuration, RV, rig, or trailer can comfortably fit in the many available campsites. It is a dry campground, meaning there are no hookups possible, however generators can be used during designated hours of the day. The campground itself provides a range of facilities for both summer and winter months. Some of these include a gift shop, pavilions, playground, food shop, picnic tables, and a dumping station.
Allegany State Park is located deep in the mountains, and the drive to the campsites is a nice, slow leisurely drive through picturesque landscape. The winding road features mountain streams, dense forests, and impressive views. The area does have severe storms so make sure to check the weather before heading up there. During the winter, the roads can get quite icy so make sure to switch to winter tires and consider bringing chains. The paved roads are usually well kept and even during winter months they get swept regularly.
There are three main roads within the park which link the Red House area and Quaker Run area. When you drive to the campsites there is plenty of room for RVs, campervans, and trailers to maneuver around. There are several dirt minor access roads which are less maintained and can range from good to rough condition. A good rule of thumb is to not attempt to drive on those roads with big rigs in winter conditions. There is plenty of parking space available with all the campsites having an abundance of space for your camping experience.
Fish, take a hayride, hunt, or simply relax and have fun at Kinzua East KOA, nestled in the trees and lush landscape of the Allegheny National Forest. The pool or campfire are both perfect places to spot the wildlife passing through. Just ten minutes away, anglers can hook record-breaking pike and walleye while fishing on the 12,000-acre Allegheny Reservoir. Rent a boat or bring your own along, and if golf’s your game, check out the local country club. Big-rigs up to 80 feet can park in a convenient pull-through site, and 50-amp electrical service is available. Stay connected with the on-site Wi-Fi, and keep the fires burning with for-purchase propane and firewood.
This tent and trailer campground is located right next to the English Creek. One side of the road is filled with campsites reserved for tents with not enough space for campervans or trailers. The other side of the road has several cabins with water distribution points situated between the campsites.
Another campsite which is ideal for RVs or tents and provides electrical hookups is the Redhouse campground. There are over 40 sites here located just near the Stoddard Creek with many large enough to accommodate RVs and Trailers up to 40 feet in length. There is fresh water available, flushing toilets, picnic tables, and an abundance of parking.
The Quaker Cain Hollow campground contains many tent and RV-friendly sites which have electrical hookups, fresh water, and accessible sites hidden in the forest. These sites provide you with privacy and plenty of space for RVs up to 40 feet in length.
Before you try your hand at hunting in the Allegany State Park you need to ensure you have a New York State hunting license. You can obtain this at the park police head quarters, Quaker and Red House area rentals or online. There are plenty of local businesses where you can purchase any of your hunting equipment including firearms, clothing, hunting accessories, bows, and ammunition.
In Allegany, you can have the opportunity to hunt deer, small game, or turkey. If you are a non-resident and you would like to buy a New York State hunting license, you must have taken an approved course on hunting safety. Even if you are bow hunting, you must take a bow hunting safety course. If you have taken the appropriate courses, make sure to bring your certificates with you.
There are many fantastic walking and biking trails through the Allegany State Park. There are 18 hiking trails and even several dog leash trails where you can take your four-legged best friend on an adventure with you. The trails are not limited to hiking, but also allow access to biking, cross-country skiing, horse riding, and snowmobiling. There are plenty of trail maps available at the campground which will provide you with detailed reviews of the various hikes directly from hikers and campers who have walked the paths before you.
One of the most popular trails is the Beehunter Trail which is a 6.5-mile loop which takes you through a beautiful forest. It does have 700-foot elevation gain, so make sure to bring your hiking boots, water and some snacks to keep your energy up. An easier trailer is the Osgood Trail which has an elevation gain of 650 feet and is a 2.7-mile loop. Another easy trail is the Red Jacket Trail, which is a mere 0.7-mile loop and takes you past wildflowers, creeks and native ferns in the beautiful park.
One of the biggest attractions of the Enchanted mountains is snowmobiling. There are over 450 miles of trails through Allegany State Park. You can download the snowmobile map and head into the mountains to explore.
One of the favorites is the 12.2-mile trail named Pat McGee. The cabins within the park make it easy for visitors to stay during winter months, as they are affordable and easy to get to. On your snowmobile, you will be able to visit the impressive Thunder rocks and enjoy astonishing views of the magical mountains.
The park is well-groomed and the perfect fit for any level of experience. If you do not have your own snowmobile, you can rent one at one of the many rental shops in the area. You will need to register your snowmobile before heading on the trails and its always a good idea to join a snowmobile club for fun get together, and improving your skills.
There are several cabin sites located all around the Red House Lake which all have running water, flushing toilets and covered picnic pavilions. All the cabins are pet friendly so you can bring the four pawed friends along with you. Remember to bring their up to date vaccination records against rabies.
In the summertime, the temperatures in the park reach a comfortable 77 degrees which makes it ideal for swimming. Both of the artificial lakes were built in with a swimming beach area which visitors can enjoy. So make sure you grab your swimsuit out of the campervan and head to one of the lakes.
There are even programs during the high summer months where kids can learn how to swim for free. There are designated swimming hours where lifeguards are on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers. When there are no lifeguards, swimming is not permitted for safety reasons.
Both of the lakes provide a great opportunity for fishing. Red House Lake contains a range of fishing species including brown trout, large mouth bass, rock bass, black crappie, brown bullhead, pumpkin seeds, yellow perch, and blue gill. Every year, the lake is stocked with yearling brown trout in the spring. In the fall, the lake receives an amount of hatchery breeder trout. Whether you are fishing along the shore or out on your boat, you will certainly enjoy the experience. Ice fishing is also permitted and a favorite activity for winter visitors.
Quaker Lake is also stocked with yearling brown trout and breeder trout every year. Other fish species you can encounter in its waters include large mouth and small mouth bass, northern pike, blue gill, rock bass, brown bullhead, and pumpkin seed. Just like Red House Lake, ice fishing is permitted in Quaker Lake during the winter. Keep in mind that only paddle boats or five hp-electric motors are allowed.
Red House Lake is a fantastic destination for boating, with canoe and boat rentals available at the campgrounds. There is a boat launch where you can bring your own boat and plenty of trailer parking nearby to leave your vehicle while you are out on the water. No motorboats are allowed on this artificial lake.
Quaker Lake is the second artificial lake constructed in the Allegany State Park. It has the surface area of 270 acres and reaches a depth of 40 feet. It is filled with many fish species and a great place for small boats on trailers, canoes, and kayaks.
