Letchworth State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Letchworth State Park offers exceptional RV camping across 270 campsites spread through eight loops, featuring the "Grand Canyon of the East" with three dramatic waterfalls, 66 miles of hiking trails, and year-round outdoor adventures. The park campground accommodates RVs up to 50 feet with electric hookups, while strategic locations like Rochester RV rentals and Buffalo camper vans provide prime access to this 14,427-acre wonderland that won USA TODAY's Reader's Choice Award for Best State Park in 2015, drawing over 800,000 visitors annually.
What Makes Letchworth the Ultimate RV Destination?
Renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Letchworth State Park captures the majesty of Western New York's most spectacular natural wonder. This 14,427-acre park sprawls along a 17-mile stretch of the Genesee River, where dramatic gorges plunge as deep as 600 feet and three major waterfalls—Upper Falls (70 feet), Middle Falls (107 feet), and Lower Falls (70 feet)—thunder through towering cliffs surrounded by lush forests.
You'll be in store for limitless adventure during your RV trip to Letchworth. The park boasts 66 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy riverside strolls to challenging rim walks offering jaw-dropping canyon views. The Gorge Trail, spanning seven miles along the rim, delivers spectacular overlooks at every turn. Beyond hiking, you can explore the park on horseback, mountain bike through designated trails, or kayak the calm waters above the falls.
The historic Glen Iris Inn, once the estate of William Pryor Letchworth who donated this land to New York State in 1906, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with stunning views of Middle Falls. The Humphrey Nature Center, opened in 2016, houses interactive exhibits highlighting the park's geology, river ecology, and wildlife. You can discover the fascinating history of Mary Jemison, the "White Woman of the Genesee," whose life with the Seneca Nation is commemorated with a restored cabin and council house.
Spring through fall offers perfect weather for outdoor exploration, with wildflowers blooming along trails in May and spectacular autumn foliage transforming the gorge into a painter's palette in October. Summer temperatures reach comfortable highs of 75-85°F, ideal for swimming in the park's pool or launching a whitewater rafting adventure with Adventure Calls Outfitters. Winter transforms Letchworth into a snowy wonderland perfect for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling along 25 miles of trails, and snow tubing.
The park's unique attractions include hot air balloon rides with Balloons Over Letchworth, offering unforgettable aerial views of the waterfalls and gorge from May through mid-October. The park also hosts nature programs, guided walks, a summer lecture series, and performing arts events throughout the season. With its combination of dramatic natural beauty, excellent camping facilities, and diverse recreational opportunities, Letchworth stands as one of New York's crown jewel destinations.
RV Rentals in Letchworth State Park
Transportation
Driving
Letchworth State Park features six entrance points, though choosing wisely matters—once inside, there's no way to cross the river between the east and west sides. The west side hosts all major amenities, the main park road, campgrounds, the Glen Iris Inn, and most popular overlooks. The east side offers wilder terrain with hiking trails and seasonal access (typically closed November through April).
Primary Entrances:
Mount Morris Entrance (North): From Rochester, take I-390 South to Exit 7, turn left through Mount Morris village onto Route 36 South, cross the Genesee River, and take the first left—approximately 45 minutes from downtown Rochester. This entrance provides easy access to the campground area.
Castile Entrance (South/Central): The most popular entrance for first-time visitors, located off Route 19A. This gate provides direct access to the Visitor Center, Glen Iris Inn, and spectacular Middle Falls overlook. From Buffalo, take I-90 East to Route 400 South, then Route 20A East through Warsaw to Route 19A—approximately 75 minutes.
Perry and Portageville Entrances: Alternative northern and southern access points serving specific areas of the park.
The park's west side roads are well-paved and easily navigable for RVs up to 50 feet. Most attractions, including waterfalls and major overlooks, are accessible via short walks from parking areas. The park enforces a vehicle use fee: $10 per vehicle during peak season (late June through early September).
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Rochester Northern Access: Rochester positions you perfectly just 35 miles north of Letchworth, providing the shortest drive time and excellent access to the Mount Morris entrance. Rochester also serves as your gateway to the Finger Lakes wine country, making it ideal for combining park camping with regional touring.
Buffalo Western Gateway: Buffalo sits approximately 60 miles west, offering the dual benefit of exploring both Letchworth and Niagara Falls during your Western New York adventure. The drive to Letchworth takes you through charming rural communities and rolling farmland.
Parking
The park provides ample RV parking at the Visitor Center, museum, Glen Iris Inn, and all major overlooks. Parking lots accommodate large rigs, though spots fill quickly on summer weekends and peak fall foliage periods (typically mid-October). The campground features well-designed roads and pull-through sites, making navigation stress-free even for first-time RV campers.
Public Transportation
Public transportation doesn't serve the park, making an RV rental or personal vehicle essential. Once inside Letchworth, most visitors park at the campground and explore using bicycles along the park roads, on foot via the extensive trail network, or by driving between the major attraction areas spaced along the 17-mile gorge.
Campgrounds and parking in Letchworth State Park
Campsites in Letchworth State Park
Reservations camping
Letchworth State Park Campground
The main campground offers 270 campsites arranged in eight distinct loops, each with its own character and amenities. The campground sits on the west side of the Genesee River, approximately six miles south of Mount Morris along Schenck Road. All sites feature electrical hookups (30 or 50-amp), picnic tables, and fire rings, with modern restroom facilities including hot showers located throughout the loops.
Loops 100, 200, 700, and 800 (Pet-Friendly): These four loops welcome up to two pets per site with current rabies vaccination proof required at check-in. Sites range from 30 to 50 feet in length, accommodating everything from pop-up campers to large Class A motorhomes. These loops offer a mix of sun and shade with varying degrees of privacy between sites.
Loops 300, 400, 500, and 600 (No Pets): These pet-free loops provide quieter environments for campers seeking pet-free camping. Sites feature similar amenities and size ranges, with some offering more seclusion thanks to mature tree coverage and natural vegetation buffers.
Loop T (Premium Large Rig Sites): This specialized loop accommodates RVs and trailers up to 50 feet with 75 spacious sites designed specifically for larger rigs. Pull-through and back-in options make setup effortless, and the loop's newer infrastructure ensures reliable electrical service.
The campground includes a camp store stocking essentials, firewood, ice, and snacks. A sanitary dump station serves all loops, and generator use is permitted 9:00 AM-11:00 AM and 5:00 PM-9:00 PM. The large outdoor pool (open late June through Labor Day), multiple playgrounds, recreation fields, and regular ranger-led programs make this an exceptionally family-friendly base camp.
Reservations: Book up to 9 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Peak season (June 20-August 24) books quickly—reserve 6-12 months ahead for summer weekends. A 2-night minimum applies on weekends, with a 14-night maximum stay followed by a mandatory 48-hour gap before rebooking.
Houghton / Letchworth KOA
Just outside the park, this 100-acre family-friendly campground offers full hookup sites accommodating RVs up to 45 feet with 50-amp service. Amenities include an indoor heated pool, outdoor saltwater pool, Wi-Fi in the community lodge, basketball courts, volleyball, horseshoes, and Genesee River kayak/canoe access. The KOA provides an excellent alternative when state park campgrounds fill, plus delivers extra amenities like cable TV and propane sales.
Alternate camping
The Maplewood Lodge
For larger groups such as families looking for a nice vacation spot, the Maplewood Lodge is a perfect choice. The Lodge is centrally located within the park and can comfortably sleep up to eight people. It comes equipped with basic furnishings, a private kitchen that includes basic utensils and appliances, as well as a fireplace. Guests should be aware that no linens are provided. The Maplewood Lodge is particularly sought after by snowmobile enthusiasts due to its direct connection to the NYS snowmobile trail system.
Cabins
Letchworth offers 82 cabins spread across five areas (A, B, C, D, and E) for travelers seeking a break from the RV. Cabins sleep 2-6 people with basic furnishings including beds, table, chairs, and kitchen counters. Bring your own linens, towels, cookware, and utensils—none are provided. Only Cabin Area C permits pets (maximum two per cabin with vaccination proof required).
Cabins A, B, D, and E feature heating and electricity, making them available for extended-season use. These winterized cabins provide comfortable shelter for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and winter hiking adventures. Check-in for cabins A, B, D, and E occurs at the Visitor Center in the south end (Castile entrance recommended). Cabin Area C and tent/trailer camping check-in happens at Camp Contact on the north end (Mount Morris or Perry entrance recommended).
The Conference Center
This large facility is located in a secluded section of the park and is perfect for business retreats, large group training, and organized educational purposes. The conference center can be reserved for day-use as well as overnight stays and is equipped with basic furnishings, a private kitchen, as well as several private bedrooms and bathrooms. The Conference Center is best-suited to fulfill the needs of small, professional groups rather than large families looking for a family reunion or vacation spot.
The Glen Iris Inn
The historic house of William Pryor Letchworth was preserved over time and has since been converted into the Glen Iris Inn. This secluded inn has 10 guest rooms and four suites that visitors can reserve for overnight stays. The inn overlooks some of the breathtaking waterfalls of the park and has a large dining room overlooking the water. Here, all park visitors can come to enjoy home-cooked meals and stunning views of natural beauty.
Explore more RV parks and campgrounds in New York for your next adventure.
Seasonal activities in Letchworth State Park
In-Season
Guided Walks & Hikes
Guided tours are a great way to really dive into the beautiful New York surroundings. Interested guests can schedule a walk or hike with park guides who will accompany them on the trail to share facts and call attention to points of interest along the way. Guided walks are a perfect way to ensure that guests don't take the natural landscape for granted. To book a guided tour, contact the Visitor Center before your arrival.
Whitewater Rafting
River runners are going to love making their way down the Genesee River. With low-level rapids, the waters are fairly mild, making this the perfect place for first-time and beginner level rafters. Several companies offer rafting packages that provide apparel and safety vests, among other rafting equipment. All visitors are required to wear helmets when out on the water. Call ahead to the park Visitor Center for information on rafting tour reservations and options for large groups.
Swimming
While there is no swimming permitted in the Genesee River, swimming is all the rage at the Harvey Pool. Visitors can enjoy an escape from the heat of summer by diving in from late June until Labor Day. Guests can find the pool at the north end of the Highbanks Recreation Area. Lifeguards are always on duty when the pool is open. Visitors are expected to abide by posted safety rules and regulations while in the pool area.
Hot Air Ballooning
Letchworth State Park provides one of the most notable examples of gorge scenery in the eastern United States, and it makes for a breathtaking experience when viewed from way up in a hot air balloon. Hot air balloons are a popular activity in Letchworth State Park, so it’s best to book your excursion well in advance. Flights usually last about an hour, though weather conditions may influence liftoff times and length of the trip. For more information and reservations, contact the park's Visitor Center.
Horseback Riding
Mix up your trail exploration by taking in the views from horseback. While Letchworth State Park does not offer horse rentals within the park grounds, visitors can make arrangements for horse rentals just outside of the park. You are also welcome to bring your own horses and horse trailers to the park. The trails are easy-going and clearly marked for horse use. Horseback guides can lead trail excursions for riders of all skill levels, which makes this a great activity for groups and families.
Off-Season
Cross-Country Skiing
Letchworth State Park is one of New York's crown jewels. In the off-season, guests will find that it's a sublime area for all sorts of winter sports, including cross-country skiing. The air is as crisp as the snow, and skiers of all ages will love zooming down the steep, white slopes. There are no places to purchase or rent skis within the park, so visitors will have to come prepared with their own equipment and supplies.
Hunting
Hunting is permitted within the grounds of Letchworth State Park but you will need to acquire a permit ahead of time. Hunters can embark on big game hunting as well as turkey hunting excursions. The only legal hunting weapons include crossbow, bow, muzzleloaders, shotguns, or handguns. Guests should be aware that rifle hunting is not permitted. Rangers remind hunters to follow safety practices and keep a vigilant eye out for other visitors in the area.
Snow Tubing and Sledding
Many visitors flock to the park during the off-season, usually locals that relish the grounds outside of peak times. However, more and more out-of-towners have discovered the winter fun waiting to be had once snow is on the ground. Park visitors can participate in a variety of winter sports fun, including snow tubing and sledding. However, there are no equipment rentals available within the park, so guests will have to come prepared with their own sleds and tubes.
The Humphrey Nature Center
The Humphrey Nature Center is open all year-round to support educational opportunities. Guests can participate in a multitude of Ranger talks and interactive exhibits that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Many of the exhibits highlight the area’s wildlife and geology and delve into the general ecology of the park system. These exhibits are a perfect pastime for families or nature enthusiasts. The Nature Center can also offer a nice break from a day filled with outdoor adventures.
Snowmobiling
There are more than 25 miles of trails that pass through ornate scenery at the park, leading visitors to many scenic overlooks. Snowmobilers will love the arctic journey to see the frozen falls and beautiful white-covered slopes. A popular area to traverse is between the Perry and Castile entrances, as the trail follows the main park road. It’s a spectacular stretch that offers riders views that they would otherwise not see. Snowmobile rentals are not available inside the park but can be rented nearby.
