Cain Hollow Campground, Salamanca, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York State residents yearning for a genuine wilderness escape without venturing too far from home, Cain Hollow Campground stands out as a premier destination. Tucked within the sprawling, magnificent 65,000-acre landscape of Allegany State Park—often called "the wilderness playground of Western New York"—Cain Hollow offers an authentic mountain camping experience. It is specifically located in the Quaker Run Area of the park, known for its picturesque lakes, rolling hills, and deep forests.

Cain Hollow caters to both tent and RV campers, providing a range of sites designed to blend comfort with the rugged beauty of the Allegheny Highlands. Campers frequently praise the convenience of its layout and amenities. As one satisfied visitor noted, the "electrical hookup next to the tent is so convenient," and the "bathrooms are close no matter which plot you camp in." This blend of rustic setting and modern convenience defines the Cain Hollow experience.

The campground is recognized for its peaceful atmosphere, offering a quiet, nature-immersed retreat, particularly during the early and late camping seasons. The surrounding environment, a mix of hemlock and hardwood forest, offers a stunning backdrop, which is especially breathtaking during the late fall when the foliage of Western New York is at its peak. Whether you are an avid hiker, a dedicated fisherman, or simply someone looking to relax surrounded by mature forest, Cain Hollow Campground provides the perfect basecamp for exploring Allegany State Park.

Location and Accessibility

Cain Hollow Campground is a specific camping area located within the Quaker Area of Allegany State Park, one of the largest and most ecologically diverse parks in the entire New York State Park system. The official mailing address for the park's Quaker Area, which encompasses Cain Hollow, is 2373 Asp, Salamanca, NY 14779, USA. Cain Hollow itself is situated off Quaker Lake Road, about a mile east of the Quaker Entrance to the park on ASP 3.

Its location in Cattaraugus County, in the southwestern region of New York, makes it highly accessible for residents of the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions. For those traveling from Buffalo, Rochester, or the Southern Tier, the park is easily reached via major highways, including I-86 (the Southern Tier Expressway). To access the Quaker Area, drivers should take Exit 18, making the journey straightforward and scenic.

The campground’s setting is deep within the park, positioned on a mountain with an elevation of approximately 2,221 feet. This provides a genuine mountain-hiking feel and contributes to the beautiful scenery, although visitors should note, as one review pointed out, that some sites are not perfectly level and there may be a "big climb to the washroom/shower facility" depending on your campsite location. The stunning natural surroundings, however, more than compensate for the mild topographical challenges. Furthermore, the Quaker Lake is nearby and is described as "magnificent," offering a central water feature for recreation.

The phone number for the campground is (716) 354-2182, and the mobile contact is +1 716-354-2182. This contact information connects New York locals directly to the heart of Allegany State Park's operations for essential inquiries and information.

Services Offered

As a key component of a New York State Park, Cain Hollow Campground provides a high level of essential infrastructure to ensure a comfortable and safe camping experience for its visitors. The services are thoughtfully designed to accommodate both tent campers and large RVs.

Core services available at Cain Hollow Campground include:

A Total of 158 Campsites: Offering a mix of tent-only and RV-friendly spots across four loops (A, B, C, and D).
Electric Hookups: Approximately 128 sites are equipped with electric hookups (30-amp or more), providing convenient power for campers.
New/Renovated Bathhouses: Modern facilities are available, with new bathhouses featuring flush toilets and showers, including accessible options.
Water Access: Central water taps are located throughout the campground loops for shared use. Campers can hook up briefly to fill their RV tanks but must immediately disconnect afterward.
Trailer Dumping Station: A dedicated station is located near the main road for RV convenience.
Bear-Proof Storage: Containers are provided for food and garbage to safely manage waste and protect against local wildlife, which includes bears.
On-Site Campground Office: Staff is available, particularly during peak season, for check-in and local information.
Accessible Cottages: Located in the Quaker Area, the Cain Hollow Cottages offer a more structured lodging option, which includes kitchens and bathrooms with showers (operated under a private-sector partner).

Features / Highlights

Cain Hollow Campground’s true appeal lies in its integration into the vast recreational wonderland of Allegany State Park. The features and highlights center around outdoor activity, natural beauty, and a well-maintained state park environment.

Key highlights that make this campground a superior choice for New York locals:

Unrivaled Access to Allegany State Park: Direct entry to 65,000 acres of forest, hiking trails (including the famous Bear Caves and Thunder Rocks), fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Convenient Electric Hookups for Tenters: Praised by customers for the ease of having an electrical hookup right next to the tent sites.
Proximity to Quaker Lake: Offers swimming at a sandy beach, fishing piers, and opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.
Spacious Campsites: Especially in loops B, C, and D, sites are mostly wooded and often considered roomier than those in other sections of the park.
Recreational Variety: Access to miles of paved bike paths, horseback riding trails, and various sports courts, including basketball, baseball, and tennis, located in the Quaker Area.
Long Camping Season: Typically open from mid-May through the end of October, allowing New Yorkers to enjoy late summer and prime fall foliage camping.
Wildlife Viewing: Located in a dense, mature forest, the area is excellent for bird watching and observing local wildlife, including deer and various songbirds.

Contact Information

To arrange your Western New York camping adventure, utilize the following official contact points. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the peak season from late June through Labor Day.

Address:

Allegany State Park (Quaker Area)

2373 Asp, Salamanca, NY 14779, USA

Phone:

Cain Hollow Campground Information: (716) 354-2182

General Park Information: (716) 354-9121

Reservations (ReserveAmerica Call Center): 1-800-456-2267

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Cain Hollow Campground is perfectly suitable for New York locals because it offers a premium, accessible state park camping experience right in our backyard. For residents of Buffalo, Jamestown, and the surrounding areas, this is an invaluable resource—a convenient drive to one of the largest and most fully featured state parks in the Northeast.

Choosing Cain Hollow means choosing the Allegany State Park experience. Locals get immediate access to over 65,000 acres of preserved wilderness, which translates into endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and simply finding solitude. The park's comprehensive facilities, from renovated bathhouses to convenient electric hookups, prove that you don't have to sacrifice comfort to immerse yourself in nature.

Moreover, the campground’s specific setting in the Quaker Area, with its proximity to Quaker Lake and the peaceful mountain ambiance, offers a different, quieter experience than the busier Red House section, appealing to those who prioritize natural serenity. It’s a place where families can create long-lasting memories, children can safely explore the outdoors, and avid campers can return season after season, appreciating the consistently "great spot" that is Cain Hollow. By reserving a spot here, New Yorkers are embracing one of the state's most cherished and spectacular natural treasures.