Camp Chautauqua

- 3901 NY-394, Mayville, NY 14757

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents searching for the quintessential lakeside camping experience, Camp Chautauqua Camping Resort stands out as a premier destination in the picturesque Chautauqua-Allegheny region. Family-owned and operated since 1968, the Anderson family and staff have dedicated over five decades to creating an exceptional retreat that blends the tranquility of nature with modern conveniences. It proudly holds a high rating, reflecting its commitment to providing an immaculate, well-maintained, and friendly atmosphere for all guests.

Located directly on the shores of the expansive Chautauqua Lake, this campground is a haven for water enthusiasts, families, and those simply looking to unwind. It offers a diverse array of sites to accommodate every camping preference, from rustic tent areas to fully equipped RV spots with up to 50-amp power and concrete pads. The welcoming environment is one of its most celebrated features; visitors consistently praise the kind and friendly staff, and the strong sense of community, noting that the seasonal residents treat weekend guests with genuine kindness—a warm and inviting culture that sets Camp Chautauqua apart.

While the campground is large, accommodating over 250 sites, it manages to maintain a cohesive, engaging atmosphere with a variety of on-site activities and easy access to the region’s best attractions. Whether your passion is boating, fishing for Muskie and Bass, engaging in the area’s rich cultural scene, or simply watching the sunrise over the water, Camp Chautauqua provides the perfect base for your next Upstate New York adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Chautauqua’s location is one of its greatest assets. Situated at 3901 NY-394, Mayville, NY 14757, USA, the campground is positioned to offer immediate access to the 17-mile long Chautauqua Lake. This direct lakefront access is a major draw for boaters, jet skiers, and anyone looking to maximize their time on the water. The physical setting is in Stow, near Mayville, a charming area in Chautauqua County known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Accessibility is excellent, as the campground is located conveniently off New York State Route 394 (also known as West Lake Road in this area), making arrival easy for both local and out-of-area travelers. The strategic location places guests within a short driving distance of key regional highlights, including the cultural and educational offerings of the renowned Chautauqua Institution, numerous local shops and restaurants, and other entertainment options in nearby towns like Jamestown and Bemus Point. Jamestown, the hometown of Lucille Ball, offers the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, providing a fantastic rainy-day activity. Furthermore, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Long Point State Park and the Chautauqua Gorge State Forest for hiking and other land-based recreation.

The ability to easily launch and retrieve personal watercraft, coupled with the campground’s central position relative to both natural attractions and cultural venues, ensures that Camp Chautauqua serves as an ideal and convenient hub for a fully diversified New York vacation.

Services Offered

• Diverse Site Options: Offering over 250 total sites, including spacious, level, and large sites for tents, RVs, and big rigs, with options for grass, shade, or concrete pads.
• Full Hookups: Sites with 20/30/50 amp electric hookups, water, and sewer connections are available.
• Boat Launch and Docking: On-site boat launch and ample dock space, making it exceptionally easy for guests with personal boats or jet skis to access Chautauqua Lake.
• Camp Store: A well-stocked on-site store carrying a variety of camping goods, essentials, snacks, treats, and firewood.
• Comfort Facilities: Clean and continuously maintained restroom facilities with hot showers and a laundry room.
• Connectivity: Provides both wireless internet access (Wi-Fi) and Cable TV hookups on many sites.
• Waste Management: Convenient garbage disposal with daily morning pickup service.
• Golf Cart Use: Personal golf carts are permitted on the property with a valid campground permit (operator must be 16 years of age with a valid driver's license).

Features / Highlights

• Direct Lakefront Access: Unmatched proximity to Chautauqua Lake for boating, swimming, fishing, and watersports, with perfect views for watching sunrises and sunsets.
• Swimming Pool Complex: Features a well-maintained outdoor swimming pool as well as a separate, small kiddie pool for younger children.
• Petting Farm: A unique on-site feature with a variety of friendly animals and birds that children can feed and pet, adding a memorable family element.
• Recreational Variety: Includes a pond for catch-and-release fishing (and frog catching), multiple playgrounds for children, and courts for basketball and volleyball.
• Community Atmosphere: Praised for its friendly staff and welcoming culture, fostering positive interactions between seasonal residents and weekend visitors.
• Variety of Activities: Hosts scheduled events and weekend themes that are fun and interactive for all ages.
• High Quality Sites: Sites are routinely praised in reviews for being roomy, level, and well-maintained with fresh stone on the roads for easy leveling.
• Nearby Dining and Entertainment: Minutes away from a decent choice of restaurants and bars in the town of Chautauqua, providing off-site dining options.

Contact Information

Address: 3901 NY-394, Mayville, NY 14757, USA

Phone: (716) 789-3435

Mobile Phone: +1 716-789-3435

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Yorkers, especially those throughout the Upstate and Western regions, Camp Chautauqua represents an ideal and accessible vacation solution, offering a comprehensive resort experience without the need for extensive travel outside the state. It is perfectly tailored to the New York family looking for a full-service camping hub.

The most compelling suitability factor for locals is the unparalleled access to Chautauqua Lake. The facility is one of the best-equipped campgrounds for those who own boats, jet skis, or other watercraft, simplifying what is often the most challenging part of a lake trip—getting in and out of the water. This ease of use, combined with the convenience of having everything from a pool and a playground to a petting farm right on the property, means local families can truly relax once they arrive.

Moreover, the unique social environment, where the staff and long-term seasonal campers treat "weekenders" with kindness, fosters a sense of community that is deeply appreciated by those seeking a reliable, welcoming vacation spot year after year. New Yorkers who value cultural enrichment will also find the proximity to the Chautauqua Institution a huge benefit, offering world-class arts and educational programs just a short drive away.

Camp Chautauqua takes the guesswork out of family camping by providing clean, level, and amenity-rich sites combined with a wealth of recreational opportunities, all set against the stunning backdrop of Chautauqua Lake. It's not just a place to stay; it's a home-away-from-home where local families can build lasting memories, making it a highly recommended and dependable spot for New York residents.

Camp Chautauqua

3901 NY-394, Mayville, NY 14757, USA