Kanakadea Recreation Area

- Danville, Hornell, NY 14843

When New Yorkers seek a simple, refreshing escape into nature, many look toward the beautiful and often understated landscapes of the Southern Tier. The

Kanakadea Recreation Area

, situated near Hornell, NY, is a gem that perfectly fits this need. This popular county park, overseen by the Parks Division of the Steuben County Department of Public Works, provides a friendly, clean, and amenity-rich setting for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed family vacation.

More than just a patch of ground for a tent,

Kanakadea Recreation Area

is a comprehensive outdoor destination centered around the picturesque Almond Lake (created by the Almond Dam). It offers a straightforward, low-stress camping experience, making it an excellent choice for a 'quick getaway,' as noted by local visitors. The park is a true multi-use facility, seamlessly blending camping with day-use recreation, including sports fields, playgrounds, and vital access to water activities. This blend ensures that whether you’re pitching a tent for a night, bringing an RV for a week, or just visiting for a picnic, you’ll find everything needed for a fulfilling day outdoors.

The camping season runs from mid-April to early December, with water available throughout the peak months, ensuring that residents from across the state have plenty of opportunity to experience the peace and fun the area provides.

The

Kanakadea Recreation Area

is conveniently located near the city of Hornell, New York, nestled in the scenic western edge of Steuben County. The park's official location is near the intersection of County Route 66 and Webbs Crossing Road.

Address: CR 66 Webbs Crossing Road, Hornell, NY 14843, USA

(often listed as Hornell, NY 14843, given its proximity).

Its accessibility makes it an attractive destination for New York residents looking to drive less and relax more:

• Regional Connectivity: The park enjoys easy access from major regional arteries, including State Routes 17, 21, and 36, making the drive straightforward from major Southern Tier and Finger Lakes hubs.
• Close to Amenities: Despite its tranquil, natural setting, the park is just a short drive from the communities of Hornell, Almond, Canisteo, and Arkport, where campers can find gas, groceries, dining, and other essential supplies.
• Scenic Setting: Situated next to the Almond Lake/Almond Dam, the area offers beautiful lakeside views and easy access to the water for non-motorized boating and fishing. It is also directly south of the expansive Canacadea State Forest, providing even more intensive hiking opportunities for those seeking longer treks.

Kanakadea Recreation Area

offers a range of camping options and essential services designed for convenience and comfort during your stay in the New York outdoors.

• Campsites: The park features a total of 70 campsites, divided into 40 sites with electric service and 30 non-electric sites for a more rustic experience. Sites typically include a picnic table and a fire ring.
• Cabin Rentals: For those seeking more shelter, there are two cozy cabins available for rent, which include electricity and basic amenities like a mini-fridge and microwave.
• Essential Facilities: Campers benefit from clean, well-maintained facilities, including flush toilets and hot showers.
• RV Services: A convenient dumping station is available on-site. Visitors should note that there are generally no individual water or sewer hookups available at the campsites, requiring campers to use a receptacle for grey water.
• Community Facilities: The park provides four picnic pavilions with grills, which are perfect for large family reunions or group cookouts, along with numerous individual picnic tables throughout the day-use area.
• Senior and Veteran Discounts: To ensure affordability for all New Yorkers, the park offers a 10% discount to Senior Citizens (62 years or older) and Veterans.

The wide variety of recreational amenities is what truly sets

Kanakadea Recreation Area

apart, offering endless opportunities for fun and relaxation right outside your tent or RV door.

• Water Activities on Almond Lake: The 110-acre Almond Lake is a major highlight, perfect for non-motorized boating like kayaking and canoeing. The park offers trailer boat launches for easy access, and the lake is excellent for fishing.
• Direct Trail Access: Hikers will appreciate the direct access to the famous

  Finger Lakes Trail

  , which runs right through the park, offering both easy local loops and connections to more extensive regional trails, including a 5.5-mile trail up Pennsylvania Hill.
• Family Sports Hub: The park is a haven for family fun with dedicated spaces for various activities, including a baseball/softball diamond, a full basketball court, a sand volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.
• Playground Facilities: A dedicated, safe playground area is available for children, which is often cited in reviews as a key feature, providing plenty of space for kids to play and burn energy.
• Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic tables and four large pavilions with grills are available for day use, making it an ideal spot for local groups or extended family gatherings.
• Scenic Overlooks: Guests can easily access a maintained scenic vista that offers a stunning overlook of Almond Lake and the surrounding countryside.

For New York residents planning their visit, reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer months, to guarantee a preferred electric or lakeside site.

Address: CR 66 Webbs Crossing Road, Hornell, NY 14843, USA

Park Shop Phone: (607) 324-0590

For Campsite Reservations, call:

(607) 590-0535

General County DPW Phone:

(607) 664-2474

The camping season runs from approximately April 15th to December 1st. Please note that water availability may be limited outside of the peak season (typically mid-April to mid-October).

The

Kanakadea Recreation Area

stands out as an exceptional, yet affordable, resource for New York residents, particularly those in the Southern Tier and Western NY. Its suitability for locals stems from several key factors. First, it offers excellent value with reasonable daily and weekly rates, enhanced by discounts for seniors and veterans. Second, the combination of clean, modern facilities (hot showers, flush toilets) with the rustic appeal of non-motorized lake access and direct hiking trails offers a balanced outdoor experience.

The park excels as a versatile destination for all ages, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and activity—from quiet fishing on Almond Lake to high-energy play on the courts and playgrounds. For New York families looking to escape for a weekend without a long journey,

Kanakadea Recreation Area

provides everything needed for a quick, enjoyable, and genuinely refreshing outdoor adventure close to home.

Kanakadea Recreation Area

Danville, Hornell, NY 14843, USA