Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Allegany State Park - Quaker Area

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NIGHT DESK NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC

PLEASE BE ADVISED Allegany State Park now has overnight coverage for your non-emergency maintenance needs. Located in the Red House Administration Building, the Night Desk is staffed every night from 4:00 PM – 8:00 AM the following day. If you have a specific maintenance need, would like to report an issue or concern, or simply have a general inquiry, the Night Desk can be reached at 716-379-6919, or you can stop in to speak with a staff member in the lobby of the Administration Building.


Allegany State Park-Primary Occupant

Please note, permits for all cabin, campsite, and cottage reservations are non-transferable. Only the Primary Occupant listed on the reservation will be permitted to check in.


Friends Boat Launch Closure

Friends Boat Lunch in the Quaker area of Allegany State Park is closed for the season due to low water levels.


Red House Bike Path Construction

Attention Red House Bike Path Users: Beginning 10/21/24 renovations will begin on portions of the RH Bike Path which include reconstruction of the path, paving, and installation of a new connector segment in the RH Boat Launch area to improve pedestrian safety. Please plan for segments of the trail to be closed during the project. Visitors can utilize the new Quaker Run Area Multi-Use Trail as an alternate place to walk and bicycle. Thanks for your patience as we make these upgrades to the park.

Address
8998 ASP Route 3
Salamanca, NY 14779
Latitude 42.038990326799997
Longitude -78.843833113100004

The Quaker area is known for its two lakes and wonderful camping experiences. It offers a sandy beach for swimming, two fishing piers and a canoeing or kayaking access point. Friend's Boat Launch makes the Allegany Reservoir available to boating enthusiasts. The many hiking trails give opportunities to explore the naturally formed caves, plus the diversity of plants and wildlife. Many come to relax with the programs offered at the Quaker Amphitheater, by picnicking, or just letting the children spend time on the playground. If you enjoy sports, you can use our horse shoe pits, baseball fields, basketball, volley ball or tennis courts. The old Quaker store has been completely restored and now houses a park museum. Interesting exhibits document the history of Allegany State Park as "The Wilderness Playground of Western New York," and orients visitors to the parks unique features and attractions, both past and present. Allegany's mixed hemlock / hardwood forest, mountains, rolling hills and meadows, streams, ponds and lakes attract devoted outdoors enthusiasts year-round.

The two campgrounds and 20 cabin trails offer a total of 189 campsites and 206 cabins, two of them winterized and one group camp for rental. The Quaker area also has vacation rental cottages. The seven Fancher Cottages are located in the southern part of Allegany State Park, adjacent to Quaker Run Creek and offers guests a unique camping experience. Named for Senator Albert T. Fancher, the "Father of Allegany State Park," each Fancher Cottage (located in the historic Quaker Area of the park) has a bathroom with shower, refrigerator, cooking range, and microwave oven. The fully accessible cottages sleep six, are furnished and stocked with pillows, bedding, cooking utensils, dishes, and coffeemakers. In addition, each cottage has a grill and picnic table outside.

The Parallel cottages have a bathroom with shower, refrigerator, gas stove, microwave, furniture, pillows, bedding, cooking utensils, dishes, etc. The first bedroom has a queen size bed while the second bedroom has two single beds. The living area has two futons. In addition, each cottage has a grill and picnic table outside.  The Cain Hollow cottages have a bathroom with shower, refrigerator, gas stove / cook top, microwave, furniture, pillows, bedding, cooking utensils, dishes, etc. Cottages are one bedroom with one full size bed and one twin bed. The living area has one futon. In addition, each cottage has a grill and picnic table outside.


Allegany Red House Area

Make the most of your visit to Allegany State Park and the surrounding area. See what the Enchanted Mountains have to offer: Enchanted Mountains. 

Pavilion Information
Allegany has three pavilions. Prices range from $75 to $100 a day and can accommodate 35 to 80 people. Check availability at ReserveAmerica.com

ALERTS

  • During your visit you may encounter wildlife. Some of these encounters may even occur in high use areas, such as picnic areas, cabin trails and tent and trailer sites. Be advised that feeding (intentionally or unintentionally) and harassing wildlife, especially bear, may result in fines and/or eviction. Please report nuisance wildlife activity in high use areas to Park staff immediately 
  • An infestation of the Emerald Ash Borer beetle has been documented near Allegany State Park. This is the first occurrence documented in New York State. Patrons are encouraged to not bring firewood with them into the park. Kiln dried firewood will be available at the park.  For more information on the Emerald Ash Borer beetle and firewood regulations see the New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) website at:  http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7253.html and http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/28722.html

Current Water Quality- Beach Results

Pet Policy: A maximum of two pets are allowed in campsites and day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).

Mailing Address
8998 ASP Route 3 Salamanca, NY 14779

Hours of Operation

  • 2025 Camping Season: 
    Cain Hollow Campsites: 5/16 - 11/1
    Diehl Trail Campsites : 5/16 - 11/1
    Select cabins, cottages & Group Camp 5 are available year-round.

    Please note: You must have a reservation to camp. No walk-up camping stays will be accepted.
    Check-in time is 3:00pm and check-out time is 11:00am


    Cain Hollow Campground Office:
    Thursday- Monday 9am-7pm (peak season 6/21/25-9/1/25)
    Friday 12pm-7pm (non peak)
    Thursday & Saturday 10am-5pm (non peak)

    Cabin Rental Office:
    Peak Season: (6/21 - 9/1)
    Mon-Thurs 9:00am-8:00pm
    Fri-Sun 9:00am-10:00pm

    Non Peak 
    Sunday-Thursday: 9:00am-6:00pm
    Friday: 9:00am-10:00pm

    Saturday: 9:00 am - 8:00pm



    **Check-in at the Allegany State Park Night Desk in the Red House Administration Building if arriving after business hours.

  • The park is open year-round.

    2025 Swimming Season:

    6/21 - 9/1
    Daily, 11:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Fees & Rates

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter the facility. Fees vary by location and season. A list of entry fees and other park use fees is available below. For fees not listed or to verify information, please contact the park directly.

The easy-to-use Empire Pass card is $80- and your key to all-season enjoyment with unlimited day-use entry at most facilities operated by State Parks and the State Dept. of Environmental Conservation including forests, beaches, trails and more. Purchase online or contact your favorite park for more information. Learn more about our Admission Programs including the Empire Pass.

  • Vehicle Use Fee
  • Vehicle Use Fee: $7
    Vehicle Use Fee Bus: $75

    Collected 9 AM - 4:30 PM
    5/24 - 6/15: Weekends & holidays only
    6/21 - 9/1: Daily
    9/6 - 10/13: Weekends & holidays only
  • Friends Boat Launch
  • Vehicle Use Fee: $7
  • Picnicking
  • Shelter: $82.25 Available only on ReserveAmerica.com
  • Camping
  • $18-30/night

    *$5 nightly fee for non-NYS residents

    Cabins
    daily rate is 1/4 the weekly charge
    $154 - $568, weekly.

    *$7 nightly fee or $28 weekly fee for non-NYS residents

    Cottage
    $172.50-228.75, nightly
    $690.00-915.00, weekly

    *$5 nightly fee for non-NYS residents


    Group Camps
    $750, nightly
    $3000, weekly


Maps

Digital Maps

New! Download this park's digital map to your iOS Apple and Android device.

Firewood source maps show a 50-mile radius from which untreated firewood may be moved to this campground. For more information see firewood restrictions.

Allegany State Park is Western New York's natural playground. 65,000 acres of mature forest, open fields, three lakes plus access to the Kinzua Reservoir and abundant wildlife make this one of the most beautiful areas to spend time outdoors. Hiking, fishing, camping, boating/kayaking, snowmobiling, X-country skiing and wildlife viewing makes this the premier, year-round place to experience nature up close.

The park is divided into two sections: Red House Area, the Regional Headquarters, can be accessed off I-86, exits 19 and 21 and Quaker Run accessed off I-86 at exit 18. Also, an entrance in the south from Bradford, PA can be accessed off Interstate Parkway.

Highlights of Allegany State Park:

  • Thunder Rocks - a cluster of huge conglomerate boulders at the top of the ridge offers a lesson in geology as well as a natural jungle gym for the more adventurous. There are several things to look for among these impressive rocks. The weather has sculptured several rocks into fascinating shapes where children have found gorillas, a whale, a frog and a turtle. The area also contains many Appalachian species of plants not usually found in Western New York.
  • Bear Caves - 165 million years ago great geological activity caused block-faulting and uplifting to occur throughout the region. This resulted in openings in the bedrock along collapsed faults creating cave-like openings. There are three of these openings that can be explored but bring a flashlight.
  • Fire Tower - a restored 1926 fire tower sits on one of the highest peaks in the Red House Area. The tower is open at certain times during the summer when you can climb to the top for a spectacular view.
  • Old Growth Forest - over 3,000 acres of mature forest with some of the largest trees in the state.
  • Old Quaker Store Museum - the history of the park from ancient bedrock formation to the park's development is displayed and interpreted for the park visitor.
  • Red House Administration Building and Natural History Museum - 3 story rustic Tudor style building houses the administrative offices for the Allegany Region as well as a gift shop, restaurant, rental office and museum displaying the wildlife native to the park.
  • North Country/Finger Lakes Trail - the national trail from the Adirondacks in the east to North Dakota in the west. 18 miles of the trail traverse the park passing through some of the most impressive mature forest in NYS and connecting in the south to the Allegheny National Forest and beyond.

What will you see? Plan your visit today!

Look and listen for these birds at our Park:

Everyone is a Steward: Be an Allegany State Park Hero!

  • Know the rules and concerns for the area you'll be visiting.
  • Use a map and compass instead of flagging, rock cairns, or marking paint.
  • Hike and camp on established, durable trails and campsites.
  • Leave all natural objects as you find them.
  • Be careful with your fire. Respect wildlife and observe from a distance.

For more information, please read our Trail Tips!

Ask a Naturalist!

Q: Do bears live in the Bear Caves?

A: No, the caves are too cold and damp; bears prefer to den under downed trees or logs and beneath roots where it is dry and warm.

Q: Did the glaciers put the big rocks up at Thunder Rocks?

A: No, the rocks are a result of erosion exposing the bedrock and then weathering them down to what you see today. This area was not glaciated in the last ice age.

Q: Can I feed the bears and raccoons?

A: No, these are wild animals and they bite! If you encounter a bear, make a lot of noise and stay in a group if possible. Do not approach the animal but back away slowly. If the bear stands there and watches you, you are too close. If it huffs or paws the ground, you are way too close. It's best to attend one of the bear programs while at the park to learn how to safely coexist with bears. Remember to store all food and anything with a fragrance in secure containers. Bears can recognize coolers and shopping bags as a food source, so these need to be out of sight.

Did You Know?

- DID YOU KNOW? Synchronous fire flies were discovered in 2011 by Adele Wellman, the lead naturalist in the park. Prior to their 2010 discovery in the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania, synchronous fire flies were only known to exist in the Great Smokey Mountains of North Carolina.

- DID YOU KNOW? Allegany State Park is home to 14 different species of salamanders.

- DID YOU KNOW? Allegany State Park is 100 square miles, so it never seems crowded.

- DID YOU KNOW? Allegany State Park has an extensive Environmental Education Program.

 

Key BCA Criteria:

-Migratory concentration site

-Diverse species concentration site

-Individual species concentration site

-Species at risk site

-Bird research site

 

The Allegany BCA is located within Allegany State Park, the largest park in the New York State Park system. Allegany BCA contains one of the largest tracts of interior forest within New York, and the entire BCA is over 95% forested. This extensive forest provides breeding and migratory stopover habitat for forest-interior species such as Swainson's Thrush, Blackburnian Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager. Of 75 Neotropical migratory songbird species that breed in New York, 64 have been observed within the park. The park supports a large breeding population of Osprey and one of the largest breeding concentrations of Cerulean Warblers found in New York, both of which are state species of special concern. The BCA also provides habitat for other state-listed species, including Bald Eagle (threatened), Northern Goshawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, and Sharp-shinned Hawk (all species of special concern). Finally, the park has supported many previous long-term research projects, and continues to support long-term bird banding projects.

Download a copy of the BCA map.

Did You Know? Synchronous fire flies were discovered in 2011 by Adele Wellman, the lead naturalist in the park.

Amenities Information

  • Amenities
  • Biking
  • Boat Launches
  • Camper Assistance Program
  • Campsites, Cabins & Lodging (Accessible)
  • Fishing (Accessible)
  • Food (Accessible)
  • Gift Shop
  • Grills (Accessible)
  • Hiking
  • Hunting (Accessible)
  • Ice Fishing
  • Pavilions and Shelter Rentals (Accessible)
  • Playgrounds (Accessible)
  • Showers (Accessible)
  • Snowmobiling (Accessible)
  • Swimming Beach (Accessible)
  • Visitor Center