State Park Loved by Many

Located in the western part of New York state, this park is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts all year long. There are about 65,000 acres of space, and the land was basically untouched during the last ice age. This makes it unique to this part of New York. There are two distinct area of the park, the Quaker Run Area and the Red House Area. Located in the northern part of the park, the Red House Area features cabins and campsites. The Red House Lake is 120 acres in size and is located right in the middle of the area. Visitors are welcome to fish, boat, and picnic in the area. There is also a life guarded swimming area and beach on the lake during the summer.

Located on the shores of the lake is the red house that the lake was named for. This is an English Tudor style home that is also called the Administration building because it is home to the camp rental office, the park police, a restaurant, a museum, and a gift shop. Separate from the red house is camp store. There are 147 cabins available for rent in the area, most of which are open all year.

The other section of the park, Quaker Run Area is in the southern part and is more rustic than the Red House Area. This area is 275 acres and offers electric boating, fishing, and picnicking. There is also a rental office, store, gift shop, and museum. There are 230 cabins available for rent, and a little less than half of them are open all year. There are also two tent camping sites located in this area, the Cain Hollow Tent and Trailer Area and the Diehl Tent Area. The Quaker Amphitheater is a gathering place during the summer for musical performance.

The park features 18 trails for hiking, as well as snowmobiling and horseback riding trails. The entrance fee for the park is $6 but there are times when the season is not busy that you can get in for free.

Those who have negative things to say about trips to the park call it "condo camping,'' apparently because there are so many cabins. They also complain that you can hear people in the area at night because campers are not separated enough. Some claim the Creek is less than desirable, although they may depend on uncontrollable drought conditions. Most people agree that if it is camping privacy you are after, this is not your best option. However, if you will be camping with your family or with a large group of friends or a social organization, this would be the spot for you. Most people also agree you will fare better with less equipment since the sites are small.

The nearby town of Salamanca features some fun things to do including a casino, antique shops, clothing stores, and several restaurants. If you are camping and you decide to wander into town, you could pass an afternoon or so walking around and enjoying the sights and sounds. If you love gambling, it may turn into more than just an afternoon or so! Those looking to explore the areas of New York that are considered the most beautiful will love a trip to Allegheny State Park.