Status update (October 23, 2026): The 2026 tent and RV season at Letchworth’s Highbanks campground ended on October 11–12. Some cabins (Areas B and C, and Parker’s Hideaway) stay open until November 28, 2026. The 2027 campsite season is scheduled for May 21 to October 10, 2027. One very important note: because of construction on five new shower buildings, the park says Loops 300, 400, 500, 600 and 800 are tentatively closed until July 2, 2027. Loops 100 and 200 stay open as normal. If you’re planning an early-summer 2027 trip, those two loops are your best bet.
Picture this: you wake up in the woods, make coffee at your picnic table, and drive ten minutes to watch the morning mist rise off a 107-foot waterfall in a gorge nearly 600 feet deep. That’s the joy of camping at Letchworth State Park, the “Grand Canyon of the East.”
Most visitors rush through Letchworth in one afternoon. Campers get to slow down: catch the waterfalls at sunrise before the crowds, hike a different trail each day, and end every evening by the fire. But picking the right Letchworth State Park camping site takes some planning. Each loop has its own pet rules and season, construction is closing loops in phases through 2026 and 2027, and the cabins range from cozy with a shower to basic with no heat.
This guide covers everything: the campground and its loops, which are open now, prices, how to reserve, the cabins, the weather, what to do while you’re there, and backup options if Letchworth is full.
Cover photo: sunrise over Letchworth State Park in fall. Photo: James Mirakian / Pexels
Letchworth Camping at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Park location | Western New York, about 35 miles south of Rochester, between Castile, Perry and Mount Morris |
| Campground | Highbanks Camping Area, north end of the park |
| Campsites | About 270 electric sites (Loops 100–800); 30-amp and 50-amp |
| Hookups | Electric only; no water or sewer at sites (shared spigots and dump station) |
| Cabins | 81 cabins in Areas A–E, plus cottages like Parker’s Hideaway |
| 2026 campsite price | $30 (30-amp) or $32 (50-amp) per night, plus $4 Fri/Sat/holidays |
| Out-of-state surcharge | $5/night for campsites; $7/night for cabins |
| Minimum stay | 2 nights (maximum 14) |
| Check-in / check-out | 3 p.m. / 11 a.m. |
| Pet-friendly loops | 100, 200, 700 and 800 (plus Cabin Area C) |
| 2027 campsite season | May 21 to October 10 (some loops closed until July 2, 2027) |
| Reservations | ReserveAmerica or 1-800-456-2267, up to 9 months ahead |
| Campground phone | (585) 237-3303 |
2026–2027 Construction: Which Loops Are Open?
This is the most important thing to know before you book. New York State Parks is building five new shower and restroom buildings at Highbanks, so loops are closing in phases during the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Many older guides don’t mention this at all.
| Loop | Pets? | 2026 status | Early 2027 outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | Yes | Open all season (to Oct 12) | Open as normal |
| 200 | Yes | Open all season (to Oct 12) | Open as normal |
| 300 | No | Closed after Sept 8 | Tentatively closed until July 2, 2027 |
| 400 | No | Closed after Sept 8 | Tentatively closed until July 2, 2027 |
| 500 | No | Closed after Sept 8 | Tentatively closed until July 2, 2027 |
| 600 | No | Closed after Sept 8 | Tentatively closed until July 2, 2027 |
| 700 | Yes | Weekends only into fall | Check when booking |
| 800 | Yes | Closed after early July | Tentatively closed until July 2, 2027 |
What this means for you: For May and June 2027, expect far fewer sites than usual, mostly in Loops 100 and 200, so book the moment your dates open (nine months ahead). The good news: when construction is finished, Highbanks will have brand-new shower buildings. Dates are tentative, so always check the live availability on ReserveAmerica or call the campground at (585) 237-3303.
Where Is the Letchworth Campground?
Letchworth State Park stretches about 17 miles along the Genesee River gorge in western New York. The campground, Highbanks Camping Area, sits in the woods at the north end of the park, between the Mount Morris and Perry entrances.
The famous waterfalls (Upper, Middle and Lower Falls) are at the south end, near the Castile and Portageville entrances, roughly a 20 to 30 minute drive from the campground on the park road. So plan to drive to the big sights. You won’t walk to them from your tent.
- Campers and Cabin C guests: check in at the Camp Contact station at the north end. Use the Mount Morris or Perry entrance.
- Cabin A, B, D and E guests: check in at the Visitor Center at the south end. Use the Castile entrance.
Driving times: about 1 hour from Rochester, about 1.25 hours from Buffalo, about 2 hours from Syracuse, and about 2 hours from Watkins Glen if you’re doing a Finger Lakes road trip.
Tip: Cell service is spotty in the park and very limited at the south end. Download your reservation, a park map and offline directions before you arrive.
Campground Map: How the Loops Work
Highbanks is laid out in eight numbered loops, 100 through 800. Each loop has its own restroom and shower building, water spigots (within about 125 feet of every site), play equipment and a dump station for trailers. In the middle is the campers’ center, with a camp store, laundry, a recreation building, a playground and the Harvey Pool nearby.
When you book, look at two things: the loop number (which decides pet rules and dates) and the site number (which decides shade, size and how close you are to the bathrooms). ReserveAmerica’s interactive map shows each site, its electric service, maximum equipment length and often photos. The park’s camping brochure also has a printable map of the loops.
What’s at every site: a picnic table, a fire pit, and room for one tent plus one camper, or two tents and two cars.
How to Choose the Best Campsite
There isn’t one “best” site. It depends on how you camp. Here’s how to choose.
For tent campers
Look for a flat spot with natural shade and a short walk to the restroom. Most of Highbanks is wooded, which is lovely on hot July days but means the ground stays damp after rain. Bring a ground tarp and a rain fly. Check the site photos to see where the tent would actually go, not just the listed site size.
For RVs and trailers
- Check the maximum equipment length for each site on ReserveAmerica. Some wooded sites are tight for big rigs.
- Choose 50-amp if your RV needs it. It’s only $2 more per night.
- Electric only. There are no water or sewer hookups at the sites. Arrive with a full fresh-water tank and use the dump station when you leave. You can’t hook a hose to the spigots permanently.
- Generators may only run 9 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
For campers with dogs
Book Loop 100 or 200. They allow pets and stay open the longest. Loops 700 and 800 also allow pets, but they’re affected by construction. Loops 300 to 600 are pet-free. The rules: up to two pets per site, a leash no longer than 6 feet, never left alone, and proof of rabies vaccination (a paper certificate, not just a metal tag) at check-in. Pets can’t go in restrooms or the recreation hall. Let ReserveAmerica and the campground office know you’re bringing a pet.
For families
Pick a site near your loop’s restroom and play equipment, or close to the campers’ center playground and Harvey Pool. With young kids, a short walk to the bathroom at night beats a secluded site. Each site holds up to six people, including babies.
For peace and quiet
Look for sites on the outer edge of a loop, away from loop entrances and the restroom building. Just remember that farther from the bathroom also means a longer walk in the dark. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and loud music and speakers aren’t allowed at any time.
Letchworth Camping Prices (2026)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 30-amp electric site | $30 per night |
| 50-amp electric site | $32 per night |
| Friday, Saturday and holiday nights | +$4 per night |
| Out-of-state campers | +$5 per night |
| Extra vehicle (over 1 included) | Nightly fee |
| Reservation fee | Charged per booking by ReserveAmerica |
Example: a New York resident booking a 30-amp site for Friday and Saturday night pays $34 + $34 = $68, plus the reservation fee. An out-of-state camper pays $39 + $39 = $78, plus the fee. Registered campers’ vehicles generally don’t pay the separate $10 day-use entrance fee during their stay, but confirm this at check-in.
How to Reserve a Campsite
- Go to the New York State Parks ReserveAmerica website, or call 1-800-456-2267.
- Search for Letchworth State Park and enter your dates (2-night minimum).
- Choose your equipment (tent, trailer, RV and length).
- Use the map to compare loops and sites. Check the electric service, maximum length, pet rules and photos.
- Review the total and the cancellation rules, then pay.
- Save your confirmation offline, since cell service in the park is unreliable.
When to book: Campsites open for booking up to 9 months ahead. Summer weekends, holiday weekends and early fall fill fast, and with fewer sites during construction, early 2027 will be even tighter. Same-day bookings are possible online until 3 p.m. if a site is free. Walk-ups aren’t guaranteed.
Arrival times: Check-in starts at 3 p.m. Campers must arrive before 9 p.m. in July and August, and before 7 p.m. on spring and fall weekdays. Call the campground if you’ll be late. You must occupy your site the first night, or you lose it. Cancellations can have fees, and there are no refunds for bad weather.
Letchworth State Park Cabins
Don’t have a tent, or want a real roof when it rains? Letchworth has 81 cabins in five areas, plus a few cottages. They vary a lot, from cabins with a private bathroom and shower to one-room huts with no heat. All of them include beds or cots with mattresses, lights, outlets, a fridge, an electric stove, a table, a picnic table and a grill.
Bring your own: pillows, sheets or sleeping bags, towels, pots, pans, dishes and utensils. Air conditioners, space heaters and candles aren’t allowed, and smoking isn’t permitted in any cabin.
| Area | Where | What you get | 2026 price | Season (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | South end, near Lower Falls | Electric heat, inside water, private shower and toilet, screened porch | $149/night ($596/week) | Early May to mid-October |
| B | South end, near Lower Falls | Propane heat, inside cold water and toilet, screened porch | $142/night ($568/week) | Early May to late November |
| C | North end, near the campground | Electric or propane heat, no inside water, central showers; pets allowed | $93 to $107/night | Early May to late November (some cabins close mid-October) |
| D | South end, east side | Rustic, mostly electric heat, central showers | $47 to $93/night | Late May to early September |
| E | South end, east side | One room, no heat, toilet building only (showers in Area D) | $59.50/night | Late May to early September |
- Peak summer (late June to late August): most cabins rent by the week only, Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday depending on the area.
- Out-of-state renters pay $7 extra per night ($28 per week). There’s also a reservation fee.
- Only Cabin Area C allows pets (up to two per cabin).
- Late-fall stays: Area B, many Area C cabins and Parker’s Hideaway stay open until late November, which is great for quiet off-season trips. Water in Areas A and B is shut off from late October.
- Accessible cabins: A-8, A-11 and several in Area C (2, 3, 10, 11, 12 and 13) are listed as accessible.
Tent or cabin? Camp if you love sleeping outside and want the lowest cost. Choose a cabin for families with small kids, rainy forecasts, cold spring and fall nights, or anyone who isn’t a fan of tents. For the waterfalls, Cabin Areas A and B put you right at the south end, minutes from Lower and Middle Falls.
Letchworth Photos: What It Looks Like
Before you book a specific campsite, look at its photos on ReserveAmerica. Some sites have wide, open gravel pads, while others are tucked deep in the trees. Photos help you judge shade, flat tent space and how close your neighbors are. Independent campsite-photo websites have pictures of many individual Highbanks sites, too. Just make sure the site number matches.
And for the scenery itself, here’s what’s waiting for you just down the road:
Letchworth State Park Weather for Campers
Western New York has four real seasons, and the weather shapes your camping trip as much as the calendar does. These are rough averages for the area, so always check the forecast for Castile or Perry before you go.
| Month | Typical days | Typical nights | Camping notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | Mid-60s°F | Low 40s°F | Cold nights; bring warm sleeping bags |
| June | Mid-70s°F | Low 50s°F | Green and lush; bugs come out |
| July | Around 80°F | Upper 50s°F | Peak season; afternoon thunderstorms possible |
| August | Upper 70s°F | Mid-50s°F | Warm days, comfortable nights |
| September | Around 70°F | Upper 40s°F | Fewer crowds, great hiking weather |
| October | Upper 50s°F | Upper 30s°F | Fall color peaks mid-month; frost possible |
| November–April | Cold | Below freezing | Campground closed; some cabins open into late November |
Best month to camp at Letchworth
July and August are best for warm nights, swimming at Harvey Pool and family trips. September is the sweet spot for cooler hiking weather and fewer people. For fall foliage, which usually peaks around mid-October, note that the campground closes around October 10 to 12. For peak-color weekends, you’ll usually need a cabin (Areas B or C) or a hotel nearby.
Things to Do While Camping at Letchworth
The park covers more than 14,000 acres with 66 miles of trails, so there’s plenty to fill a long weekend.
See the three big waterfalls
- Upper Falls: pours under the towering Genesee Arch railroad bridge. It’s one of the most photographed views in New York.
- Middle Falls: the tallest, at about 107 feet, right beside the historic Glen Iris Inn. It’s lit up on some summer evenings.
- Lower Falls: reached by a long stone staircase (about 127 steps) and a footbridge across the river. It’s a bit of a climb back up.
Hike the Gorge Trail
The Gorge Trail (Trail 1) follows the west rim for about 7 miles, past all three falls and dozens of viewpoints. You don’t have to do it all. The short stretch between Upper and Lower Falls is the most scenic. Note: Trail 7, from Middle Falls to the Genesee Arch Bridge, is permanently closed, so follow the current trail map. Near the campground, the Highbanks area has its own overlooks of the deep northern gorge and the Mount Morris Dam.
Visit the Humphrey Nature Center
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this modern nature center has hands-on exhibits about the gorge’s geology and wildlife, plus easy trails outside. It’s great for kids and rainy days.
Swim at Harvey Pool
Near the campground, Harvey Pool is open daily from late June to Labor Day. Swimming in the Genesee River is not allowed. The park’s South Pool is closed.
More ideas
- Hot-air balloon rides over the gorge on summer and fall evenings (private operator, book ahead).
- Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Genesee River with local outfitters.
- Scenic drive along the park road, stopping at overlooks like Inspiration Point and Great Bend.
- The William Pryor Letchworth Museum (May to October) and the Seneca Council House on the hill above Middle Falls.
- Fishing in the river and ponds (a New York fishing license is required).
Want to hike more? See our guide to hiking for beginners, and if you’re heading east to the Finger Lakes, our Watkins Glen State Park guide is about two hours away.
Campground Rules to Know
- Stays: 2 nights minimum, 14 nights maximum.
- Occupancy: up to 6 people per site; 2 tents, or 1 camper plus 1 tent.
- Vehicles: up to 2 per site (the second one pays a fee). No sleeping in cars, trucks or SUVs, and no tree-hung hammocks.
- Visitors: allowed 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and must register at the office.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Generators only 9 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
- Fires: only in the provided fire pits. Buy firewood at the campground. Don’t bring untreated firewood from far away, since it can carry pests.
- Wildlife: raccoons are bold here. Store all food in sealed containers or your car, and never feed animals.
- Not allowed: weapons, drones, skateboards, kegs and permanent water hookups.
- Park roads are closed to the public from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Age: you must be 18 or older to hold a camping permit.
What to Pack
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Warm sleeping bag | May, September and October nights can drop into the 30s and 40s |
| Rain fly and ground tarp | Wooded sites stay damp after rain |
| Headlamp or lantern | Dark woods and late bathroom trips |
| Bug spray | Mosquitoes in June and July |
| Sealed food bins | To keep raccoons out |
| Hiking shoes | Gorge Trail and Lower Falls stairs |
| Extension cord (RVs) | Some pedestals sit back from the pad |
| Paper rabies certificate | Required for pets at check-in |
| Bedding and cookware (cabins) | Not provided |
Need gear? Check our picks for the best ultralight backpacking tents, a comfortable sleeping pad and a budget camping headlamp.
A 2-Night Letchworth Camping Plan
| When | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1, afternoon | Arrive after 3 p.m., check in at Camp Contact, set up camp |
| Day 1, evening | Highbanks overlooks at sunset, campfire dinner |
| Day 2, early morning | Drive south for Upper and Middle Falls before the crowds |
| Day 2, late morning | Hike the Gorge Trail to Lower Falls and back |
| Day 2, afternoon | Lunch at the Glen Iris Inn or a picnic, then the Humphrey Nature Center |
| Day 2, evening | Harvey Pool (summer) or a hot-air balloon ride, back to camp |
| Day 3, morning | Breakfast, pack up and check out by 11 a.m. |
Food, Supplies and Dining
- In the campground: a camp store for basics, firewood and ice, plus laundry.
- Glen Iris Inn: the historic inn beside Middle Falls serves meals in season (May 1 to October 31 in 2026). It’s a lovely treat after a hike.
- Nearby towns: Mount Morris and Perry (close to the campground) and Castile and Portageville (near the falls) have groceries, diners and gas. Stock up before you check in.
If Letchworth Is Full: Nearby Alternatives
During construction, New York State Parks suggests these campgrounds as backups:
| Campground | Distance from Letchworth (approx.) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Stony Brook State Park | About 30 to 40 minutes | Its own gorge, waterfalls and a stream-fed swimming area |
| Darien Lakes State Park | About 45 minutes | 154 sites, beach; pets in Loops A and B |
| Hamlin Beach State Park | About 1.25 hours | 264 sites on Lake Ontario; pets in Loops A to C |
| Allegany State Park | About 1.25 hours | New York’s largest state park, with many campsites and cabins |
Private campgrounds near Castile and Mount Morris are another option. Just remember, the farther you stay, the more time you’ll spend driving instead of enjoying the gorge.
Letchworth State Park Camping FAQs
How many campsites are at Letchworth State Park?
About 270 electric sites at the Highbanks Camping Area, though fewer are available during the 2026–2027 construction.
Is Letchworth State Park camping open now?
Not for tents and RVs. The 2026 season ended around October 11–12. Some cabins stay open until November 28, 2026. Campsites reopen May 21, 2027.
Which Letchworth campground loops are open in 2027?
Loops 100 and 200 are expected to open as normal. Loops 300, 400, 500, 600 and 800 are tentatively closed until July 2, 2027, for construction. Check ReserveAmerica for live availability.
How much does it cost to camp at Letchworth?
In 2026, it was $30 a night for a 30-amp site or $32 for a 50-amp site, plus $4 on Friday, Saturday and holiday nights, and $5 a night for out-of-state campers. Reservation fees are extra.
Does Letchworth have full hookups?
No. Sites have electric (30 or 50 amp) only. There are shared water spigots and a dump station.
Can you bring dogs camping at Letchworth?
Yes, in Loops 100, 200, 700 and 800 and in Cabin Area C. That’s up to two pets, on a 6-foot leash, with a paper rabies certificate.
How far ahead can I book?
Up to 9 months ahead on ReserveAmerica or by calling 1-800-456-2267. There’s a 2-night minimum.
Where is the campground in Letchworth?
At the Highbanks Camping Area in the north end of the park. Use the Mount Morris or Perry entrance. The big waterfalls are about 20 to 30 minutes south by car.
Do Letchworth cabins have bathrooms?
Only Area A cabins have a private shower and toilet. Area B has a toilet and cold water. Areas C, D and E use central shower or toilet buildings.
Can you camp at Letchworth during fall foliage?
Early fall, yes, until the campground closes around October 10 to 12. For mid- to late-October color, book a cabin in Area B or C, which stay open until late November.
Final Thoughts
Camping at Letchworth turns a rushed day trip into a real getaway: waterfalls at sunrise, long hikes along the gorge, and evenings by the fire under the trees. For 2027, the key is timing. Book Loops 100 or 200 early for spring and early summer, or wait until after July 2 when more loops are expected to reopen with new shower buildings.
Pick your site by how you camp, with shade for tents, length and 50-amp power for RVs, Loops 100 and 200 for dogs, and a short walk to the bathroom for kids. Then let the Grand Canyon of the East do the rest.