HTR Niagara (New York) – A Perfect Campground Close To All Attractions

We found this campground by simply doing a Google search of “Closest Campgrounds to Niagara Falls.” And it did not disappoint. Not only was it close to Niagara (a less than 20-minute drive), but it was also a great, spacious, happening campground that we would definitely recommend to anyone visiting the area.

As you can see from the map, we were just about centered between the two nearby great lakes and just outside of Buffalo. We had traveled here from the North East on the side of Lake Ontario, which was about a 3-hour drive for us that day.

We were greeted by a very friendly staff that was more than happy to answer any questions we had. We needed a fuse (as Holly had a mishap with the slide when we stopped for lunch). We didn’t see any in the camp store, so inquired about a local hardware store to purchase one. The staff let us know that they had fuses there for us that were just behind the counter. Problem solved! They were also very helpful to us when we used the bicycle carts they lent out as well as the kayaks and canoes.

The staff drew us directions on the camp map on how to get to our site, which was 121. This is always helpful so that you know which roads are one way and which direction to pull into your site from, so you don’t have to back way up on a busy campground road with children walking and biking. Our site was in the back corner on a small loop.

While we did have neighbors that came and went, they were quiet and kept to themselves besides small chit-chat here and there. The traffic that went by was mostly bicycles and fellow campers walking their dogs. It was not on an exit route for RVs so there wasn’t much for vehicle traffic.

This campground was full of things to do for kids (young and old). There were bicycle karts, kayaks, and canoes to use for free. You had to go into the office and sign them out and were allowed to use them for 30 minutes. We had brought our own fishing poles so Emma was able to fish while I paddled her in the canoe. Aliyah chose to kayak and read her book.

There was also a small 9-hole mini golf course available as well as two different-sized zip lines out across the pond. Given that we were there at the end of September and therefore the end of the camping season for this campground, zip lining was only offered on Saturday and for only a couple of hours, which we weren’t there for, so we didn’t get to try out this feature. I’m sure it’s a blast though.

While we were staying at HTR, they were having their Fall Harvest Weekend. Look at this adorable pumpkin shed! I’ve never seen anything quite like it! They offered a pumpkin carving contest one day, in which you could buy one of these pumpkins or bring your own.

On Friday night, they had a bonfire as well as free donuts and hot cider. How could we say no? I’d say the donuts and cider were much more of a hit than the bonfire was, but the flashlight candy hunt was a hit with the youngsters. It was great to see the excitement as they all were told “Get ready, set, go!”

One other event offered this weekend was trick-or-treating on Saturday night. Many sites had out bowls of candy for dressed-up kiddos. We saw How To Train A Dragon costumes, princesses, Monster’s Inc. characters, and many more. The most popular ones centered around the Buffalo Bills (given the proximity of the campground). It really was a treat to watch.

But our real reason for going to this campground was for the close proximity to Niagara Falls. It was the first big destination we wanted to visit on our RVing trip. We won’t discuss it all in detail here (as you can read the full write-up here). But if you haven’t visited Niagara, we suggest paying to do the Maid of the Mist tour as well as the Cave of the Winds tour. Both were unforgettable experiences that we won’t forget.

Given that the trip to Niagara was under 20 minutes, we even went back there at night to catch the illumination of the falls as well as the fireworks that are let off nightly. While it rained, and it was packed, it was also a great experience!

While there are dozens of more pictures and details we could share, Niagara is truly a place everyone should visit for themselves. It will mean different things to different people. Go see what it means to you.

Maybe you will even be excited enough to take a picture like this! Aliyah got this shirt earlier this year from Emma and has just been waiting for the perfect time to wear it. And this was it!

If you are in the area, this HTR campground has not only RV sites, but tent sites, yurts, and cabins for rent. Many cabins are right on the edges of the campground pond, making for a beautiful sunrise and sunset setting.

This campground truly was one of a kind and we very much enjoyed our time there. Check out these other photos from our stay. If you are interested in staying at this campground, visit their website at: https://www.htrresorts.com/destinations/niagara/amenities/.