Where to stay in Chautauqua Lake with Kids
Every year, our family looks forward to our two-night tent camping getaway at Camp Chautauqua, NY. There’s something special about this place that keeps us coming back! We also enjoy visiting friends who have a permanent campsite here, which adds another layer of fun—catching up, sharing meals, and exploring the camp together. But even for tent campers like us, Chautauqua Lake with kids is a great way to spend a summer weekend.
If you love easy weekend camping trips like this, you might also enjoy our stays at Austin Lake Campground, Ohio or Ohiopyle, PA.
We did this trip with our five kids and built our days around what actually worked for our family.
Planning Your Chautauqua Lake with Kids Trip
Best For: Families looking for an easy, outdoor-focused lake getaway
How Long to Stay:
2–3 nights is perfect for a relaxed trip.
Where to Stay:
RV Site or tent site on the campground work best for space and flexibility with kids
What to Pack:
Swimsuits, water shoes, bug spray, and easy meals for grilling. If tent camping, then all your camping essentials.
Getting Around:
Everything we did was within a 20 minutes drive, making it easy to explore different areas with kids. For day trips to Peek’n Peak or Ellicottville plan for 40-60 minutes drive time.
Spacious and Convenient Tent Sites
Camp Chautauqua offers spacious, private tent sites that are conveniently located near public bathrooms and showers. It’s the perfect mix of privacy and convenience, allowing you to enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort.
Fun Amenities for All Ages
Whether you’re looking to relax or stay active, Camp Chautauqua has it all:
- Golf cart rentals for easy exploring
- Swimming pool for a refreshing dip
- Boat docks and kayak launch areas for water adventures
- Fishing ponds for a quiet afternoon
- Petting zoo featuring goats, llamas, donkeys, and deer
- Playground for the little ones to burn off energy
Exciting Weekend Events
Summer weekends at Camp Chautauqua are packed with fun events for kids and families. From 4th of July celebrations to Bounce House Weekend and other special activities, there’s always something happening to create lasting memories. They even have crafts at certain times in the main pavilion which my kids have enjoyed as a filler or something to do in between water activites!
Fun on Chautauqua Lake with Kids
Chautauqua Lake is a big part of what makes this area so special—and where we spent most of our time.
It is always the kids’ favorite part of the trip. Between fishing, boating, and just exploring along the shoreline, it was one of those simple setups that kept them busy for hours without much planning.
You can rent a boat or jet ski (or bring your own) to explore the lake, and if you have your own boat, tubing is a lot of fun here. One thing to note—most rental companies no longer offer tubes due to insurance restrictions.
A popular spot is Sandy Bottom, a shallow, sandy area on the northern end of the lake where boats gather. On certain weekends, there’s even a DJ and a fun, social lake vibe.
We also loved how easy it was to get on the water—you can bring your own kayaks and launch right from Chautauqua Campground.
Being on the lake reminded us of other fun lake trips including Deep Creek Lake, MD or Lake Keowee, SC.
Quick tip: The southern end of the lake can have some grassy areas in the shallows. It’s maintained throughout the season, but just something to be aware of when swimming or boating.
Favorite attractions around Chautauqua Lake with Kids
While Camp Chautauqua has plenty to keep the family busy, there are also fun things to explore nearby:
- Midway State Park – A fun, nostalgic park that worked really well for our kids (ages 4–11). There’s a great mix of classic rides and mini golf for younger kids, plus go-karts and bumper cars for older ones. The older kids loved the go-karts and bumper cars, while the younger ones enjoyed pretty much everything. The balloon toss was also a huge hit. We spent about 2-3 hours here which was the perfect amount of time for everyone.
- Bemus Point – Such a cute, walkable town right on the lake. There are several restaurants, a playground, and spots like Ellicottville Brewing for a casual bite. We always enjoy walking around here and grabbing ice cream—it’s an easy, relaxed stop with kids.Ellicottville Brewing for a casual bite or local treat. Bemus point is such a cute town and it is always a fun place to walk around and grab an ice cream.
- Southern Tier Brewing Company – A go-to for us. It’s very family-friendly, with good food, great drinks, and often live music. Everyone loves the live music, and it’s an easy place to hang out for a while.
- Peak ‘n’ Peak – A year-round spot with golf, an aerial adventure course, and skiing in the winter. We haven’t been in the summer yet, but it’s definitely on our list—especially the adventure course if you have older kids and an extra day.
- Ellicottville – Another charming, walkable town with shops, restaurants, and a really pretty mountain setting. We haven’t visited in the summer yet, but between the golf course and outdoor activities like biking, it seems like a great place to explore.
- Chautauqua Institute– One of the most unique places in the area. You can walk around, sit by the water, catch a concert at the outdoor amphitheater, or even take a class. It honestly feels like stepping into a different world and is definitely worth a visit.
Favorite Places to near Chautauqua Lake with Kids
Chautauqua and the surrounding towns have plenty of family-friendly dining options. Some of our favorites include
- Big Inlet Brewing – A great spot to unwind after a day on the lake. They have solid brews, a food truck, and both indoor and outdoor seating, which makes it easy with kids.
- Southern Tier Brewing Company – One of our go-to spots. The food is good, the atmosphere is fun, and it’s very family-friendly. Our kids especially love going when there’s live music.
- Village Casino – Such a fun and unique stop. You can dock your boat and eat right on the water, or walk in from land. We usually boat for a bit, then dock here for lunch—burgers and a drink—and let the kids play at the huge park and playground right behind it.
- Subs from Asheville General Store – A great grab-and-go option. The subs are delicious, and it’s a fun spot to walk around and browse a bit. We picked up lunch here and headed to Midway State Park to eat.
- Lake Life Kitchen – A favorite for breakfast or brunch. Think pancakes, omelets, cinnamon rolls—everything you want, and it’s quick, easy, and very kid-friendly. It worked especially well for our large group.
These local favorites make exploring the area even more enjoyable, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, a hearty brunch, or settling in for a meal with a view.
Why We Keep Coming Back
It’s hard to pick just one reason—we love the mix of nature, family time, and community. Our kids enjoy running from the playground to the petting zoo, while we love relaxing by the water or golf carting around the campground. The family-focused events, nearby attractions, and welcoming atmosphere make Camp Chautauqua feel like a home away from home.
Ready to Plan Your Chautauqua Lake with Kids Getaway?
For our family, this ended up being one of those simple, easy trips that just worked.
It wasn’t about packing in a long list of activities—it was more about being outside, slowing down, and letting the kids explore. Between time on the lake, easy outings, and relaxed evenings, it felt like a really manageable trip with kids.
If you’re looking for a low-key lake getaway that’s easy to plan and great for families, this is definitely one to consider.
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