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10 Best Places to Camp Within Two Hours of Niagara Falls

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A view of niagara falls american side from the canadian side

So you have finally decided to explore all of the wonderful scenery of Niagara Falls and the rest of New York State. In general, it is good to know that “Niagara Falls” is a city on the Niagara River. The city is best known for the actual Niagara Falls, which are on the border with Canada. The well-known Aquarium of Niagara is full of Humboldt penguins, seals and sea lions, and other marine creatures. Other attractions include the Cave of the Winds, Niagara Falls State Park, and Horseshoe Falls.

Niagara Falls has a rich history full of interesting facts, such as daredevils who have dropped over the falls, to inventors such as Nikola Tesla, who is best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current electricity supply system. The City of Niagara was, in fact, the birthplace of hydroelectric power.

In general, Niagara Falls was formed more than 12,000 years ago at the end of the Ice Age when large torrents of water were released from the melting ice that drained into the Niagara River. The water fell over the edge of the Niagara Escarpment into what is now known as Lewiston, NY. The force of the water wore away the rock layers and Niagara Falls moved upstream until reaching its present location. Every year, the formation continues with the annual freezing and thawing of the Niagara River, along with gradual erosion. Some remedial work has also been done to preserve the Falls and the volume of water has been reduced by diversion for hydroelectric power.

So now that you know a little about the falls, it is time to start planning your trip. If you are looking for a selection of places to camp when you are visiting the Niagara Falls area, you’ll soon find that there are plenty of attractive options available that can fit your specific needs. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite places for camping near the falls, so you can fully enjoy every minute of your trip.

Niagara Falls from USA Landscape View

Being 5 minutes away from Lake Ontario, Niagara Woodland Campground is a great spot for both camping and fishing enthusiasts.

1. Niagara Woodland Campground

This well-forested, family-friendly campground is some of the best Niagara Falls camping, in terms of the types of amenities that are available. Niagara Woodland Campground is only about five minutes from the Canadian border, Lake Ontario in Western New York, and about 25 minutes from the actual falls. This is a tent-heavy campground, which makes it a perfect spot for families, groups, or individuals who are looking for a slightly more secluded experience near the lakeshore.

Niagara Woodland Campground has something for everyone since it offers a pool, a playground, a mini-golf course, horseshoes, as well as volleyball and basketball courts. If you have an RV, it is good to know that there are around 20 RV-only spots that include 30 & 50 amps electricity hookups, as well as water and sewage. The campground also offers a dump site and laundry facilities for families who want to turn the trip into a longer-term stay.

Pros: 

  • Easy access to the falls
  • Many recreation options
  • Good options for tent camping 

Cons: 

  • Large campground, so it can feel crowded
  • Campground caters mostly to families so it is not ideal if you don’t have children

2. Niagara Falls Grand Island KOA

This spectacular Niagara Falls camping destination is just seven miles from the falls. The KOA includes a variety of child-friendly amenities, including a couple of heated pools, a playground, and a very popular inflatable jumping pad. Niagara Falls Grand Island offers both pull-thru and back-in RV sites with 30 & 50 amps electricity along with full hookups. Tent campers can choose from sites with water and electric, water only, or no hookups.

The well-connected staff at this KOA offer several tour packages to Niagara Falls as well as transportation and ticketing information for several of the most popular nearby attractions, including places like Fantasy Island or some of the many surrounding state parks. There are plans to reopen Fantasy Island in the summer of 2021. Some of the initial attractions will include the Silver Comet – the park’s wooden roller coaster, as well as many other kids, family, and thrill rides, which will all make Fantasy Island a world-class regional attraction.

Pros: 

  • A wide range of camping options
  • Tour packages to Niagara Falls
  • Great for kids

Cons: 

  • International tourist destination so it can get crowded 
  • Many of the nearby attractions not yet open

3. Niagara Falls North Lewiston KOA

This is a classic KOA in Youngstown, New York, just about 20 minutes from the falls, and it offers the quintessential Niagara Falls camping experience to RVers and tent campers who are looking for an easy and accommodating stay in the upstate area. The campground includes a pool, gravel sites, firewood for sale, wifi, and even a dog park for your animal companions.

In addition to the onsite amenities, this KOA includes a well-connected host that can arrange tours of Niagara Falls, as well as provide more information on must-see attractions in the surrounding area. There is also a small camp store where you can stock up on firewood and some of the other basic necessities while you are in the campground.

Pros: 

  • A wide range of camping options
  • Good for camping with pets
  • Tour options

Cons: 

  • Can get expensive 
  • Camp store is a bit limited in supply

4. Lazy Lakes Campground

The Lazy Lakes Campground is a family-owned and operated Niagara Falls camping resort in upstate New York. The campground offers everything from swimming pools to fishing, canoeing, and row boating, as well as a full playground area for some of the younger children who might be visiting. There are also lots of good biking opportunities in the area.

There are also 270 RV sites and nine cabins, including sites with 30 & 50 amp electrical hook-ups, along with four restrooms with shower facilities, laundry facilities, dump stations, and full-time security personnel. This 80-acre resort has accommodations to fit everyone’s dream getaway. It is about fifteen minutes to Niagara Falls and ten minutes to the Niagara River and Lake Ontario.

Pros: 

  • A wide range of camping options
  • Very convenient locations
  • Tour options

Cons: 

  • A little expensive
  • Large campground and can get crowded with kids

5. Branches of Niagara Campground

Just between Niagara Falls and Buffalo (around 15 minutes from the falls), the Branches of Niagara Campground offer 80 campsites and 15 cabins. Every site comes with electric hook-ups and they are all in close proximity to the bathrooms and a central laundry facility. There are canoe and kayak rentals available through the general store. Grab a paddle and enjoy some peaceful times on the water or challenge a friend to a race around the lake.

Another fun thing to enjoy is the Outdoor Movie Night, with movies under the stars for the whole family. All movies are family-focused with G and PG ratings. Movies are shown Friday and Sunday nights from mid-June until Labor Day Weekend. Other amenities include three different pools, a mini-golf course, and a brand new playground. This campground is especially good for families with children because it is just a few minutes from Fantasy Land, a popular amusement park in the area. Some other nearby attractions include Elope Niagara’s Little Log Wedding Chapel (3.4 miles), Whirlpool State Park (4.4 miles), and the Niagara Aerospace Museum (4.7 miles).

Pros: 

  • A wide range of camping options
  • Electric hook-ups
  • Close to bathrooms

Cons: 

  • Crowded during the summer
  • Many of the nearby tourist attractions not yet open

6. Niagara Hartland Campground

This is a family-owned and operated RV resort on the shores of little Lake Charles. You will find that this campground is an excellent destination for families and dedicated RVers looking for a place off the beaten path but still in close proximity to Niagara Falls (about a 40-minute drive).

Located in Gasport, New York, Niagara Hartland offers large pull-thru sites with full hookups available, including a few tent sites. The recreation hall offers daily organized activities, and the rental facility offers kayaks and fishing gear for trips out onto the lake. The campground also includes a few hiking trails, its own beach for swimming in Lake Charles, as well as a playground, basketball court, and even some badminton facilities.

Pros: 

  • Large pull-thru sites with full hookups available
  • Tour packages to Niagara Falls
  • Lake access

Cons: 

  • A little far from the falls
  • Lake water can be a little cold

7. Four Mile Creek State Park

As one of the largest campgrounds in the state, Four Mile Creek State Park is a premier destination when it comes to Niagara Falls camping. It is just 15 minutes from the falls, and it offers 275 campsites to choose from. The campground includes 50 amp sites, 30 amp sites, and almost 150 non-electric sites that can be good for both RVs and tent camping. There is a nice little store too within the campground.

As a protected natural area, Four Mile Creek offers up-close views of some of the local flora and fauna, as well as sneak peeks of some of the wildlife native to the area, such as the graceful blue herons and whitetail deer. The park also grants guests access to the massive Lake Ontario, which provides memorable sunset views and all types of water activities.

Pros: 

  • Great wildlife viewing
  • Tour packages to Niagara Falls
  • Camp store

Cons: 

  • Big campground that can get crowded
  • Lake water can be a little cold

8. Niagara Falls State Park

This park has been recognized as the oldest state park in the United States. It contains natural wonders such as the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and a portion of the Horseshoe Falls. The Observation Tower, at Prospect Point, juts out over Niagara Gorge for a view of all three waterfalls. Trails from the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center will also lead you to many other awesome viewpoints. 

Although there is no overnight camping here, the park does offer a museum, food concession areas, a movie theater with IMAX films, a small gift shop, fireworks displays at certain times of the year, plenty of hiking and nature trails, picnic areas, recreation programs, and even some fishing areas. The Top of the Falls Restaurant, on Goat Island overlooking the Horseshoe Falls, can also be found within the park. 

Pros: 

  • Plenty of trails
  • Fantastic natural scenery
  • Discovery Center

Cons: 

  • No overnight camping
  • Sometimes too crowded

9. Niagara Falls Campground and Lodging

One of the closest of all the campgrounds on this list to Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls Campground, and Lodging can be found just six miles from the thundering falls. This campground offers over 80 campsites, and most of these sites can accommodate RVs or tents.

The campground also includes a pool, a small playground, and a full-service tour center where families and tourists can get the latest information on all of the local attractions and daily excursions that are available in and around Niagara Falls State Park, such as the Hornblower Niagara Cruises Voyage to the Falls Tour.

This 20-minute tour offers a close-up view of the American and Horseshoe falls as well as the amazing Great Gorge. The tour is accompanied by an audio commentary and includes access to the Hornblower Niagara Funicular for panoramic views of the falls. 

You will need to wear the ponchos provided by the company because you will definitely get wet. Tours depart every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day with evening options from mid-May through mid-October. Tickets start at about $23 for adults and about $15 for children ages 5 to 12. The ride is free for children 4 and younger. The company also offers a special fall fireworks cruise.

Pros: 

  • Large campground with lots of camping options
  • Tour packages to Niagara Falls
  • Great for kids

Cons: 

  • Tours can be expensive
  • Weather on the boat can be a little cold
Yogi Bear Jellystone park camp-resorts in a parade.

Located minutes from Niagara Falls, this Ontario campground features trailer & cottage rentals, cabin rentals, tent sites and RV camping

10. Jellystone Park

This is the closest campsite to the Niagara Falls waterfalls, at just 3.5 miles away. The campsite offers a private shuttle bus service that runs several times a day to the waterfalls. You can camp here, pull up your RV or book a lodge, cabin, or cottage. 

There is a playground, a heated outdoor pool, and a kids splash pool, as well as the world’s largest inflatable waterslide at more than 34 feet tall. There is also a mini-golf course, outdoor movies, family activities, an arcade, and peddle bike rentals. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Rates range from $44 a night for no hook-up campsites, to over $300 a night for lodges that can sleep up to eight people.

Pros: 

  • Large campground with lots of camping options
  • Private shuttle bus service to Niagara Falls
  • Lots of amenities for kids

Cons: 

  • Very expensive
  • Can get very crowded at times
Woman drink tea or coffee from a thermos, sitting on camp chair near a waterfall.

Besides campgrounds, Niagara Falls also has many scenic hiking trails.

Visiting the Falls

Most of the campgrounds on this list are open between April through October. Here are some of the average temperatures and the average amount of rainy days each of those months in Niagara Falls, so you know how to pack appropriate clothes for the Niagara Falls weather. 

  • April: 54ºF/12ºC high, 36ºF/2ºC low, 10 days of rain 
  • May: 67ºF/19ºC high, 47ºF/8ºC low, 9 days of rain 
  • June: 76ºF/24ºC high, 57ºF/14ºC low, 8 days of rain 
  • July: 81ºF/27ºC high, 63ºF/17ºC low, 8 days of rain 
  • August: 79ºF/26ºC high, 62ºF/17ºC low, 7 days of rain 
  • September: 70ºF/21ºC high, 55ºF/13ºC low, 9 days of rain 
  • October: 59ºF/15ºC high, 44ºF/7ºC low, 9 days of rain. 

On any trip to Niagara Falls, we suggest that you bring lots of layers and an umbrella, as well as plenty of waterproof clothing. A trip to the incredible Niagara Falls is a “bucket list” experience for many travelers. But knowing where to go and finding out some of the best ways to experience the falls, as well as other attractions in the area, can be quite overwhelming. We suggest that you use these camping spots as starting-off points for the rest of your journey.

Some other interesting places to visit on your trip might include Niagara Glen, Ball’s Falls and Bruce Trail, and the Niagara River Recreation Trail. The Niagara Glen is actually in the Niagara Gorge. Take the stairway through three miles of paths through the Carolinian Forest. Check out prehistoric geological formations, the Niagara River rapids, and the Niagara River Whirlpool. The Niagara Glen is surrounded by all kinds of indigenous plants and flowers that can be especially wonderful during spring and summer. 

The Bruce Trail is an ancient marked footpath. If you’re into hiking, you should definitely check this out because it leads to Ball’s Falls, which is actually two waterfalls, as well as a collection of historic buildings and a few more nature trails. The whole area has been restored with an early 1800s atmosphere and you’ll be able to visit an operating flour mill, a blacksmith shop, and many more attractions. 

The Niagara River Recreation Trail is an enjoyable trail for the whole family because it features about 35 miles of paved paths. It actually passes right through the City of Niagara Falls, so you can enjoy some of the urban life on your Niagara Falls camping trip. There are four scenic sections that will take you about an hour or two to explore at a leisurely pace.

Camping at Niagara Falls can be great fun with a group of people of all age levels. Nature enthusiasts can really get into greater knowledge about everything from the local bugs in the area or even the types of trees that are most commonly found. Niagara Falls is truly a destination where you can make the most of your camping trip and your time outdoors.

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Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

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Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.

Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement

The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.

The psychological thrill

In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently. 

The benefits of embracing the edge

Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.

The balance of risk and reward

While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger. 

Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.

Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.

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Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

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Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news. 

The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise. 

Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails. 

Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important? 

Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy. 

The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources. 

These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources. 

Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important: 

  • Allows for sustainable rural development 

This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy. 

  • Test new technologies 

Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy. 

  • Improving the effect of climate change 

Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air. 

Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air. 

  • This leads to job creation 

Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms. 

The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails 

Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors. 

Embracing the Use of Green Technology 

Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails. 

By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment. 

The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it. 

Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors 

Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive. 

Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources. 

Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty 

The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes. 

Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem. 

Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before. 

Providing Health and Wellness Benefits 

Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being. 

Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy 

These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses. 

This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists. 

Conclusion

Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants. 

From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market. 

Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com

 

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Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

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Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.

If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.

Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool

Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.

Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.

Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks

Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.

Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.

Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions

Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.

Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner

A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.

Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight

A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.

Endnote

Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.

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