Researching for a possible trip to the falls. Would be July 2-5th. Need possible suggestions for campgrounds and things that would be a must see in the short amount of time we will be there. Thanks, John

Four mile creek state park, or any number of KOAs and private parks on both sides of the border.

The better choice would be to stay on the Canadian side and go to the Falls on the Canadian side. Much more beautiful ... and less chaos too.

Must See/Do:U.S. Side - Cave of the Winds, Goat Island, 3 Sisters Islands, Maid of the Mist boat tour, Jet Boat ToursCanadian Side - Journey Behind the Falls, Butterfly Conservatory, Floral Clock, Spanish Aero Car, White Water Walk, Hornblower boat tour, Jet Boat Tours (these last two are the same as the ones on the U.S. side - so you can pick which side depending on other activities)Check online for the fireworks display - they shoot them over the American Falls, so the Canadian side is the best place to see them.You will hear folks say "Niagara Falls is a waste of time", "all you need is 1/2 a day", "go to Niagara on the Lake instead", and so on. Don't buy into that. It's a great place, you just have to know what you're getting into. Clifton Hill on the Canadian side is a carnival midway - it's tacky, overpriced, etc., but it's alive and fun. The Islands on the U.S. side are very natural and relaxed - great place for a picnic or just to listen to the water. Spend at least 10 minutes looking out on the Horseshoe Falls watching the water flow over the edge - it will get to you guaranteed. It's crowded - there's a reason for that, just enjoy it.

We found Four Mile Creek to be very convenient, an easy drive to the falls via the Robert Moses Parkway. Nice campground right on Lake Ontario. We had an electric hookup but the shared water outlets were various places spaced around the CG. Bring a copy of your dog's rabies certificate - they ask to see it.If you camp there, you get free parking at the NF state park lots, which saves I think $10 versus commercial lots further from the falls. We arrived early and got into a very close space. From there we could walk across the Rainbow Bridge into Canada, easy customs, to see the falls from that side - viewing parks are right next to the bridge. (Or you can drive but long line of cars were waiting to cross and clear customs as we walked by them.)Near Four Mile is Fort Niagara, a big state park also on the water, with restored buildings, nice visitor center, costumed interpreters who demonstrate musket firing, recreational areas, etc. Well worth a visit. IIRC, they have a pool people staying at Four Mile Creek can use, too.July 4th is probably very popular so you are smart to plan early. We were there in July two years ago and it was packed.

We went about 5 years ago, staying on the Canadian side at the KOA on Lundy's Lane. There was a city bus that stopped at the campground entrance multiple times an hour, making going to the falls very easy.I am assuming they still have Maid of the Mist boats? We thought it was fun to do. You get complimentary rain ponchos and the boats go right into the mist from the falls. We had dinner at the Skylon Tower - I highly recommend it! Very cool, very good food. Spectacular view overlooking the falls. I have no idea if you'd be interested, but I took my son and his friend to the Canadian hydro power station a couple miles down the river. You take an elevator and go something like 27 stories down to a viewing area / museum to check out the hydro generators. I enjoyed it! There is actually a ton of stuff to do and see in the Niagara area. It is a VERY built up tourist area - not at all woodsy like the pictures show. The Canadian side seems to have more touristy things to do. Have fun!

Niagara Falls, NY | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

bdlaise
Explorer
Nov 01, 2016
A few years ago we stayed at the KOA in Lewiston, and back in Aug we stayed at the Branches of Niagara on Grand Island off of Whitehaven Rd. The Branches is a very nice and quiet place. The KOA in Lewiston is close to fort Niagara.
KevinGeiwitz
Explorer
Oct 26, 2016
I was one who said it would be boring but I was wrong!!! We did stay on the Canada side and it does have a better view and more to do. One thing I did not know is that it is wine country like NAPA so if you like wine you could spend days touring the vineyards alone.
NCWriter
Explorer
Oct 23, 2016
Thought of another fun thing to do in that area. The town of Lockport isn't far, and it has a section of restored locks on the Erie Canal where you can ride a boat or stroll the tow path. There's a visitor center as well.

Lots of wineries around there, too.
NCWriter
Explorer
Oct 23, 2016
DOTLDaddy wrote:
NCWriter wrote:
We found Four Mile Creek to be very convenient.....
If you camp there, you get free parking at the NF state park lots,

FYI, however, they have done away with the free parking at NF state park lots. It costs 10 buck now, even if you are camping at Four Mile Creek. :(

Well darn! Thanks for that update.
WNYBob
Explorer
Oct 23, 2016
Yes, border crossings can be a pain especially on holiday weekends. I've gotten over in as little as 10 min and as long as 4 hours.

I suggest walking over the Rainbow Bridge at the falls, the gardens at the base of the bridge are wondedfull. There is an amphitheater lined with square trimmed Maple trees and the Falls is the stage! Then catch the shuttle.
jnharley
Explorer
Oct 23, 2016
We stayed at Golden Hill State Park and it was a 45 minute drive to visit the falls. We were only interested in the falls and not all that touristy shopping stuff so a day visit was enough for us. The day that we were there (a week day), the line to drive across to Canada was 2.5 hours long.
DOTLDaddy
Nomad
Oct 23, 2016
NCWriter wrote:
We found Four Mile Creek to be very convenient.....
If you camp there, you get free parking at the NF state park lots,
Four Mile Creek is a great place to camp, as long as you can get along with electric only. We were just there this last August.

FYI, however, they have done away with the free parking at NF state park lots. It costs 10 buck now, even if you are camping at Four Mile Creek. :(
WNYBob
Explorer
Oct 23, 2016
All above great ideas, but reservations would be a must. Lots to do around here, from educational history to touristy things to shopping an of course the falls.

When going to Canada passports or enhanced drivers licenses are a must, for kids or grand kids check on line for necessary papers both governments have boarder crossing sites.

Both sides have shuttles, in my opinion a must in Canada as hey have restrictions on parking. Their shuttle has packages that include attractions at a discount, again check on line.

When time gets closer give me a shout and I can give driving instructions and specifics about getting around.
Busdriver
Explorer II
Oct 23, 2016
Four Mile Creek
shadows4
Nomad
Oct 23, 2016
Wow!!! Thankyou all. I didn't expect such detailed responses. You have given me much to look into. Again, thanks so much.

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Niagara Falls, NY

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