Niagara Falls, NY

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 Tours

Canadian 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!

We stayed at Branches of Niagara and were happy with the park. Nicely landscaped and maintained.

The touristy build-up seems to be mostly on the Canadian side, except in downtown Niagara. The US side has a park that is just a park. We were there last falls an the overlook point and restaurant were closed.

Everyone has given some great ideas.
My advice is book your site early no matter where you stay!
July 1 is the Canadian holiday and July 4 is the US holiday. Canadians will camp in US because all Ontario parks are full for the long weekend and folks from the US will camp in Ontario for the 4th because all US parks are full.
we were in a Michigan state park last year for our May long weekend and 75%+ of the rigs had Ontario plates. The folks from Michigan I talked to said they were heading to Ontario for the next weekend to avoid the crowds.
Enjoy, have been to Niagara Falls many times over the years and we always discover something new every time.

Wow!!! Thankyou all. I didn't expect such detailed responses. You have given me much to look into. Again, thanks so much.

Four Mile Creek

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.