Kanakadea Recreation Area

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For New Yorkers yearning for a tranquil escape into nature without venturing too far from familiar comforts, Kanakadea Recreation Area presents an inviting opportunity. Situated on the picturesque Almond Lake, this county-operated park offers a blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, making it a beloved spot for a quick getaway or a longer family vacation. It's a place where the sounds of birds replace city traffic, and the vast open spaces invite relaxation and outdoor adventure.

Kanakadea Recreation Area is managed by the Parks Division of the Steuben County Department of Public Works, ensuring a well-maintained and accessible environment for all visitors. It’s known for its serene setting, ample recreational opportunities, and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages families and individuals to connect with the outdoors. Whether you're pitching a tent, bringing your RV, or enjoying the comfort of a cabin, Kanakadea provides a refreshing change of pace for those looking to recharge amidst the natural beauty of Western New York.

Kanakadea Recreation Area is conveniently located at Dansville, Hornell, NY 14843, USA. More specifically, it’s found on County Route 66 in Hornell, New York. This strategic location offers easy access for New Yorkers, with direct routes to State Routes 17, 21, and 36 nearby. This means a straightforward journey from various parts of the state, minimizing travel time and maximizing your relaxation.

The park's setting on Almond Lake is a significant draw. The lake itself is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring its pristine condition for recreational use. While the address lists Dansville, the park is functionally located near Hornell, providing access to local amenities and supplies if needed. The surrounding Steuben County landscape is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and waterways, offering a quintessential upstate New York experience. Its accessibility makes it an excellent choice for a spontaneous weekend trip or a planned longer stay, without requiring an arduous journey.

Kanakadea Recreation Area provides a range of services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its guests:

• Diverse Campsite Options:
  • Electric Campsites: Approximately 40 sites are available with electric hookups for RVs and trailers. While water and sewer hookups are not available directly at sites, potable water is accessible throughout the park, and a dump station is on-site.
  • Non-Electric Campsites: Around 30 non-electric sites are available, perfect for tent campers or RVs that don't require power hookups.
  • Cabins: Two cozy cabins are available for rent, offering a more comfortable stay with electricity, though they are rustic and do not include plumbing.
• Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: The park maintains clean restroom facilities, including flush toilets and hot showers, which are a welcome comfort for campers.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for campers, and non-campers can use it for a $10 fee. Note that there are no water or sewer hookups directly at individual campsites, so campers should plan to use the central water spigots and the dump station.
• Picnic Pavilions and Tables: Four picnic pavilions with grills are available for group gatherings, and individual picnic tables with fire rings are provided at each campsite.
• Firewood: Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings, and campers can use wood from downed trees (power saws prohibited). It is generally advisable to bring your own or check with the park if firewood is sold on-site to ensure availability.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome at Kanakadea Recreation Area, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet, proof of rabies inoculation is available, and owners clean up after them.

Kanakadea Recreation Area stands out with a variety of features and highlights that cater to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts and families:

• Almond Lake Access and Activities: The park is located directly on Almond Lake, offering fantastic opportunities for:
  • Boating: Non-motorized boating (kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, rowboats) is permitted, with trailer boat launches available for easy water access.
  • Fishing: Almond Lake is known for excellent fishing, with a variety of species including yellow perch, common carp, largemouth bass, and brown bullhead. Shore fishing and fishing from non-motorized boats are popular.
• Extensive Recreational Facilities:
  • Playgrounds: Multiple playground areas provide ample space for children to play and expend energy.
  • Sports Courts and Fields: A baseball/softball diamond, basketball court, and sand volleyball court are available for active recreation.
  • Horseshoe Pits: A classic campground activity, horseshoe pits offer fun for all ages.
• Hiking Trails: The park features various hiking trails, including access to the Finger Lakes Trail. These trails wind through wooded areas and offer scenic views, including an overlook of Almond Lake.
• Almond Lake Overlook: A designated overlook provides stunning views of Almond Lake, perfect for photography or simply enjoying the scenery.
• Spacious Campsites: Visitors often note the generous space between campsites, offering a sense of privacy and room for kids to play.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its range of activities, the park generally maintains a quiet and peaceful environment, especially during quiet hours from 11 PM to 7 AM, making it ideal for those seeking relaxation.

Kanakadea Recreation Area, being a county-operated park, often has straightforward and publicly available pricing. For the most current rates and any specific promotions, it is always best to contact the Steuben County Department of Public Works Parks Division directly. However, based on available information, the park does offer some standard discounts:

• Senior Citizen Discount: A 10% discount is typically offered to senior citizens (62 years or older).
• Veteran Discount: A 10% discount is also generally available for veterans.

Camping season at Kanakadea runs from April 15 to December 1, with water availability from April 15 to October 15. Standard rates apply for electric and non-electric campsites, as well as cabins. There is typically a two-week maximum stay limit from April 1 to December 1. It is advisable to inquire about specific rates for nightly, weekly, or cabin rentals when making reservations. Reservations are managed by calling 607-590-0535.

For more information or to make a reservation at Kanakadea Recreation Area, please use the following contact details:

Address: Danville, Hornell, NY 14843, USA

Phone: While the primary address lists Hornell, the Steuben County Department of Public Works Parks Division, which operates the park, can be reached at (607) 664-2474. For camping reservations specifically, call (607) 590-0535.

For New Yorkers in search of an accessible, affordable, and authentically natural camping experience, Kanakadea Recreation Area stands out as an excellent choice. Its location near Hornell, with easy access to major state routes, means that a rejuvenating outdoor escape is never too far away. This proximity makes it perfect for a spontaneous weekend trip or a hassle-free longer vacation without the extensive travel often associated with wilderness adventures.

What truly makes Kanakadea suitable for locals is its balanced offering of simplicity and diverse activities. It provides that much-needed "quick getaway" that allows families to disconnect from daily routines and reconnect with each other and nature. The park's emphasis on clean facilities, like restrooms and hot showers, ensures a comfortable stay, while the ample space for kids to play, as highlighted by a local reviewer, makes it an ideal family destination. With playgrounds, sports courts, and plenty of room to roam, children have endless opportunities for outdoor fun.

Beyond the amenities, the heart of Kanakadea's appeal lies in its natural features. Being on Almond Lake opens up a world of non-motorized boating and fishing opportunities, inviting campers to embrace the tranquility of the water. The hiking trails, including access to the Finger Lakes Trail, offer a chance to explore the beautiful surrounding landscape. For those seeking a peaceful retreat with enough activities to keep everyone entertained, Kanakadea Recreation Area embodies the ideal New York camping experience – convenient, enjoyable, and refreshingly down-to-earth.

Kanakadea Recreation Area

Danville, Hornell, NY 14843, USA