Last November, I spent two rather cold nights right before southern zone hunting season camping on McCarthy Hill Road near Ellicotville in Cattaraugus County. Located about 1/2 mile from Little Rock City, a popular place for hiking and exploring various “buildings” which are actually just very large, square rocks, left from the glaciers.

The campsites near Little Rock City have little pavilions.

The campsites along McCarthy Hill Road are simple roadside sites, with little more then stone campfire rings and a “Camp Here” sign nailed to the trees.

Up here, you are camping on a mountain, or at least a fairly large hill, so it’s pretty cold especially on the first day of southern zoning hunting season.

But some nice warm coffee can help things out a lot, even when the themometer in your pickup truck says it’s only 19 degrees. Plus a good breakfast made on the campstove.

15 miles to the south is Allegany State Park. 40 miles will get you to the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. Likewise, Jamestown is about 40 miles to the west. I’ve heard it’s popular in the summer. 15 miles to the north is Zoar Valley Unique Area, a great gorge where the Cattaragus Creek runs, and 50 miles northeast is Letchworth State Park.

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There is good cell service and 4G wireless internet service. Bring your own electricity.

Here’s a map.