Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA Holiday Blog
Upgrade to a Patio Site, Starting at $155/Night!
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From Buffalo: Take I-190 N to Exit 19, turn right onto Whitehaven Road; Left at second light (Grand Island Blvd 324). South on I-190 from Niagara Falls: Take Exit 20B, turn right onto Long Road and right onto Grand Island Blvd (324). KOA is on Rt 324 next to Niagara Amusement Park and Splash World at Fantasy Island.
Get Google Directions
The perfect historic getaway from Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA Holiday
If you’re looking for a unique road trip filled with romance, mystery, and jaw-dropping architecture, Upstate New York delivers. From island estates to crumbling stone ruins, this castles road trip takes you to ten of the most scenic and historic castle-style landmarks in the state.
Staying at the Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA Holiday makes a perfect starting point, especially if you’re already exploring nearby icons like Niagara Falls.
Here’s your guide to Upstate New York’s most fascinating castles.
Visit the Castle websites for the latest information.
One of the most famous castles in New York, Boldt Castle sits on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands region. Built in the early 1900s as a grand romantic gesture, this massive estate features:
Fully restored rooms
Sweeping staircases
Stone towers
Formal gardens overlooking the St. Lawrence River
Accessible by boat, this fairytale-like castle is a must-see from late spring through fall.
Once owned by the Singer sewing machine heir, this 28-room castle feels straight out of a mystery novel. Explore:
Narrow stairways
Hidden hallways
Secret doors
Original guard posts
Singer Castle’s authentic castle-style design and secluded island setting make it one of the most intriguing stops on this road trip.
One of the most eerie and dramatic stops, Bannerman Castle stands in partial ruins on Pollepel Island. Originally built to store military equipment in the early 1900s, its crumbling stone walls and towers are now accessible only by boat tour. The haunting beauty of this Hudson River landmark makes it unforgettable.
Tucked into the Catskills, Dundas Castle is an unfinished estate with a fascinating past. While not open for regular public tours, its castle-like silhouette and history make it a popular landmark for architecture lovers.
Wing’s Castle is a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast built from reclaimed materials. With towers, turrets, and artistic details throughout, it offers a whimsical overnight experience unlike anywhere else in New York.
This picturesque stone mansion looks like something from Europe but sits right in Central New York. Though privately owned, it’s a striking stop for architecture fans exploring the region.
Built in the 1860s, Beardslee Castle is now home to an elegant restaurant known for its historic charm. With rumored hidden passageways and a long local history, it’s a great stop for dinner with a side of intrigue.
Offering sweeping views of the Thousand Islands and the St. Lawrence River, Castle Rock is a scenic viewpoint that feels like standing atop your own stone fortress.
Overlooking Lake George, Highlands Castle is a storybook-style stone castle available for stays and private events. With lake views and romantic architecture, it’s a magical way to end your castle road trip.
This road trip is best from spring through fall. Many castles are located on islands and require boat access, while others have limited hours or seasonal closures during winter. Summer and early fall offer the most reliable access, plus beautiful river and foliage views.
After days spent exploring island estates, river ruins, and historic towers, return to your comfortable campsite at Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA Holiday. Whether you’re staying in an RV site, cabin, or tent site, you’ll have easy access to:
Niagara Falls
Scenic drives across Upstate New York
Unique day trips like this castles route
From grand riverfront estates to mysterious island ruins, this Upstate New York castles road trip highlights some of the most interesting and unusual castle-style destinations in the United States — and it’s all within reach of your campsite.
Ready to start planning your adventure?
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
