Set against a backdrop of densely wooded knolls and billowing skies, Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State is a recreational gem. Just a four hour drive from Columbus, Ohio, the lake is a popular destination for motorized watercraft and sailboats. Anglers, too, come from all over the region, drawn to the lake’s bountiful population of walleye, bass, perch and muskellunge. Dotting the lakeshore are a variety of restaurants and general stores which cater to boaters as well as guests who arrive via car or bike. Several eateries offer dock-side wait service and live nightly entertainment. There’s also plenty of fun for those who prefer to swim and paddle in the water. Long State Point Park offers a sandy-bottom, designated swim area, canoeing, kayaking, boat rentals and a boat launch. There’s also a children’s playground, pavilion, picnic area and grills. While Chautauqua Lake is a haven for water sports, landlubbers will laud the many off-lake adventures in the region, including miles of trails for hiking, biking or running. One not-to-be-missed is the Chautauqua Gorge State Forest and Day-use Area near Maysville. Visitors to the park will find themselves immersed in a forested wonderment. Thick stands of trees, ferns and undergrowth create a quiet outdoor canopy. Along the way, massive rock outcroppings with horizontal striations carved over millennia serve as vessels for rivers and streams. Waterfalls and swimming holes intersperse the heavily wooded trails. There are eight designated campsites adjacent to the day-use area, seven are primitive tent sites but one is able to accommodate a trailer (no longer than 15’ in length). These campsites are on first-come, first-serve, but if you’re fortunate enough to spend a night here in the comfort of your camper, you’re in for a rare treat. Tucked deep in the wilderness, you’ll savor the melodic sound of creaking trees, a crackling campfire and the rush of the river – a hushed hymn to the wilds. One lakeside campground that pulls out all the stops in providing an amenity-filled experience is the Chautauqua Lake KOA Campground. Wherever you park your camper, Chautauqua Lake offers abundant adventure by day, and relaxation beneath the starry sky at night.