Sherman, New York, is home to the Brushwood Folklore Center, a campground located in the rolling hills of western New York. With 150 units—including primitive tent sites, electric tent/trailer sites, and an RV area—visitors have a variety of options. The campground emphasizes a “primitive camping” experience but also offers modern amenities such as a pool and hot tub. In total, 180 acres make up the campground, with open grassy areas, meadows, and shaded tree sections. Brushwood Folklore Center LLC promotes a culture of acceptance, allowing guests to feel at home and free to express themselves. Protocols for behavior and safety are in place, and pets are not permitted—with the exception of service dogs. The campground hosts various events and activities, including festivals and workshops. Some of the nearby attractions are the Chautauqua Institution, wineries, lakes, and the National Comedy Center. Regarding the property's history, Brushwood Folklore Center LLC first began as an art community before becoming a campground in 1989. Notably, the business has been owned and operated by the same family since its establishment.
Brushwood Folklore Center, located in the town of Sherman, offers a camping experience in western New York. The campground provides a range of camping options, with a total of 150 units and surge capacity; visitors have various options of space to choose from. Different camping options include primitive tent sites, tent/trailer sites, and RV sites. The campground provides water and electric for a number of sites, including a dump station available for guests.
The campground emphasizes its “primitive camping” experience, but campers can enjoy modern amenities such as a pool and hot tub. The breakdown of the sites is approximately 10% RV, 20% electric tent/trailer sites, and 70% primitive tent sites.
Brushwood Folklore Center LLC also has rustic cabins for those seeking a different type of accommodation. There are a total of five cabins available, each featuring a platform bed with a foam mattress. Visitors are required to bring their own bedding, though the cabins come with electricity, fire rings, picnic tables, and refrigerators.
In addition to the camping options, the campground has several attractions and facilities. Guests can take advantage of a walking trail, a clubhouse, and a relatively sizable labyrinth. Art installations representing earth, air, fire, and water can be found throughout the grounds as well. The campground also has three pavilions for gatherings and events, one of which is comparatively larger.
Activities are available within the property, providing guests with multiple things to do without leaving the grounds. Visitors can enjoy nature walks along the trails, community fires at night, and drumming sessions in the roundhouse. The campground hosts festivals and workshops throughout the year in an effort to create a community atmosphere.
With approximately 180 acres of contiguous land, Brushwood Folklore Center LLC offers a vast outdoor setting that one of the owners reports is popular among outdoor enthusiasts. The landscape consists of grassy open areas, meadows, and shaded tree sections. Also located on the premises is a store that sells camping supplies, merchandise, and general supplies. Firewood and ice are especially popular items among visitors, according to one of the owners.
Brushwood Folklore Center LLC aims to provide an atmosphere where patrons can “feel at home and accepted and free to be themselves,” explains one of the owners. The campground's vision for this year is focused on reclaiming one’s spirit and life, inviting visitors to embrace their true selves. A previous patron of the park left a review that said, "Brushwood Folklore Center is wonderful. Whether I show up at more quiet times during the camping season for hiking and relaxation or during festive times, Brushwood is a perfect place to replenish my body, mind, and spirit." To maintain an atmosphere of acceptance and respect, Brushwood has established protocols for behavior, including clothing-optional guidelines and requirements for mutual respect among all guests.
Safety is a priority for the campground, and safety policies have been implemented to ensure a secure environment for everyone who comes to the premises. Guests are expected to adhere to these guidelines, and violations can result in expulsion from the premises. Regarding specific policies, Brushwood Folklore Center LLC does not permit pets on-site, except for service animals in compliance with the law. Smoking is prohibited in buildings and public areas. The campground designates a quieter area for visitors wanting a quieter stay, although drumming and other activities may occur in the roundhouse during weekends.
In addition to camping and accommodation, Brushwood Folklore Center LLC hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including Sirius Rising. The establishment offers a kids' play area, apple pressing and wagon rides in the fall, and Maypole activities in the spring. The campground is known for its Eclectic Festival in July, Woman’s Weekend, and Halloween events.
The campground caters to a diverse demographic, welcoming individuals of various age groups, from young adults to families and older couples. The aim is to create a multigenerational experience, which has led to a relatively high number of repeat guests over the years. Brushwood Folklore Center LLC has become a destination that is common for many to “grow up here and come back,” states one of the owners.
Surrounded by natural areas, patrons at Brushwood Folklore Center LLC can explore nearby attractions such as Lake Erie, Chautauqua Lake, and Findley Lake. The Chautauqua Institution, with its history, offers cultural and educational experiences. Wineries, local artists, and the National Comedy Center are also popular destinations in the area.
Brushwood Folklore Center LLC has a history that dates back over 40 years. Before it became a campground in 1989, it was known as an art community. The campground was originally owned by one of the current owner’s parents, who have been running the family-owned business for four decades.
Having grown up on the property, the current owners explain that they have a deep connection to Brushwood Folklore Center. After spending 20 years away from the campground, they eventually returned to take over the business officially in 2004. The decision to come back was influenced by various factors. The owner’s desire for a change of scenery and the need for additional family support played a significant role in their decision to return to Brushwood Folklore Center.
One of the owner’s favorite aspects of the job is the people they encounter. They consider Brushwood Folklore Center LLC to be a sanctuary for the open-minded, attracting individuals who contribute to the atmosphere they aim to create for the campground.
Throughout the years, the property has undergone refinements and improvements. The owners and their family have worked to modernize the campground, making it more accessible by establishing an online presence and "bringing the campground into the 21st century," as mentioned by one of the owner. These changes have been geared toward enhancing the visitor experience and keeping up with the evolving needs of guests.
Regarding the future, the family's current focus is on maintaining the property. They see this period as a time to restart and continue refining the offerings at Brushwood Folklore Center. They have plans to revamp the pool area and are open to bringing in additional events to create a more vibrant and engaging experience for campers.
8881 Bailey Hill Rd
Sherman, New York 14781
United States
Campground
