Near Barneveld, New York, glamping and camping options sit within the western Adirondack foothills at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 feet. The region features interconnected waterways including Delta Reservoir and Oneida Lake, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from May through mid-October, with water access sites typically booking 2-3 months in advance.
What to do
Mining for crystals: Visitors to Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground can hunt for quartz crystals right outside their tent. "Great diamonds to find!" notes Jennie, who recommends the activity for families with children. The mining area allows self-guided exploration with rental tools available for $5-10.
Tubing on West Canada Creek: The creek at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA offers gentle tubing between campground sections. "You can tube from one side of the campground to another," shares Seth K., who enjoyed the convenient water access. Tubes can be rented at the camp store or brought from home.
Hiking Echo Cliffs Trail: This moderate 1.5-mile trail begins directly from Little Sandpoint Campground and provides lake views. "Hike to Echo Cliffs right from the campground," recommends Kyle M. The trail gains approximately 300 feet in elevation and takes 1-2 hours round-trip.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Sites along the shore at Delta Lake State Park Campground offer direct water access. "We had a waterfront hookup! So pretty especially in the morning with the sunrise," writes Tris W. Loop C features the most private waterside sites, while Loop A has more open spacing.
Family activities: The recreation areas at Kayuta Lake Campground and Marina include archery targets, laser tag, and seasonal hayrides. "Very nice quiet campground. Had fun shooting archery targets. They also have lazer tag but we didn't participate," reports Jason D., who visited in October.
Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms at Green Lakes State Park Campground. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," explains Sheri S. Each camping loop has its own bathroom facility with 24-hour access.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly in the western Adirondacks, especially during July and August. Pack appropriate gear and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
Reservation timing: Most glamping accommodations in the Barneveld area require booking 3-4 months in advance for summer weekends, with limited last-minute availability.
Road access: Some campgrounds have steep entry roads that can be challenging for larger vehicles. "Very steep driveway," warns Jennie about Ace of Diamonds Mine, recommending smaller RVs or camper vans for easier navigation.
Tips for camping with families
Rent kayaks: Multiple campgrounds offer affordable boat rentals for family water exploration. "They rent out kayaks for $20 for 24 hours which in my opinion is a total steal," notes Tarah W. about Little Sandpoint Campground.
Look for delivery options: Some campgrounds offer convenient food delivery to your site. At Delta Lake, "The concession stand at the beach will deliver to your camp site," mentions Amy W., making mealtime easier with children.
Select loop-specific sites: When camping with kids, certain campground sections offer better experiences. "Nice spots in loop C. Loop A is quite open," advises Charles S. about Delta Lake State Park, suggesting families choose based on desired privacy and proximity to amenities.
Tips from RVers
Check hookup availability: Electric service varies across campgrounds in the Barneveld area. "They have recently added electricity to the sites," notes Amy W. about Delta Lake, while other campgrounds may offer limited options.
Water access sites book early: Waterfront RV sites are the most sought-after in the region. "Hard to get a water site but over nice place," shares Charles S. about Delta Lake, recommending booking 4-6 months in advance for prime locations.
Consider site spacing: RV sites have varying separation between neighbors. At Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA, "sites are spaced out very nicely," according to Lisa L., providing more privacy than some other area campgrounds.
