Caroga Lake sits at the edge of New York's Adirondack Park, a forested region filled with lakes and mountains. The area typically sees temperatures between 70-85°F in summer with occasional thunderstorms. Cold Brook serves as a gateway to both developed campgrounds and more rustic sites, with most camping areas offering lakeside access and wooded surroundings.
What to do
Diamond mining beyond Herkimer: About 35 miles from Cold Brook at Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground, visitors can hunt for their own Herkimer diamonds. "Best for tents, camper vans or really small RV. Electric and water only on lower sites. Very steep driveway. Very busy during the day. But great diamonds to find!" shared Jennie.
Kayaking on Piseco Lake: Little Sandpoint Campground offers direct lake access with affordable watercraft rentals. "They rent out kayaks for $20 for 24 hours which in my opinion is a total steal," notes Tarah W. The campground sits at a peaceful spot where you can explore the water and nearby trails.
Hiking to Echo Cliffs: Trails connect directly from Little Sandpoint Campground for an accessible day hike. "Hike to Echo Cliffs right from the campground," states Kyle M., making it convenient for campers looking to stretch their legs without driving to a trailhead.
What campers like
Private lakeside sites: Delta Lake State Park Campground offers waterfront camping with spacious setups. "We had a waterfront hookup! So pretty especially in the morning with the sunrise. There were bathrooms in the middle of our loop which was great and easy to walk to and it was very clean," explains Tris W.
Well-maintained facilities: Green Lakes State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its infrastructure. "The bathrooms have been remodeled and most are private with a toilet, shower and sink which makes this a wonderful family campground," notes Sheri S. The campground features fully hooked-up sites unusual for a state park.
Serene camping outside the busy season: Visiting in late spring or early fall provides a quieter camping experience. "We spent 4 nights here in our 27 ft toy hauler with 2 dogs. Sites were roomy and many are seasonal. As we were there during the week, it was incredibly quiet with few people," shares Paummi S. from Kayuta Lake Campground and Marina.
What you should know
Off-season limitations: Many campgrounds close by mid-October. "I called and booked ahead of time knowing I'd arrive late and leave early, which was absolutely no problem," notes Meghan B. about Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground, one of the few spots open later in fall season.
Site selection matters: At some campgrounds, not all sites are created equal. "I was put at a lower site that was cramped and wet. My fault for not checking before going," warns Douglas J B. about his experience at Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground.
Seasonal water challenges: Kayuta Lake Campground sometimes experiences water pressure fluctuations. "One annoyance is the water pressure seemed to drop on occasion and one night was low for quite a while due to the pool being filled," reports a camper from Cooperstown KOA, suggesting this may be common in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Educational mining activities: The Ace of Diamonds Mine offers hands-on geology lessons that kids enjoy. "Great diamonds to find!" mentions Jennie, making it an educational outdoor activity beyond traditional camping.
Swimming beach options: Glimmerglass State Park Campground offers a family-friendly swimming area. "The beat grooms and showers are well kept. The beautiful beach is well attended with life guards on duty keeping you safe but still allowing much fun on the very clean white sand," notes Brian O.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The lakes around Cold Brook attract various wildlife. "There is a beautiful river where some of the sites are located next to, where you can wade into, kayak, tube down, or just sit on the bank and watch the local wild life swim by," reports Darby R. from nearby Kayuta Lake.
Tips from RVers
Limited larger RV accessibility: Many campgrounds have site limitations for big rigs. "We ended up having to back out. The park does have a fair amount of trees that would interfere with roof-mounted satellite dishes so you would have to pick your site carefully," advises Nancy W. about Cooperstown KOA.
Best sites for larger setups: Delta Lake State Park accommodates bigger units. "The sites themselves are a good size. They aren't huge, but you'll have enough room to get creative with your parking," notes a reviewer, important for those with larger rigs seeking glamping in Cold Brook area.
Power options vary widely: "There are a lot of full timers here, so the grounds can look fuller than they really are as most often the majority of the full time sites are not occupied. But on big weekends, when everyone shows up, its still not too crowded," explains Michael O. about electrical hookup availability around the region.
