Delta Lake State Park Campground offers camping opportunities on a reservoir near Cold Brook, New York. The 735-acre lake formed by damming the Mohawk River provides water access points with several campgrounds established within a 30-mile radius. The area maintains cool evenings even during summer months, with temperatures typically dropping to the 50s overnight regardless of daytime highs.
What to do
Tubing at West Canada Creek: West Canada Creek Campground provides tubing opportunities with shuttle service. "This campground has it all. Heated pool, great store, large sites, surrounded by trees, events, soft serve ice cream, tube rentals to float on the creek (river)," notes Sharon V. The campground charges $15 per person for tubing shuttle service.
Diamond mining adventures: Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA offers unique geological experiences across from the campground. "The mines are so much fun. Some of the sites are crowded but each site has plenty of space. The whole park is well maintained," explains Kelly F. Visitors can search for double-terminated quartz crystals known as Herkimer diamonds.
Lake access for fishing: Delta Lake State Park Campground provides multiple boat ramps and fishing opportunities. "Two boat ramps for easy launching and quick retrieval of your motor boats. The lake is a flooded area foaming a reservoir stocked with game fish as bass, perch, and pike," notes Brian O. The park maintains a swimming beach with lifeguards during summer months.
What campers like
Natural water features: Creek and lake access rank highly among visitor preferences. "Lazy river flow with some faster spots, truly a perfect way to spend the days in the sun, hawks flying overhead and refreshingly cool and shallow water," explains Julia P. about tubing at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.
Camp amenities for extended stays: West Canada Creek Campground receives praise for comprehensive facilities. "The property is clean and well manicured. The camp store is well stocked. The bathrooms and showers are clean and well kept. The laundry room is clean and machines are new," reports Sean M., who stayed for ten weeks.
Secluded water-adjacent sites: North Lake Reservoir Campground offers primitive camping directly on water. "32 sites all around the lake. Some are walk in right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, and clean. Make sure to take a left at the start of the lake, the right is all private road and you will have to turn around," advises J B.
What you should know
Off-season limitations: Most campgrounds close by mid-October. "Quiet campground near Cooperstown. Lots of little shops and entertainment. Clean. Friendly staff," notes Carol C. about Glimmerglass State Park in late September, one of the few options available through early October.
Site variations: Campgrounds offer significantly different camping experiences. "Very remote and secluded. We got there after dark and it was beautiful to wake up to the view of the lake. Car camped, but there was enough room for a tent. Fire pit at the site and a bathroom across the way from the first site," explains Ashlee C. about North Lake Reservoir.
Reservation windows: Popular themed weekends require advance planning. According to Sean M., "Their themed weekends and accompanying activities throughout the season are wonderful. We had the pleasure of staying for Labor Day weekend in which they had a kids carnival set up among many other things. Their Halloween weekend is truly a must see... This weekend like many others fill up nearly a year in advance."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Spruce Creek Campground provides play structures for children. "The property is huge and surrounded by the beautiful creek, which is more like a river. The kids enjoyed the pirate ship and castle playground," reports Greg S. The playground features themed play areas designed for various age ranges.
Swimming areas: Multiple options exist for supervised swimming. "The beach is manned by a lifeguard until 6pm and is very well maintained. We love brining the kids here without worrying about loud crazy campers up until all hours of the night," states Jeremy H. about Nicks Lake Campgrounds.
Pet friendly accommodations: Throughout the Cold Brook area, most campgrounds accommodate dogs with specific guidelines. "We spent 3 nights here. The staff is fabulous. The mines are so much fun. Some of the sites are crowded but each site has plenty of space. The whole park is well maintained. Lots of room to walk our dogs. We will visit again," reports Kelly F. about her experience at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Nicks Lake Campgrounds accommodates larger vehicles despite its forested setting. "We have a 37ft fifth wheel & fit into our site no problem! Good cell reception & tons to do near by. But I highly recommend checking out their beach area - beyond gorgeous! We will 100% be coming back," shares Bella S.
Road conditions: Access roads to more remote campgrounds require attention. "Pot holes in the campground road are so bad that it caused damage to my trailer," warns David R. about Spruce Creek Campground, highlighting the importance of researching road conditions before arrival.
Hookup limitations: North Lake Reservoir offers no hookups for RVs, making it suitable only for self-contained units with sufficient battery capacity. Delta Lake provides electric but requires planning for water and waste management, as "the park has a boat ramp, beach, some easy hiking, and recently added electricity to all the sites," according to Eric G.
Legend
