Several RV campgrounds near Cold Brook, New York operate in elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 feet in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. The region experiences seasonal changes in accessibility, with most campgrounds situated along creeks or small lakes. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, affecting campground operations and requiring proper RV winterization for year-round sites.
What to do
Tubing on West Canada Creek: West Canada Creek Campground provides river activities with shuttle service for tubers. "My wife, our 3-year old son and myself had the pleasure of spending 10 beautiful weeks at West Canada Creek Campground... The West Canada Creek wraps around the entire property and provides such a tranquil backdrop," notes a long-term camper.
Mining for Herkimer diamonds: Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA offers unique activities. "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," reports one visitor who spent three nights at the campground.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds provide direct water access for anglers. "The sites are large, surrounded by trees, events, soft serve ice cream, tube rentals to float on the creek (river). FHU as well as tent sites and cabins," explains a reviewer about West Canada Creek Campground's amenities.
What campers like
Heated pool amenities: Several campgrounds maintain pools for families. "This is a nice campground. I mean really nice. Very well thought out. All sites are full hookups (i think) and paved. Definitely geared towards the RV or trailer crowd," notes a visitor to The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds organize special events throughout summer. "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," reports a West Canada Creek visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Kayuta Lake Campground and Marina provides water recreation options. "The lake linked to a river was great for kayaking and fishing. We arrived at night and they had left everything for us making check in very easy," explains one reviewer who stayed with two dogs.
What you should know
Power limitations: Some campgrounds have electrical challenges. "We spent this weekend on a 'full hookup site' in our class A motorhome. We used a surge protector when plugging in to electric. It wasn't long before our power kept kicking off," explains a visitor to HTR Adirondacks.
Road conditions: Access to certain campgrounds requires careful navigation. "Not good for larger rigs, largest site was too short for mine. Pot holes in the campground road are so bad that it caused damage to my trailer," warns a visitor to Spruce Creek Campground.
Variable site conditions: Site quality varies within campgrounds. "The sites are kinda close, so you don't get a ton of privacy, and you can really hear what's going on next door. The roadways can get a little tight between the trees, and can make for some interesting backing in," shares a Kayuta Lake visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Many campgrounds maintain play areas. "Very beautiful campground with tons of planned activities for the kids. Outdoor pool and clean shower/bathrooms. Lots of grass and shade. Very nice sites that are easy to get in/out of. Well stocked camp store," reports a visitor to Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.
Family-friendly activities: Singing Waters RV Park provides water recreation. "It's hard to pick where to start with this review... The boys were having so much fun swimming and riding their inner tubes down the creek with little rapids. They spent almost every waking moment in the water," explains a visitor traveling with teenagers.
Seasonal festivities: Schedule camping around themed weekends. "We have been returning to this campground for 5 years. Our weekend of choice is always sold out. The staff have a wonderful event set up and the river drop/Run is fantastic. nice sized sites and space for your family to play," notes a West Canada Creek camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose appropriate sites based on RV size. "Spacious FHU sites. Pull thru and back ins," notes a concise reviewer from The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.
Hookup reliability: Request information about electrical service. "Turning Stone is well maintained with nice sites. Memorial day weekend the weather is beautiful spring weather. All full hook up sites from full sun to full shade. Been coming here for 25 + years," shares a visitor to The Villages RV Park.
Dump station access: Treasure Isle RV Park maintains waste facilities. "Treasure Isle is nice and quite. The sites are a good size with water and electric on each site. There is a dumping station to use, some sewer sites," explains a reviewer who appreciated the facilities.
