Green Lakes State Park Campground offers six distinct outdoor recreation locations near Deansboro, New York. Located in central New York's Mohawk Valley region, the area features diverse camping options including several yurt accommodations within a 25-mile radius. Seasonal availability typically runs from May through mid-October, with overnight temperatures dropping to the 40s even during summer months.
What to do
Hiking at Green Lakes State Park: The park features multiple hiking trails circling two meromictic lakes. "There are 2 Great Lakes to hike around with awesome views. Fishing and boat rental if you want to be closer to the water," notes Kelly J. about Green Lakes State Park Campground.
Diamond mining experiences: Search for double-terminated quartz crystals at local mines. "Nice place. Very clean cabins, store disc golf course. Across the road from a do it yourself quartz mine. Very busy during the day. But great diamonds to find!" explains Jennie about Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground.
Water recreation: Enjoy swimming, kayaking and fishing at several locations. "This is a very nice campground. There are many sites with electric available at every site. Swimming is available at the large beach. You can rent a kayak and enjoy the beautiful lake," shares Cindy H. about Green Lakes State Park.
Tube down West Canada Creek: Float through campgrounds on inner tubes during summer months. "The creek is AMAZING. Both kid and adult friendly and it's free, just bring a tube or purchase for cheap at the camp store. Lazy river flow with some faster spots," explains Julia P. from Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.
What campers like
Larger sites with privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites with natural separation. "We go here at least twice a season if not more. Spacious, mostly flat sides. Complete shade and a lot of sites right on the water," reports Marlene H. about Delta Lake State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Most parks maintain well-serviced bathroom and shower facilities. "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. about Green Lakes State Park.
Waterfront accommodations: Sites along waterways provide direct access for water activities. "Was here with a camper on a lake accessing site. Sites are fairly big but not completely separated. Having the kayaks were great, there's so much to explore, and town is right down the road," shares Sierra K. about Delta Lake State Park.
Yurt camping options: Multiple parks offer yurt accommodations as alternatives to traditional tent camping. Loomis Lair provides yurt rentals near Deansboro with seasonal availability.
What you should know
Limited shower facilities: Some parks have basic shower setups. "As clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck. I'll never understand why parks use the misting shower heads. It's best to use the ADA bathrooms because those shower heads are normal and have wands," advises Chelsea B. about Green Lakes State Park.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. "The park has a boat ramp, beach, some easy hiking, and recently added electricity to all the sites. Very popular area," notes Eric G. about Delta Lake.
Reservation requirements: Book well ahead for premium sites, especially waterfront locations. "It's very nice, especially if you can get a water site. They have recently added electricity to the sites and a new playground at the beach," reports Amy W. about Delta Lake.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain considerations. "Not a good place to camp unless you are also there for the quartz. I was put at a lower site that was cramped and wet," warns Douglas J.B. about Ace of Diamonds Mine.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation programs: Look for organized activities for children. "Clean, clean bathrooms, large sites lots of fun activities for everyone, a pool for the kids, shuffle board, disc golf, tubing, everything is organized, and nice and clean!" states Lisa L. about Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.
Beach access: Several parks feature swimming beaches with lifeguards. "The beach is great and well kept," shares Erin G. about Glimmerglass State Park Campground.
Playground availability: Many campgrounds have dedicated play areas. "They have a children's playground, pool, little grocery store, volleyball area, and of course, the Herkimer Diamond Mine and restaurant, right across the street," notes Darby R. about Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs. "We spent three nights here. The staff is fabulous. The mines are so much fun. The whole park is well maintained," remarks Kelly F. about Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "The sites are good, level, and the campsite is pretty but as clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck," mentions Chelsea B. about Green Lakes State Park.
Site access considerations: Some parks have challenging entry points. "Best for tents, camper vans or really small RV. Electric and water only on lower sites. Very steep driveway," cautions Jennie about Ace of Diamonds Mine.
Campground layouts: Parks have different site arrangements affecting privacy. "Very quiet, small campground - friendly staff - large spots/mainly bigger setups. Only downside is there is not a hiking/walking path down to the lake from the campground," notes Heather E. about Glimmerglass State Park.
Full hookup options: A few parks offer complete RV services. "This state park campground is one of the few that offer full hook ups," highlights Sheri S. about Green Lakes State Park.
