The Adirondack foothills near Fonda, New York sit at elevations between 400-1,400 feet, creating varied terrain for primitive and developed campsites. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, while summer evenings typically cool to the 50s even after warm days. Several campgrounds near Fonda offer yurt camping options as alternatives to traditional tent sites.
What to do
Fishing in artesian ponds: DevilDoc Campsites features a secluded pond perfect for catching local fish species. "The land they share has a pond that is very secluded. We used his power source so we were near his home and site was level for the travel trailer. Slept great each night!! Lots of trails near by for biking or hiking," notes Rosie Lon S. who stayed at DevilDoc Campsites.
Mine for Herkimer diamonds: The quartz crystals found near Fonda are accessible through guided mining experiences. "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," shares Kelly F. about Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.
Hiking at state forests: The region offers trails connecting to larger networks. "Peck Hill state forest is close by for mountain biking. You can park at the trailhead on CR 101, or at Stump City brewing, to ride the trails. Lots of hiking and great fishing are found in the area, along with plenty of water sport opportunities," writes Tony F., a visitor to the area.
Winter camping activities: Some campgrounds maintain winter access for seasonal activities. "We stayed from April until October then decided to stay over winter. They have a small winter section. You'll have the entire mountain side all to yourself! Snowshoe, cross country ski. Winter campfires," shares James S. who experienced winter yurt camping near Fonda at Frosty Acres Campground.
What campers like
Dark night skies: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing conditions. "You'll fall asleep to the sounds of bull frogs, oh and the star gazing is pretty darn nice as well! Rich is happy to share information about local swimming/hiking spots, which there are many of close by," reports Ross L. about the night sky views.
Private, secluded sites: Caroga Lake Campground offers good separation between campsites. "I stayed here over a holiday weekend and found that the campground was simple but has everything I needed. The campsites were spacious for two tents, a 4 and 2 person and there was space to have a run for two dogs," explains Elyssa R. who appreciated the layout.
Clean, modern facilities: Many campgrounds invest in updated amenities. "The bath house is clean and modern. $27.50/night for non-resident," notes Tom S. who stayed at Max V. Shaul State Park Campground.
Proximity to historic sites: The area features notable landmarks within driving distance. "Cooperstown is a little over twelve miles away from the park but well worth a trip. Not only is Cooperstown home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame but it is a charming downtown well worth exploring," explains Nancy W. who enjoyed the cultural attractions.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close for winter with limited exceptions. "This park is located approximately 12.5 miles from downtown Cooperstown and is set in the quiet rural countryside of New York. The mature trees make for beautiful scenery in the fall," notes Nancy W. about Cooperstown KOA.
Variable water access: Water availability differs by site and season. "Only con was that they were limited on water so could not dump tanks during our stay, had to travel to another place, a little hassle," mentions Rosie Lon S. about water limitations.
Off-grid considerations: Prepare for limited connectivity at more remote sites. "It is definitely off the beaten path but well worth it if your just trying to escape a little bit. But Verizon does get service," reports Ashley L. who valued the balance of remoteness and basic connectivity.
Wildlife encounters: Expect interaction with local fauna. "We had the entire place to ourselves as our little Hiker Trailer was able to make it up to the clearing where there's a little pond. We had tons of privacy as it is well clear of the host's home and neighbors," shares SkywaystoHighways.com Y. who enjoyed the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Glimmerglass State Park Campground offers kid-friendly amenities. "There is also a nice playground for kids to enjoy. This is dry camping so there are no hook-ups but there are restrooms and shower," explains Nancy W. who found the facilities suitable for family camping.
Water recreation options: Families appreciate the swimming areas and boating. "The beach is really hard to beat. In terms of preparation, bring all your standard camping gear. Purchasing firewood is totally unnecessary because there's plenty of it, literally, everywhere," advises Ellis L. about water recreation possibilities.
Educational opportunities: Mining activities provide learning experiences. "This was part of our gemstone trip which including sluicing, diamond mining, visiting the gemstone museum, then we stopped at Howe Caverns on the way home. Tubing was the big hit with the kids. Sites were large. Very clean," shares Michelle M.
Themed weekend events: Many campgrounds schedule special activities. "Themed weekends and an annual car show. We are returning for our 4th season and cannot wait until May 2020!" notes Rachel B. about the family-oriented programming.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Moreau Lake State Park Campground accommodates larger vehicles with planning. "The road to our campsite was paved and in good shape but there were a few tight spots because of the trees that make it tricky for a big rig (Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs)," advises Nancy W. who navigated the park in a large RV.
Power hookup availability: Electric service varies by campground. "You can choose between 30/20 or 50 amp electric service. Interior roads are gravel and some site pads are gravel while others are grass," explains a reviewer about hookup options.
Dump station access: Plan for waste management needs. "There is a sanitary dump station at the park entrance. While camping here, we were able to use our satellite internet without any issue," notes an RVer about the practical aspects of extended stays.
Tree clearance considerations: Carefully check site descriptions for overhead obstacles. "Our site (#41) was a pull-thru but there was no way we could drive our 45' motorhome forward out of the site because of a large tree and narrow roads. So we ended up having to back out," shares Nancy W. about navigating tight spaces with larger rigs.
