125 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Fort Plain, New York provides a variety of camping options along the Mohawk River and canal system. The region includes developed campgrounds like Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground, which offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations within 5 miles of Fort Plain. Fort Plain Lock 15 on the Empire Trail offers dispersed camping right on the water's edge and is particularly popular for tent camping. St. Johnsville Campsite and Marina provides riverside camping with both tent and RV capabilities, situated about 4 miles west of Fort Plain proper. Most of these locations operate seasonally between April/May through October.
Road conditions throughout the area remain accessible for most vehicles, with several campgrounds accommodating larger RVs. The camping season typically runs from early May through mid-October, though some sites like St. Johnsville Marina operate with limited amenities year-round. "This place is great! $10 for a tent site right on the canal and the staff is super friendly," noted one camper about St. Johnsville. Weather conditions can change quickly along the river valley, and train noise is common at many riverside campgrounds as railroad tracks parallel the Mohawk River and Erie Canal throughout this corridor. Most campgrounds offer water and basic amenities, though Fort Plain Lock 15 provides more primitive accommodations with toilets but no showers.
Waterfront camping dominates the Fort Plain area, with most campgrounds situated along the historic Erie Canal and Mohawk River. Many sites offer scenic views of passing boats and wildlife. Campers frequently mention train noise as both a characteristic feature and potential disruption. "Had everything we needed for a night's stay. Some sites have picnic tables. Others don't. Sunrise was quite nice on the river. A train track is close by so it can be kind of noisy," reported one visitor to St. Johnsville Marina. The canal lock locations like Fort Plain Lock 15 provide unique opportunities to watch lock operations during the boating season. Crystal Grove Diamond Mine Campground offers a distinctive experience with its adjacent Herkimer diamond mining opportunities, making it popular with families seeking outdoor activities beyond traditional camping.
"Only downside is there is not a hiking/walking path down to the lake from the campground. Very nice bathrooms w shower and wash station. Electricity and water available at or near each campsite."
"Close to Cooperstown and within driving distance from Oneonta. Quiet and spacious campsites"
from $18 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Continue driving past the original coordinates until you reach the dirt parking lot on the right. You’ll see signs that say “No Vehicles Past This Point” — those apply only to the grassy picnic area."
"It offers sounds of the highway and freight trains going by, my wife and I love it. If you need quiet, keep on moving. There are grills in the grassy area for tent camping, also a potable water tap."
"Along with staying at this peaceful wooded campground, one can “mine” Herkimer Diamond quartz crystals adjacent to the campground via a bridge over the stream. I enjoyed a site next to the stream."
"A fine campground with it's own Herkimer Diamond Mine walking distance (or you can drive up your vehicle) to the mining area. A fairly small, nicely wooded campground."
"My buddy and I were looking for a campsite for a quick overnight stay before a bike trip around the Adirondacks, and this spot was a perfect fit."
"He and his buddy, Rick, live on acres and acres of forested property, with my favorite campsites located at a seemingly magical pond surrounded by beautiful pine and birch trees."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"A train track is close by so it can be kind of noisy."
"Only drawback is steady stream of trains going by around the clock. I didn’t mind by my wife didn’t sleep well."
"The ice cream shop at the entrance was a huge bonus. We both ordered a small and it was near enough to consider a full meal! A very pleasant stay!"
"Plenty to see nearby or just stay in. Truly loved camping here and will go back if the option ever presents itself again."
"The land is next to a river. They keep it mowed and it went on for a while. The dogs enjoyed the walk!"
"Upon arrival my husband told the owner that we had never set up before and he came and walked us through the whole process. He also gave us tips on equipment to get etc."
from $25 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
"What a great quiet location to visit. The staff is great and friendly. A little off the beaten path but I think this is what makes this place perfect."
"Keeping in mind , it is a busy family resort during prime season and holidays, so if you're looking for a quiet, non-crowded location, this may not be the place for you (unless you try it in offseason)"
"You have easy access to the river for your fishing desire, or you can try your hand at mining for diamonds( real open put diamond mine."
"Upon arrival, campers must scan the QR code at the entrance and complete a brief survey. RVs and travel trailers are not permitted. The Verizon signal is good in the area."
TravelerThis campground is beautiful. The lake is good sized and clean. The property has beautiful fields and a creek that runs along the back. This is not a party campground and people are not packed in on top of each other. The little store is cute & affordable and the owners are on site 24/7.
TravelerWe had a wonderful weekend at the camp! The kids loved swimming and it was very beautiful at night ! There were places close to get things we forgot overall very nice . One thing was the quiet hours are from 10pm to 7am and around midnight it was pretty loud and my kids had a hard time sleeping but overall it was great !
GuideStayed at lot #71, loop B! It’s across from the bathrooms, behind there’s a trail that takes you to the lake (about a 5 min walk). No electric, water, or dump station. Firewood is near the entrance, they give you a burlap sack to fill up with!
GuideThis place is ab awesome getaway. It was so peaceful and quiet, not like some of the other campgrounds. The new owners are trying to make it all natural nature. They have a small trail around the campground, where you can see the creek and narure. While we were there, I saw 2 beautiful pheasants and rabbits. It was just what we needed, a nice quiet getaway and we will be back
TravelerLock 15 is big area with varied places to park. There is a port a potty and potable water and All free. Shaded areas and picnic tables. It is located on the Mohawk River. It is a busy train location across the river. A boat did not enter the lock during our visit but it is an active lock on the Erie Canal. There is ample parking for a dozen or more campervans. It’s only 25 miles from Copperstown, NY. Felt very safe here.
TravelerThe campground facilities are very outdated. That's most likely due to the majority of "campers" having RV's and not needing to use the facilities. The restrooms/dish sink area Only having Cold water to wash up hands & dishes, the 1 and Only shower area for All 3 Loops reminded me of being in a horror film...full of dead insects everywhere, ther are signs posted letting you know its gonna take about 5 minutes to semi-heat up, and the shower spray directly on the floor vs staying contained withvh
ScoutGilbert Lake State Park is located about 11 miles north of Oneonta, New York. I have camped here for a number of summers at their Hilltop Section, never dissapointed. There are a few trails that traverse the park for a few miles that are always green and shady. The lake offers swimming and kayaking. There is a concession stand and even a small museum that chronicles the efforts of the national CCC program under Roosevelt that constructed the park in the 1930's. After a long day of hiking, the campgrounds hot showers offer a great reprieve.
ScoutNow that All Star Baseball purchased this Oneonta campground this year, don't expect to stay here if you are not a baseball family. I went there in person yesterday for two nights at their"primitive" tent sites. After Hanna checked her computer, my dates were all cleared...great, then let me pay the $70... but no... she had to check with management first. I thought that was strange since that never happened to me before when getting any campsites elsewhere. I was told I'd be called later that day but nobody called me. I went back the next day only to be told all sites for the summer were rented out. Clearly that was not true based on her computer check the day before. BOTTOMLINE: if you are not a baseball family spending $1000's here, don't expect to even get the time of day. Therefore, they do not deserve anyone's business.
GuideWe've stayed here half a dozen times, usually for an evening along our camping trips. We did stay an extra day once to do some of the activities available.
It's a bit of a haul to get to the campground and the first time we were sure that we had missed a turn as we left Herkimer and headed up smaller and more winding roads to the campground. The turn off to the campground comes up fast and is quite sharp so be on the lookout for it.
The campground has many sites including back in and pull through. Not the largest of sites, but lots of green space to give the campground a park like feel. Some camp sites are right along the West Canada Creek. You can swim/wade in it, in addition to riding rafts along it.
There is a working "diamond" mine at the campground where you can try your hand at mining, or just buy some of the crystals that someone else did the work to get. There is a nice restaurant open most days (we have always managed to miss the days that it's open) in addition to stands near the mine that sell hot dogs and burgers.
There is a nice, large pool. In the park like area around it they have stands that sell mixed drinks, and others that sell ice cream and other deserts. The camp store is medium-large and has supplies, food, souvenirs (including Herkimer Diamond), etc.
The Mohawk River Valley forms the foundation for camping spots near Fort Plain, New York, where the elevation ranges from 300 to 400 feet above sea level. The river corridor creates a unique microclimate that extends the camping season from late April through mid-October. Many campgrounds experience early morning fog from the river, which typically burns off by mid-morning during summer months.
Gem mining experiences: Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground offers a unique activity where campers can search for Herkimer diamonds. "I enjoyed a site next to the stream. The grandchildren had a great time and love looking and finding Herkimer Diamonds," noted one visitor.
Tubing on local waterways: Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA provides tubing opportunities on the West Canada River. "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," explained a camper.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights in the area provide excellent astronomical viewing due to minimal light pollution. "We have also had some great star viewing here!" mentioned one camper about Glimmerglass State Park.
Monday night summer concerts: St. Johnsville Campsite and Marina hosts a summer concert series that campers can enjoy. "Great price and fun to stay during summer concert series," reports a camper who appreciated the entertainment value.
Large, well-spaced sites: Royal Mountain Campsites offers spacious accommodations. "Site was HUGE! Website stated sites were 30Amp so very happy to have found 50Amp upon arrival!" shared one camper who appreciated the extra room.
Waterfront camping options: Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail provides direct water access. "The parking lot is large, rocky, and uneven, situated right on the Mohawk River. It's a great spot for wildlife viewing and fishing," explains a visitor.
Seasonal ice cream stands: Several campgrounds feature ice cream, with Royal Mountain Campsites being particularly noted. "The 'office' is an ice cream shop off the side of the road that all the locals apparently love based on lines and what we tasted!" reported an enthusiastic camper.
Quiet weekday camping: Many Fort Plain area campgrounds are significantly less crowded on weekdays. "This was a quiet overnight stay, just as the other reviewers say, a gravel parking lot that is easy to find a level spot in," noted a camper at Fort Plain Lock 15.
Train noise considerations: Railroad tracks parallel the Mohawk River and affect many camping areas. "One night stay. Great sight. Friendly helpful staff. Only drawback is steady stream of trains going by around the clock," mentioned a visitor to St. Johnsville.
Lock operation scheduling: Glimmerglass State Park Campground provides lake access but requires some planning. "Only downside is there is not a hiking/walking path down to the lake from the campground," noted one camper about the accessibility challenges.
Limited water pressure: Some campgrounds experience fluctuating water pressure. "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," reported a camper at Cooperstown KOA.
Canal regulations: E16 Canal Lock has specific guidelines for campers. "Stays are limited to a maximum of 48 hours. Upon arrival, campers must scan the QR code at the entrance and complete a brief survey. RVs and travel trailers are not permitted," explains a visitor.
Bring tubes for creek activities: DevilDoc Campsites offers water recreation options that kids enjoy. "There are plans to expand into another cabin for the bathhouse. A RV trailer is currently being used as the bathrooms as well as a common room for hanging out," noted one camper about the developing amenities.
Check campground pool availability: Swimming facilities vary across locations. "Very quiet small campground - friendly staff - large spots/mainly bigger setups. Very nice bathrooms w shower and wash station," reported a visitor to Glimmerglass State Park.
Consider off-grid options: Some families appreciate more rustic experiences. "Rustic camping with all the amenities awaits you at Devil Doc campsites. You will find three tent sites and a small cabin with loft on the property presently," shared a visitor who enjoyed the back-to-nature experience.
Pack insect repellent: The river valley creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. "Great camp ground for kids with bikes :) nice sized sites. Can get a bit buggy so bring spray," advised a camper at Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground.
Parking restrictions in Cooperstown: Cooperstown KOA is convenient to town but requires transportation planning. "You can't park any vehicle over 20' in Cooperstown, but you can park for free (even a motorhome) in the Yellow Lot and take the Trolley into town for $2.50," advised a helpful RVer.
Check site maneuverability: Some advertised pull-through sites may have limitations. "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," explained a Cooperstown KOA visitor.
Off-season availability: Several campgrounds near Fort Plain operate with limited amenities in shoulder seasons. "Cooperstown is a little over twelve miles away from the park but well worth a trip," noted a camper who appreciated the location despite seasonal limitations.
Consider satellite reception: Tree coverage affects satellite dishes at some campgrounds. "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," advised an RVer at Cooperstown KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities do Fort Plain campgrounds offer?
Campgrounds around Fort Plain offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Butternut Hill RV Campground provides water and electrical hookups for RVs along with basic facilities in a farm setting. DevilDoc Campsites offers more rustic accommodations perfect for overnight stays. Most area campgrounds feature standard amenities like toilets and water access, while some add extras such as dump stations, showers, and camp stores. For those seeking more luxurious options, several campgrounds in the region offer cabin rentals and full RV hookups.
What is the best time of year to camp in Fort Plain?
Late spring through early fall (May-October) is ideal for camping around Fort Plain. Caroga Lake Campground is particularly beautiful during this period, with summer offering warm days perfect for swimming and water activities. Northampton Beach Campground is excellent in summer, though be aware that water levels can drop later in the season. Fall brings spectacular foliage, especially in September and early October. Most local campgrounds close by late October due to colder temperatures, with many reopening in May when conditions become more favorable.
Are there tent campgrounds near Fort Plain, NY?
Yes, several tent campgrounds are available near Fort Plain. Fort Plain Lock 15 on Empire Trail offers convenient tent camping with water and toilet facilities right in town. For a more natural experience, Powley Road in Ferris Wild Forest provides beautiful riverside tent sites with great views, though be aware there's no cell service in this area. St. Johnsville Campsite and Marina is also nearby, offering tent camping with water and toilet amenities for those who prefer a waterfront location.
Keep Exploring
