The Adirondack foothills near Fultonville sit at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,400 feet, creating varied camping terrain across Fulton County. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with significant snowfall accumulation, while summer days typically reach the mid-70s with cool evenings in the 50s. Many campgrounds in this region maintain forested settings with minimal light pollution for stargazing.
What to do
Hiking the nearby trails: At DevilDoc Campsites, visitors can access hiking paths directly from the campground. "Hiking is also available directly from the campgrounds and connects to nearby trails, leading wherever your heart desires, from treks to the lakes nearby to one that even goes all through the Adirondacks," notes camper Ellis L.
Mining for Herkimer diamonds: Just a short drive from Fultonville, the Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA offers a unique geological experience. One visitor shared, "We spent three 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." Miners can keep all crystals they find for an admission fee.
Tubing on West Canada Creek: The Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA provides easy river access. "Truly a perfect way to spend the days in the sun, hawks flying overhead and refreshingly cool and shallow water. Star gazing, falling asleep to the sound of the creek, lots of fun spaces for kids, inexpensive," explains Julia P. Tube rentals are available at the camp store.
What campers like
Private waterfront camping: Many campers appreciate the pond-side sites at DevilDoc Campsites. "The campsites themselves are huge - this isn't a state park site where you're smushed on top of your neighbor. There are all types of campsites available for various camping styles; not all are adjacent to the pond," writes Ellis L. The pond allows for fishing and wildlife observation.
Clean facilities: The Cooperstown KOA earns consistent praise for maintenance. "The bathrooms were very nice and so were the showers, which were separate from the bathrooms. The pool, along the dog park, bounce house and swing set were well taken care of," reports Rachel Y. The campground maintains modern amenities despite its rural location.
Quiet, wooded settings: Max V. Shaul State Park Campground offers a more secluded experience with only 30 sites total. "This campground is a secret gem. They have new bathrooms/showers and family bathrooms. There's a playground, a pavilion, they do fireside jams," says Margaret L. The park maintains good spacing between sites for privacy.
What you should know
Limited water access: Some campsites have restrictions on water usage. At DevilDoc, one camper noted, "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." Always check water availability when booking.
Weather considerations: The elevation at Frosty Acres Campground affects camping conditions. "Very remote. Windy as all get out. Elevation about 1409 feet. View of the sunrise over the entire valley are awesome," reports James S. Prepare for temperature fluctuations, especially at higher elevations.
Noise levels vary: Not all campgrounds offer the same peaceful experience. At Caroga Lake Campground, one visitor reported, "This campground was incredibly noisy. A number of the sites had been closed for the camping season. The beach area offered a great view, but again, so noisy." Research specific sites within each campground for quieter options.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access priorities: When glamping in Fultonville, New York with children, beach facilities matter. "Moreau Lake has superb facilities as far as state run campsites go. The beach is nice, large picnic facilities, and the campgrounds are well maintained with nice bathroom/shower buildings," writes Robert L. The beach includes a designated swimming area with lifeguards during summer.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families. "Awesome camping resort. Seasonal rates are excellent. Two ponds to fish in, one you can swim in, kid friendly small pool, horseshoes and huge field to hit golf balls in with 3 holes. Pet friendly. Kid friendly," explains James S. about Frosty Acres Campground.
Activity scheduling: For luxury glamping near Fultonville with planned entertainment, timing matters. At Frosty Acres, a visitor noted, "Themed weekends and an annual car show. We are returning for our 4th season and cannot wait until May 2020!" Check event calendars when booking to align with special activities.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility challenges: At Cooperstown KOA, RVers should carefully select their spots. "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," warns Nancy W. Request specific site dimensions when booking.
Connectivity options: Despite rural locations, some campgrounds maintain good internet access. "The free wifi worked well as did our Verizon 4G phone and hotspot. We picked up a dozen or so television channels with our antenna," reports Nancy W. about Cooperstown KOA, noting satellite reception may be blocked at some sites due to trees.
Off-season considerations: Winter glamping near Fultonville offers unique experiences. "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," explains James S. at Frosty Acres Campground.
