The Herkimer area features diverse camping options across the central New York region. Located in the Mohawk Valley, the area sits between the Adirondack Mountains to the north and rolling hills to the south, creating varied terrain for campers at elevations ranging from 400-800 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during camping season with occasional thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Tubing adventures: West Canada Creek Campground offers tubing experiences with shuttle service for a complete river experience. "There is the camp store, ice cream/pizza shack, shuttle to tubing. The tubing shuttle seems steep at $15 per person," notes one camper about the popular activity.
Gemstone hunting: A unique activity near Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA involves searching for Herkimer diamonds. "Across the road from a do it yourself quartz mine. Plenty of things to do including tubing the west Canada river. Easy in easy out for the tubing," shares a visitor who enjoyed combining mining with water activities.
Fishing opportunities: The creeks and waterways around Herkimer provide good fishing spots. "The West Canada Creek wraps around the entire property and provides such a tranquil backdrop. The sites are surrounded by lush oaks and pines," explains a camper who spent 10 weeks at West Canada Creek Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "The campground is beautiful and easy to get into and out of. The sites were level and great size with nice spacing in between. The location was nice too," writes a family that stayed at The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas. "Heated pool, great store, large sites, surrounded by trees, events, soft serve ice cream, tube rentals to float on the creek (river)," states a camper describing why they enjoy West Canada Creek Campground.
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings create peaceful camping environments. "One of my favorite campgrounds in NY. Its so peaceful at night. My favorite time to come is August during the meteor showers," shares a visitor to The Villages RV Park.
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. "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 camper about Spruce Creek Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from spring through fall. "Turning Stone is well maintained with nice sites. Memorial day weekend the weather is beautiful spring weather. Been coming here for 25+ years," notes a regular visitor to Butternut Hill RV Campground.
Staff support levels: Campground management varies widely. "This place is operated by one older man. When I asked if he was a one man show, he shared that his wife used to help but isn't well. Given that information, this place is incredible," explains a visitor impressed by West Canada Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "For activities, there are some great hikes around the campground, as well as excellent playgrounds, fishing, an awesome pool, and of course, free shuttle rides to the Turning Stone Casino right up the street," shares a camper from The Villages RV Park.
Special events: Check calendars for themed weekends. "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," mentions a long-term camper at West Canada Creek Campground.
Beach activities: Some campgrounds offer water access with swimming areas. "The lake is pristine and wonderful to swim in. Nice beach. Also a place for showers and a bathroom and small place for food and extras things you might need for camping," notes a visitor to Glimmerglass State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV sites vary in size and proximity. "Very well thought out. All sites are full hookups (i think) and paved. Definitely geared towards the RV or trailer crowd," notes a camper at The Villages RV Park.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds present access difficulties. "The roads and lot signs are scarce and other than handing us a very inaccurate map of the property, we were on our own," warns a reviewer about HTR Adirondacks.
Power reliability: Electrical service can be inconsistent at some locations. "Power sucks. 30amp only but not truly providing that. We kept blowing the breaker and noted our lights flickering," cautions an RVer who experienced electrical issues at HTR Adirondacks.
Water quality concerns: Water systems vary between campgrounds. "Water pressure good but water reaks of chlorine. DO NOT drink the water. Made the mistake of using it for morning coffee. So much chlorine its like pool water," advises an RV camper who stayed near Herkimer.
