Jordanville camping options range from rustic to full-service across rolling countryside at elevations between 1,200-1,400 feet. With moderate seasonal temperatures averaging 75°F in summer and below freezing in winter, the region's central New York location puts campers within easy reach of attractions like Cooperstown while offering a mix of wooded and open-field camping environments.
What to do
Creek exploration: Spruce Creek Campground offers direct water access with a creek that's "more like a river" where campers can wade, kayak, or tube. As one visitor noted, "The area that we stayed did not have many trees, but there is another area that was full that is wooded. We will likely stay here again as it is close to our home."
Diamond mining: Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA provides a unique experience for rockhounds. "The diamond mines are wonderful also if you'd want to search for your own Herkimer diamonds (clear doubles terminated quartz). Star gazing, falling asleep to the sound of the creek, lots of fun spaces for kids, inexpensive, etc."
Adirondack hiking: Pine Lake Campground and RV Park gives budget-conscious campers access to Adirondack terrain. A visitor mentioned it's an "Inexpensive way to experience the Adirondacks" with "great swimming locations at many of the sites and there is a public beach with life-guards on duty a stones throw away!"
Historical exploration: Explore the Chenango Canal hiking trail near Butternut Hill RV Campground, which sits "in a convenient location in Bouckville, a small upstate NY village with a concentration of numerous antique shops, which is a draw for collectors in the area."
What campers like
Peaceful settings: The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone provides a quiet escape despite its proximity to attractions. One camper shared, "One of my favorite campgrounds in NY. Its so peaceful at night. My favorite time to come is August during the meteor showers."
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds near Jordanville offer various recreation options. At Glimmerglass State Park Campground, "The beach, trail to historic house, boating, fishing, and Cooperstown nearby keep everyone in the group entertained. We have also had some great star viewing here!"
Festival access: Butternut Hill serves as a venue for regional events. "The meadows and fields of Butternut Hill are the superb festival setting for several regional events, including several Antique shows, the Central New York Fiber Festival, a craft fair and a car show, events that are scheduled a few times a month throughout the summer."
River tubing: Several rv parks near Jordanville feature water recreation. At Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA, "There is a beautiful river where some of the sites are located next to, where you can wade into, kayak, tube down, or just sit on the bank and watch the local wild life swim by."
What you should know
Site characteristics: Butternut Hill RV Campground offers various site types. "Many of the sites are for RV's, which have electric and water hookups along with a picnic table and fire pit; rates fro these range $40-50. There are also primitive tent sites which have a grassy tent area and fire pit but no picnic table and cost $30 per night."
Weather considerations: Central New York campgrounds can experience sudden weather changes. At Butternut Hill, "it rained really hard one day of the event, and though the access roads got a little muddy, the campsites seem well drained and did not get muddy. The campsites all back to the woods on the west side, so this serves as a good windbreak too."
Noise factors: Some Jordanville area rv parks have ambient noise to consider. The Villages RV Park has "proximity to some railroad tracks, which can be somewhat active and very audible in some spots (you'll want to stay towards the south / front of the park if this kind of thing bothers you)."
Road conditions: Campground access varies widely. At Spruce Creek Campground, "Pot holes in the campground road are so bad that it caused damage to my trailer. Bathroom is a mess... All the reviews said the guy was friendly and he was to my wife, but wouldn't say 2 words to me even with a probing question."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Glimmerglass State Park Campground offers excellent swimming options. "The beach is great and well kept" and "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."
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature kid-friendly play areas. Spruce Creek Campground has "a small playground available, the creek which both boys swam/waded in and our older son went fishing." Another visitor mentioned its "pirate ship and castle playground."
Educational opportunities: Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA combines fun with learning. One visitor described it as "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."
Space considerations: Check for site sizes that accommodate family gatherings. At Glimmerglass, "The sites are a great size for accommodating two tents and have many people gather at meals. The bathrooms and showers are well kept."
Tips from RVers
Hookup details: Spruce Creek Campground offers assistance with setup. "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."
Site spacing: RV parks near Jordanville vary in site density. At The Villages RV Park, "Spacious FHU sites. Pull thru and back ins" are available, and another camper noted, "The park is nicely terraced and all the sites are level."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. At Cooperstown Shadow Brook Campground, visitors experienced "Typical tight roads and sites," and one visitor noted, "we booked 30/Water….but arrived to find only 50 available and barely any water. Both issues resolved within hours to their credit."
Pet amenities: RV campers with pets will find accommodations at most Jordanville area parks. The Villages RV Park staff are noted for being "very attentive and useful, and they operate a great store with lots of options" while even providing "a small treat for our Schnauzer."
