Seasonal campgrounds near New Hartford operate primarily from April to October with varying opening dates. The region contains several interconnected water bodies including Oneida Lake and Delta Lake, which influence local weather patterns. Overnight temperatures can drop below 50°F even in summer, requiring campers to prepare for temperature fluctuations.
What to do
Hiking nearby: Delta Lake State Park offers several easy walking trails suitable for all skill levels around the reservoir. "There's so much to explore, and town is right down the road," notes a visitor who enjoyed the lake access sites.
Gemstone hunting: Visit Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA for unique quartz crystal hunting. "The mines are so much fun. The whole park is well maintained. Lots of room to walk our dogs. We will visit again," shares a camper who spent three nights there.
Water recreation: Tubing is popular at campgrounds with river access. "Tubing was the big hit with the kids. Sites were large. Very clean," mentions a family who visited Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA as part of their gemstone trip.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can fish for bass, perch, and pike in the area's lakes. Delta Lake State Park is stocked with game fish in its reservoir. A camper describes it as "a flooded area forming a reservoir stocked with game fish as bass, perch, and pike."
What campers like
Riverfront activities: HTR Adirondacks (formerly Singing Waters) features a creek with small rapids perfect for inner tubing. "The boys were having so much fun swimming and riding their inner tubes down the creek with little rapids. They spent almost every waking moment in the water," reports a parent who visited with teenage boys.
Beach access: Many campers appreciate waterfront sites with direct access to swimming areas. "Nice spots in loop C. Loop A is quite open," notes a visitor to Delta Lake State Park who found the park great for families.
Organized events: Some campgrounds coordinate special activities during summer months. "This campground is great, sites are spaced out very nicely, lots of things to do for everyone, a pool for the kids, shuffle board, disc golf, tubing, everything is organized," a camper shares about their experience at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. "The bathhouse is very clean," notes a visitor to Delta Lake State Park Campground, where they also appreciated the easy walk to facilities from their camping loop.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most rv camping near New Hartford operates only during warm months. Treasure Isle RV Park in Blossvale is open "from April 28 to October 15" according to their listing information.
Weather considerations: Rain can create muddy conditions at some campgrounds. Butternut Hill RV Campground has approximately 30 sites with hookups, but campers should be prepared for potential mud after rainfall.
Site variations: Campgrounds offer different levels of privacy and shade. "Delta Lake is a nice option for those looking to stay close to home and within proximity to civilization. You can enjoy the great outdoors, while only being a few miles away from a restaurant or grocery store," explains a visitor who found Loop A to be somewhat crowded.
Power limitations: Some parks have electrical restrictions. A camper at HTR Adirondacks reported: "We contacted the office and a staff member came and advised us that they do not have enough power for all of the campsites they have and we should not have our hot water on electric."
Tips for camping with families
Look for water activities: Spruce Creek Campground offers creek access popular with children. "We have 2 young boys, there is a small playground available, the creek which both boys swam/waded in and our older son went fishing," notes a first-time RV owner who received setup help from the owner.
Consider campground layout: Some loops are quieter than others for families seeking rest. "It got a bit noisy. Not that restful, secluded experience I typically go for, but I should have planned further in advance," shares a camper who stayed in Loop A at Delta Lake State Park.
Check playground facilities: Many parks offer play equipment for children. "There is a nice playground for the children and ample bathroom facilities including showers," mentions a camper who appreciated the family-friendly amenities at Delta Lake State Park.
Plan for rainy days: Weather can change quickly in the region. "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," suggests a camper at Spruce Creek Campground, noting indoor and outdoor options for entertainment.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Butternut Hill RV Campground offers sites with varying amenities. "The campground is adjacent to the festival fields, lining a forest edge with expansive views of the surrounding valley. During special events, vendors and exhibitors have a convenient and inexpensive place to stay," notes a visitor who found the location ideal for attending local events.
Check power requirements: Power capacity varies between parks. "The sites were level and great size with nice spacing in between," shares a visitor who traveled in a large motorhome at The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.
Road conditions: Interior campground roads may present challenges. "The roads and turns are not wide enough for a 45' rig even with the tow disconnected to make turns," cautions a big rig owner about site access at HTR Adirondacks.
Book early for waterfront sites: Premium locations fill quickly, especially in summer. "Waterfront hookup! So pretty especially in the morning with the sunrise," shares a camper at Delta Lake State Park who appreciated the expansive lake views from their site.
