Located in the Mohawk Valley region of New York State, glamping close to Paris, New York offers a mix of natural attractions with convenient outdoor accommodations. The region sits within easy reach of both the Adirondack foothills and central New York lakes, providing a moderate climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Sites generally operate from mid-May through mid-October, with most glamping options closing before the first frost.
What to do
Diamond mining activities: Bring your own hammer and chisel to hunt for Herkimer diamonds at Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground. "Best diamonds to find!" according to camper Jennie, who also notes the campground has "electric and water only on lower sites" with a "very steep driveway."
Kayaking on glacial lakes: Explore unique water colors at Green Lakes State Park Campground. "This park is beautiful and very clean. The water is Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands," notes Kenneth S., who recommends both boat rentals and hiking the trails.
Enjoy scheduled weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer planned entertainment, especially on weekends. At Kayuta Lake Campground, "They offered a cute little wagon ride through the grounds" and "my five year old, husband, and Dad all signed up for laser tag. They had such an awesome time! That certainly is a fabulous amenity," shares Erin M.
What campers like
Spacious campsites with waterfront options: Campers appreciate the room to spread out at Delta Lake State Park Campground. "Spacious, mostly flat sides. Complete shade and a lot of sites right on the water. Peaceful park with a large beach area," reports Marlene H. Another camper adds "We had a waterfront hookup! So pretty especially in the morning with the sunrise."
Family-friendly amenities: Most glamping locations near Paris provide extras for kids. At Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA, one visitor noted "Very beautiful campground with tons of planned activities for the kids. Outdoor pool and clean shower/bathrooms. Lots of grass and shade." The campground also offers "shuffle board, disc golf, tubing, everything is organized, and nice and clean!"
Water recreation options: Swimming, tubing, and fishing rank high on campers' favorite activities. "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," writes Julia P. about West Canada Creek at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA, describing "Lazy river flow with some faster spots."
What you should know
Shower facilities vary significantly: Some campgrounds charge for showers or have limited facilities. At Ta-Ga-Soke Campgrounds, a camper noted "had to pay with quarters to shower not a problem but inconvenient." Check bathroom facilities before booking if this matters to you.
Peak season requires early booking: Especially for waterfront sites which fill quickly. "It's very nice, especially if you can get a water site," shares Amy W. about Delta Lake State Park Campground, noting they recently "added electricity to the sites and a new playground at the beach."
Weather considerations: The region experiences cool nights even in summer, with highs averaging 75-85°F in July-August and lows dipping to 55-60°F. Pack accordingly for upscale glamping near Paris, New York, as temperature swings can be significant.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and swimming options: Glimmerglass State Park Campground offers "a great beach and well kept" recreation area according to Erin G. Another camper shares "The beach also has a great playground for kids that is perfect for play and swim."
Choose campgrounds with organized activities: Scheduled events keep children engaged. "We go annually with family and friends. The sites are a great size for accommodating two tents and have many people gather at meals," notes Leah B. about Glimmerglass, adding "The beach, trail to historic house, boating, fishing, and Cooperstown nearby keep everyone in the group entertained."
Consider proximity to rainy day alternatives: Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown provides backup entertainment during inclement weather, just a short drive from most glamping locations near Paris, NY.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility varies by campground: Cooperstown KOA offers both back-in and pull-through sites with varied hookup options. "Back-in and pull-thru sites are available. Site types include full hookup, water and electric, and no hookup with prices varying depending upon site. You can choose between 30/20 or 50 amp electric service," notes Nancy W.
Satellite and internet connectivity: Tree cover can impact service. "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 an RVer at Cooperstown KOA, though they caution "the park does have a fair amount of trees that would interfere with roof-mounted satellite dishes."
Water pressure considerations: Fluctuating water pressure occurs at some campgrounds. As one camper at Cooperstown KOA noted, "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."
