Located in the Catskill Mountains at an elevation of 2,800 feet, Pine Hill's proximity to accessible waterways makes it ideal for lakeside glamping experiences. Area campgrounds benefit from the varied terrain and moderate summer temperatures, with daytime highs rarely exceeding 80°F. Glamping sites in the region typically operate from May through October, with some extending into winter months.
What to do
Lake activities and water access: Delta Lake State Park Campground provides water-based recreation with boat launching facilities for easy lake access. According to one visitor, "Having the kayaks were great, there's so much to explore, and town is right down the road."
Mine for crystals: The Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA combines crystal hunting with camping. A visitor notes, "I found some excellent diamonds!" The campground offers "a river for tubing, and easy drive from home" making it part of a comprehensive "gemstone trip which including sluicing, diamond mining, visiting the gemstone museum."
Hiking trails: Green Lakes State Park features miles of scenic trails surrounding the distinctive blue-green lakes. One camper reported, "The hike around the lake is about 2 miles and it totally worth it!" Trails accommodate various skill levels with well-marked paths and interpretive signage.
Disc golf course: Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA maintains a disc golf course on-site for campers. A reviewer highlighted the "clean cabins, store disc golf course" as standout features, noting it was part of a "great time" during their stay.
What campers like
Private lake access: Treasure Isle RV Park earns praise for its waterfront proximity. As one camper noted, "Treasure Isle is nice and quite. The sites are a good size with water and electric on each site."
Creek-side camping: Several campers particularly enjoy waterside sites at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA. One visitor described the creek as "AMAZING. Both kid and adult friendly and it's free, just bring a tube or purchase for cheap at the camp store. Lazy river flow with some faster spots."
Clean facilities: Green Lakes State Park Campground maintains high standards for its amenities. A camper observed, "There are many sites with electric available at every site. There are some sites with full hook-up available and also specific areas that allow pets."
Family-oriented atmosphere: Kayuta Lake Campground creates a safe environment for families. A camper mentioned it was "Very family oriented" and another noted it was "good for my kids."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Water sites at Delta Lake State Park Campground are highly competitive. One reviewer warned, "Hard to get a water site but over nice place," while another mentioned that "Loop a is quite open."
Site privacy considerations: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. At Ta-Ga-Soke Campgrounds, a camper observed, "Site however was very close to other sites and not very private," despite being "very close to water and boat launch."
Shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality varies between locations. At Green Lakes State Park, a camper reported, "As clean as the bathrooms are, the showers still suck. I'll never understand why parks use the misting shower heads."
Seasonal campers impact: Some sites primarily cater to long-term campers. At Kayuta Lake Campground, a visitor noted, "When we pulled in, we felt like outsiders. Many people have seasonal sites and some of the activities are geared toward seasonal campers."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. At Delta Lake State Park Campground, "They have recently added electricity to the sites and a new playground at the beach."
Swimming safety: Bass Lake Resort creates a secure environment for children. A camper appreciated that it's "Very nice and great to see kids ridding bikes and walking around without adults. It is safe and they can be kids."
Structured activities: Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA organizes regular events. A visitor praised the "Very beautiful campground with tons of planned activities for the kids" and "Outdoor pool and clean shower/bathrooms."
Educational opportunities: Combining camping with learning experiences enhances family trips. One camper described their visit to Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA 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."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Whispering Woods Campground accommodates various RV sizes with specific site arrangements. Though limited reviews are available, it's noted for being a "very people friendly place" with convenient amenities.
Hookup availability: Green Lakes State Park offers comprehensive RV services. A camper highlighted, "There are many sites with electric available at every site. There are some sites with full hook-up available."
Leveling requirements: Terrain varies between campgrounds, affecting setup difficulty. At Kayuta Lake Campground, a reviewer mentioned the sites "for the most part are fairly level."
Maneuverability: Some campgrounds present navigation challenges. At Kayuta Lake Campground, "The roadways can get a little tight between the trees, and can make for some interesting backing in" and "the roadways are mostly one-way, which can make getting creative with your trailer landing position tough."
