Herkimer and surrounding areas in upstate New York range in elevation from 400 to 1,800 feet, creating diverse camping environments with seasonal temperature variations. The area receives about 44 inches of precipitation annually, supporting lush forests that provide natural shade at many campsites. Most glamping properties near Poland, New York remain open from May through October, with limited winter accommodations available.
What to do
Diamond mining excursions: Visitors at Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground can search for Herkimer diamonds (double-terminated quartz crystals). "Very busy during the day. But great diamonds to find!" notes one visitor who found the mining experience worthwhile despite the crowds.
Swimming in glacier-formed lakes: Green Lakes State Park Campground offers swimming in unique meromictic lakes that maintain a distinctive blue-green color. A camper describes the water as "Crystal clear and very blue, you will think you are in the Caribbean Islands."
Hiking Echo Cliffs Trail: Access this trail directly from Little Sandpoint Campground for panoramic views overlooking Piseco Lake. "Hike to Echo Cliffs right from the campground," one camper notes, making it convenient for morning or sunset viewing without driving.
Kayaking and canoeing: Many campgrounds rent watercraft for reasonable rates. As one camper at Little Sandpoint mentions, staff "let me try a canoe before renting to see if my dog would be ok" and "they rent out kayaks for $20 for 24 hours which in my opinion is a total steal."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Delta Lake State Park Campground features prime lakeside campsites. "We had a waterfront hookup! So pretty especially in the morning with the sunrise," shares one camper who appreciated the expansive water views and easy lake access.
Quiet surroundings: Campers at DevilDoc Campsites frequently mention the peaceful environment. "If your looking for a campsite that's private and clean this should be your top pick," notes a visitor who enjoyed the secluded setting while still having access to nearby attractions.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and showers receive positive mentions at multiple locations. At Caroga Lake Campground, a visitor noted "The bathrooms and showers were typical of other campgrounds and not overly large however they were cleaned regularly and the water was hot which was great for the end of a long day."
Themed accommodations: Luxurious glamping close to Poland, New York includes unique themed lodging options. One camper at Cooperstown KOA mentioned the "mix of sites varying from tent, RV, rental trailers, and camping cabins/cottages/lodges" providing options for different comfort preferences.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October. One camper noted at Kayuta Lake Campground that "There is a whole back section of the campground that was unused when we were there" during mid-week visits, suggesting quieter camping experiences outside peak season.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. At Delta Lake State Park, one camper noted "Hard to get a water site but overall nice place," indicating the need to book well in advance for premium spots.
Weather considerations: The region experiences variable conditions, even in summer. Storms can develop quickly, so having rain gear is essential. Lightning strikes are possible during summer thunderstorms.
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. Cooperstown KOA receives positive reviews for connectivity, with one camper noting "The WiFi is very good—modern and surprising speeds (60Mbps) and cell phone for AT&T was decent."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Children enjoy the beaches and swimming areas available at several parks. At Green Lakes State Park, visitors appreciate that "The beach area is wide and shallow in most areas, in close proximity to the store and snack shop."
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Caroga Lake, campers noted the convenience of family-friendly facilities despite being a simpler campground that "has everything I needed."
Educational activities: Mining for Herkimer diamonds provides both fun and learning opportunities. One family at Ace of Diamonds mentioned their trip was "part of our gemstone trip which included sluicing, diamond mining, visiting the gemstone museum."
Kid-friendly trails: Choose hiking paths appropriate for children's abilities. Echo Cliffs at Little Sandpoint offers rewarding views with a manageable distance for older kids, described as a "short but steep trail" that's accessible directly from the campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At DevilDoc Campsites, a camper with a 27-foot toy hauler noted: "Sites were roomy and many are seasonal. As we were there during the week, it was incredibly quiet with few people."
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer electric sites, but full hookups are limited. Delta Lake State Park recently added "electricity to all the sites," making it more RV-friendly.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. At Cooperstown KOA, an RVer warned: "Our site (#41) was a pull-thru but there was no way we could drive our 45' motorhome forward out of the site because of a large tree and narrow roads. So we ended up having to back out."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds provide sanitary dump facilities on-site. One RVer at DevilDoc noted they "were limited on water so could not dump tanks during our stay, had to travel to another place."
