Glamping near Richfield Springs, New York allows visitors to experience the natural beauty of Otsego County without sacrificing comfort. Located in central New York approximately 1,300 feet above sea level, the area features rolling hills and pastoral landscapes. Winter camping options are limited as most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with temperatures typically ranging from 50-80°F during the camping season.
What to do
Beach activities at Delta Lake: Delta Lake State Park offers a spacious beach area with amenities for day visitors and overnight campers. "The beach is great and well kept," notes one visitor, while another mentions "a huge beach area" with "a place for showers and a bathroom and small place for food and extras things you might need for camping."
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting provides excellent night sky viewing. At Caroga Lake Campground, campers report "great star viewing" among their experiences. The campground's distance from major cities helps reduce light pollution for clearer astronomical observations.
Diamond mining excursions: For a unique activity, visit Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA where guests can hunt for Herkimer diamonds (double-terminated quartz crystals). "I found some excellent diamonds!" reports one visitor. The mine is directly across from the campground, making it convenient for guests.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region provide ample room between sites. At Delta Lake State Park Campground, "sites are very easy to get into and well maintained" with "spacious, mostly flat sides." Several campers note the generous sizing of campsites throughout the area.
River tubing: A popular activity at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA involves tubing down the West Canada River. One camper describes it as "a lazy river flow with some faster spots, truly a perfect way to spend the days in the sun." The campground makes river access easy with "easy in easy out for the tubing."
Rural tranquility: The pastoral setting of DevilDoc Campsites provides quiet camping with natural surroundings. A visitor describes their experience: "If you are looking for a quiet and private out of the way site... this is it." Another mentions the "sprawling 25-acre property" with camping spots near an artesian-fed pond.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the region. At Crazy Acres Campground, campers report that service is available but can be spotty in some areas. However, Cooperstown KOA counters this with "very good WiFi with surprising speeds (60Mbps)."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April/May through September/October. Crazy Acres Campground at Beaver Spring Lake is open "April 15 to October 31," which is typical for the region. One visitor noted it was "very quiet as they had just opened" when visiting early in the season.
Water pressure considerations: Some campgrounds experience occasional water pressure issues. One camper at Cooperstown KOA mentioned: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated activities for children. "The children's playground, pool, little grocery store, volleyball area" at Herkimer Diamond Mine KOA provide entertainment options, while Delta Lake has "a very nice playground for the children."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas. At Glimmerglass State Park Campground, "the lake is pristine and wonderful to swim in," according to one camper. Another visitor notes that "the parking lots is huge, there's easy hiking on the grounds, and it's close to Cooperstown."
Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences through historic sites and natural features. A camper at Caroga Lake mentions visiting "the country's oldest covered bridge" nearby, while others recommend the Farmers Museum and Fenimore Art Museum for family excursions.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Hookup options vary between campgrounds. At Glimmerglass State Park, sites feature "electricity and water available at or near each campsite." One camper specifically notes there are "very nice bathrooms w/shower and wash station."
Site selection considerations: For RVs with satellite needs, careful site selection is important. At Cooperstown KOA, "the park does have a fair amount of trees that would interfere with roof-mounted satellite dishes so you would have to pick your site carefully. But, there are some 30 amp and no hook-up sites that are clear."
Parking restrictions: RVers should note parking limitations in Cooperstown. "You can't park any vehicle over 20' in Cooperstown, but you can park for free (even a motorhome) in the Yellow Lot and take the Trolley into town for $2.50. Super convenient!"
