Herkimer Diamond KOA Resort

Gina Flihan

2024-04

This place is amazing on all levels! Very clean, great food, great family fun! Smash burgers at the canteen, beautiful barn for venues, amazing dinners at the Minors' Table which will be open for brunch on Mother's Day... also a beer garden near the pool and creek as well as an ice cream shop. There is no need to leave once you arrive. Golf cart rentals and carts are available as well.Rooms: Lots of cabins for rent as well as tent and rv sitesNearby activities: Mine for diamonds which are 200 million older then dinosaurs... and dinosaur fossils as wellFood & drinks: Canteen, Minors's Table, store. Book private parties at the barn featuring food items made by the chefs from Portafino in Utica.Noteworthy details: These diamonds are beautiful and everywhere! The accommodations are abundant, u can even rent a tree house! Great family fun!

Brie Ritchey

2024-04

We camped here last weekend for their season opening. The staff was so very nice at both the Campgrounds and the Mines. Everyone we met was just absolutely just the most friendly and welcoming that we had an amazing time and immediately rebooked to come back when it's a tiny bit warmer. Despite having a rainy and cold weekend, the view of the creek was lovely and my kids had a ton of fun at the mines and my little guy loved the playground.

steve clark

2024-04

This a first time for all of us and was different. I had fun even though the rain had to remind us that we're powerless when nature brings the rain. Several diamonds were found including several decent sized ones. Prices in the shop were a bit steep for my budget but the little experience I've had with Crystals kinda shows what we all know...quality is not cheap. I do wish I had brought a few larger rocks back as I now have the means to cut into them. I did grab a few that should look nice after a session in the rock tumbler.Rooms: We didn't stay here, it was just a day trip

Lavoisier D'Sa

2024-05

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Michael Stone

2023-09

This is a wonderful place. We had a great location near the water. We had a blast tubing down the river with our 11 & 13 year old.The team that takes care of the grounds take great pride in their work. I had the opportunity to speak to a couple gentleman that were no only engaging but helpful answering questions about the facility and area.We also visited the mines. One of the best parts was talking to Alex the manager. He took the time to engage with our children and educate us on the diamonds we found.Overall great experience and we will be back!

Spencer Reudelhuber

2024-04

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Kimberly “Kimbocha” Pakawaka

2023-11

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Maggie Mortensen

2023-11

We stayed one night on our way north. This is a great campground with level spacious sites. Back in sites are on the river and are very nice. Pull-thru sites are shady. There are a variety of cabins available( 2 with telescopes on outside deck for star gazing.There's lots for families to do. Campground closes in early Nov. We were there mid Oct and wasn't crowded. They have a great staff especially the manager and the man from Tucson who watches over the campground.Nearby activities: Across the road from the campground is where you can mine for Herkimer diamonds!!

Kimberly Wimmer

2023-06

We stayed at the Herkimer KOA as a couple with no kids over the Memorial Day weekend. This was opening weekend and it was packed- every spot, every cabin was occupied. One would think this would have been a downfall for a single couple looking for quiet glamping fun, but it wasn't. Every minute of our stay was great. We fished, floated the river, mined for diamonds, and relaxed. The campground was spotless, the bathrooms were clean, the amenities were stocked, the staff was friendly and helpful and the campers were respectful. 10/10 would recommend.

A baldwin

2024-04

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Rose Rocker

2023-08

This Herkimer NY KOA is at the very highest level of perfect that anyone can give. We spent 19 nights June 2023, had a beautiful pull through, full hook up spot. It was wonderful, listening to children, riding their bikes , campers came in and out. By 10 pm is was quiet . Felt very safe , Everybody was so pleasant, the laundry room was spotless, the bathrooms were spotless. It was just beautiful! Thank you for a fantastic experience for our vacation .,See you in 2024!

Richard Acosta

2023-11

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Dave Kerr

2023-11

We stayed for 3 nights the week of Oct 9th and stayed in the cabin with the telescope. The telescope was broken.We had a queen bed that we slept on. It was fairly comfortable. The pull out couch was terrible. We didn't pull it out but if you sat on it you practically went to the floor. It needs to be replaced. I had to sit on 2 pillows.The internet was poor and you had to jump through hoops to get the tv working (too long to describe).Nice sized kitchen but you have to rewash any silverware or the pots and pans: they were very dirty.The bathroom was tiny. I hit my head on the towel bar when getting up from the toilet. Yes, I'm tall. If you are a big person, you may have trouble using the toilet because the space is very small.There is a set of bunk beds that looked ok. There was a thin mattress on the bed, maybe 4 inches thick. Kids would probably okay on it.The convenience to the mines is great.

Peter Swick

2023-09

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David A. Wendt Jr.

2023-07

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Robin K.

2023-08

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Andrew Martin

2023-08

Been here 3 times and it never disappoints. My only gripe is with the new "glamping pocket" air conditioners. They sound like a jet taking off. It's hard to fall asleep and harder to stay asleep with them running. These pockets should also have a tv and microwave like the cheapest cabins do. Otherwise this was a great trip. Oh, tubing the river is a blast!

R. A.

2023-10

We stayed here twice, once last year in a "solar powered cabin," and once this year in the "Diamond Lodge."Cons:The solar powered cabin:- only a few outlets worked- AC didnt work which made the nights unbearableThe Diamond Lodge- for the amount of money it costs per night, we expected a lot more.- AC didnt work- upstairs guest bathroom sink was clogged with what looked like vomit.- there were no garbage bins so you had to hike your garbage all the way to the main building.- the propane in the grill was empty- the deck partly collapsed which was a huge concern because of the children that were on the deck when in partly collapsed.- if you plan on tubing you have to bring your own tubes or purchase them there.- tubing is fun but its a very long hike to go from the creek exit to the creek entrance. There is no shuttle type service.- the sheets weren't changed and were dirty when we checked inPros:- the maintenance staff were very kind and always responsive.- campground is across from the diamond mine so it makes access to the mine very easy.-makes good use of the west canada creek, for which you can swim in and tube in.- very clean grounds- newly organized courtyard with games and seating with a very cool ice cream truck on site.- bike rentals for the kids.- kids love the pool but it could use some updating.There isn't much in the Herkimer area and being a native of the valley I really want to see this place do well. It has a lot of bright spots but would benefit from more attention to detail.

Cheryl Fulmer

2023-06

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Ben Richmond

2023-08

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Skye Sweetheart

2023-08

The Herkimer diamond KOA experience was one I will never forget. We rented an RV spot (just water and electric hookup) and the location was great. Was super close to the start of the river area where we enjoyed tubing down the river as well as looking for any river rocks. Campground was very well kept and the staff was AMAZING the whole stay. Gave great advice on diamond mining as well.Across the street is the mining village and it was my and my family’s first time there. The mining village was also amazing. Prices were fair in my opinion, especially since “tourist traps” usually rob people financially. I was utterly shocked at the amount of finds when we went out mining. We did a total of probably 6 hours between 2 days and I will attach photos of finds. LOOK AFTER IT RAINS FOR SPARKLES IN THE GROUND!!After finding some great pieces, we visited Dan at the artisan area and turned them into jewelry. Again, impressive low prices. I thought I would pay over $100 a piece to turn them into jewelry when in reality $100 got me 4 pieces. (3 necklaces and a ring). Dan was super nice too.We ate at the cafe and between the burger and chicken tenders, we all agreed the food was amazing. Shout out to the employee Rich who was all over making sure everyone was taken care of.If you are looking into staying at the KOA I PROMISE it’s worth it. A memory I will never forget.

Shannon Boseski

2023-09

My family and I were so excited to stay here, unfortunately it was a very disappointing vacation. Please whatever you do, don't go tubing down the river. It's so dangerous, and it's not even part of their campground. They have nothing labeled to tell you where to get out and if you miss that chance you'll be sorry.We rented a golf cart because our other family was staying in the miners cabins but what they don't tell you is that you can't bring them across the street, so we had to drive over, kinda makes having the golf cart pointless, and we still had to pay upon check in for them even though we couldn't use them.The parking situation for cabins/campsites are horrible! If you get a tent site be prepared to have to walk your stuff in as you csnt drive your car to the site. Don't bring more then one car either with whatever rv/cabin/tent site, there will not be room.We paid the extra money for a small cabin without a bathroom, mainly for the wifi and TV for the kids. We can't use the TV because it won't connect to the internet, basically we have no internet/wifi at the cabin so why did we splurge to get one with it?? It said in the description it came with a Gass grill, so we didn't pack ours. Well, no grill so we had no way of cooking our food we brought so we had to buy the food there.Wayyyyy overpriced for food!!!!!! $16 for a small cheeseburger with no frys?!?!?!Will not be staying here againWe love going to different KOA's, this one is permanently crossed off our list.

Jane Z

2023-08

Our first KOA resort camping experience & we found it a bit odd. For a pricey campsite ($65) you would expect at least an outlet. A very strange car camping experience with your car not right beside you. It’s parked about 300-500feet away from your site in two different locations. It took us a good 15 mins just to figure out our spot versus the parking. The campsites are also really narrow. They really jam pack you onto a spot where you’re so close to your neighbors. Not sure why they wouldn’t spread us out a bit to the campgrounds that weren’t occupied. The closest bathroom had two stalls and a small narrow shower.There’s a beautiful communal garden area with two cute airstreams that serve food & dessert, a cafe & bar. The seating area is really nice with gas fire pits. There is a good amount of activity around the premise. During the weekend this place is FULL! Their small pool area is filled. On the weekdays they have camp programs for the kids which you would pay separately. The creek “lazy river” is pretty shallow so be careful you don’t graze up again the rocks on the mini rapids while floating down stream. Not recommended for the little ones.Herkimer Diamond Mining:The mine across the street is not included. That’s a separate entrance fee.$15adult/$14children all day admission (keep what you find.) Hammers are provided with admission-$1/person if staying at Herkimer HOA resort or military discountGet ready to get a little dirty. A great way to show kids the hard work that goes into mining. It’s not as easy as the games makes it. The kids had fun hammering. We were lucky to find a tiny “diamond” on the cliff and some selenite. We called it quits after 1.5 hours under the harsh sun. Not much shaded areas out there. We found most of the shiny stuff near the cliffs which they ask you not to climb. At the end we purchased a $15 diamond sluicing bags to give the kids a quick fix of instant gratification. They had fun panning and sifting through the sand and pebbles for the clear quartz stones. The panning area was nicely shaded. We cooled off with lemonade which was on the soar side. It could have used some simple syrup. But refreshing after a hot afternoon. The chicken tenders and fries was a nice simple meal to hold us off before we made our way to Bagg’s Square Brewery in Utica.Some helpful tips for mining:SunscreenSneakers or closed toe shoesSocksHat for shadebucket/tote (to hold tools they provide ziplock bags for findings)Goggles or glassesglovesChiselLong pants or knee padsHunker chief or sweat bandEarplugsWaterSnacks/Granola bars

Seven Torus

2023-09

Any review that raves about this place is fake, beware. The employees are on here giving 5 stars and I saw one of the owners. The only real reviews are the ones that tell you all the bad things about this place. It's too expensive even if you have money to burn, it's incredibly inconvenient, the rooms, the camping and the mining/activities. Save your money and time and find a nice place at the Adirondack mountains where you can find gems naturally on the mountain. This place was a real let down and a very expensive lesson. Remember the positive reviews aren't real.Noteworthy details: Nothing noteworthy. Save your money.

Mari Fernandez

2023-09

We are in our travel trailer, traveling across country to Acadia National Park. After reading reviews and research we choose this gem! We have been camping for many years, and very picky about where we stay even for one night. Herkimer’s Diamond RV Park is one of the FEW excellent KOA’s we have stopped at. These folks care to have a well-maintained campground. Gardens are well tended, pool spotless, the common area with its large patios, seating areas with gas fire pits are inviting! Our site backs into the West Canada Creek, which because recent rains is more like a river. Quiet, beautiful, surrounded by nature’s beauty!

Clorinda Roache

2023-09

This is a gorgeous KOA campground. Unfortunately, we arrived on the day after Labor Day, and all of the advertised features (wood fire pizza, ice cream, shopping, mining, etc) were closed down and the staff seemed burned out. Bathrooms weren’t cleaned and communication with the office was poor compared to the many other KOAs we’ve visited.

Peter Calabrese

2023-10

Not only is the site beautiful with clean amenities but the customer service is incredible. People were nice and polite and on multiple occasions went above and beyond to make sure we had a memorable trip. 5/5, would recommend.

Wendy Ryan Rockwell

2023-06

We understand that the pool not being open because first weekend in May but the lawns were not mowed, pavilion still packed with stuff from winter, basketball court was gone, wifi not very good, if you wanted to order food from there restaurant (pizza) you couldn't call your order in, had to go over and place order in person. I guess paying over $100 a night at a resort you would expect some decent amenities. Maybe charge less if not ready for campers?

Kekky Smith

2023-08

Good amenities but overpriced for a basic tent campsite. $63 minimum with no shading, no electric/water, and poor internet connection. Grass wasn’t cut and smelled like dog poop. Bathrooms were disgusting and it was clear there wasn’t enough staff to adequately clean them. Witnessed an employee almost hit a camper on sidewalk in her cart, and same employee took my clothes out of dryer (they weren’t even finished and still damp) to apparently dry items for cabins. Staff response to this was “we are understaffed.” Only positive experience was garden area with drinks (food absurdly overpriced) and nice river and mining nearby. Not worth the cost though.

Mindy Schroeder

2023-06

The staff is always super friendly and helpful hear after year. We love getting a tent spot right next to the West Canadian River. Every year they have been adding new things and updating the campground and mine accross the street. Great place to stay with the family.