KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
KOA Resorts offer a carefree vacation in the great outdoors. Enjoy robust recreation and staff-led activities, kick back and relax by the resort-style pool, or grab a bite to eat, all while never leaving the campground. And with plenty of RV Sites with KOA Patios® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths to meet your needs, it’s the ultimate camping getaway.
I-90 Exit 30: Follow Rt 28 signs north. Go 7 miles north from Herkimer. KOA is on the right, just past the Herkimer Diamond Mines on left.
GPS: N43.127047, W74.975852
Every Herkimer Diamond has a story that began more than 500 million years ago.
Long before dinosaurs walked the Earth and long before New York existed as we know it today, these remarkable crystals were forming beneath a shallow inland sea. Today, they are among the most famous minerals in the world and one of the most unique attractions in Upstate New York.
From ancient geology to modern-day Herkimer Diamond mining, here's the fascinating history behind New York's most famous crystal.
The story of Herkimer Diamonds begins during the Cambrian Period, approximately 500 million years ago.
At that time, much of what is now New York State was covered by a warm, shallow sea. Over millions of years, silica-rich fluids seeped into cavities within a carbonate rock known as dolostone.
As these fluids slowly crystallized, they formed exceptionally clear quartz crystals.
Unlike most quartz crystals, Herkimer Diamonds developed with natural points on both ends. This rare characteristic, known as double termination, is one of the features that makes them so unique.
Over time, layers of sediment buried the crystals deep underground, preserving them for hundreds of millions of years.
Long before European settlers arrived, the Mohawk people were familiar with these remarkable crystals.
Natural erosion often exposed Herkimer Diamonds in stream beds, fields, and other locations throughout the Mohawk Valley region.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the Mohawk used the crystals for decoration, trade, tools, and ceremonial purposes.
These crystals held significance far beyond their appearance and were valued as important resources connected to the land and local culture.
As European settlers moved into the Mohawk Valley during the late 1700s, they began finding the clear quartz crystals in fields and waterways throughout the region.
The crystals immediately attracted attention because of their brilliance and natural faceting.
Although they are not true diamonds, their appearance strongly resembled cut gemstones. As a result, the nickname "Herkimer Diamond" quickly gained popularity.
The crystals were named after Herkimer County, New York, which was itself named in honor of General Nicholas Herkimer, a Revolutionary War hero.
As news of the crystals spread, collectors, scientists, and travelers began visiting the region to search for them.
What started as casual collecting gradually evolved into organized mining operations.
Miners learned that the best Herkimer Diamonds were often hidden inside the region's ancient dolostone formations.
By breaking open the rock, they could uncover crystal pockets containing specimens that had remained untouched for hundreds of millions of years.
Over time, Herkimer Diamond mining became both a local industry and a popular recreational activity.
Today, Herkimer Diamond Mines in Herkimer, New York attracts visitors from across the United States who want to experience the excitement of finding their own crystals.
Families, rockhounds, geology enthusiasts, and first-time visitors all come to experience one of the most unique gem-hunting adventures in the country.
Several qualities have helped make Herkimer Diamonds internationally known.
Many Herkimer Diamonds are remarkably transparent and water-clear, giving them an appearance similar to traditional gemstones.
Unlike most gemstones, Herkimer Diamonds emerge from the rock already displaying their natural faceted shape.
Their naturally formed points on both ends make them highly desirable among collectors and crystal enthusiasts.
Some crystals contain fluid inclusions, air bubbles, anthraxolite, and other rare features that provide a glimpse into ancient geological history.
The importance of Herkimer Diamonds was officially recognized in 2012.
That year, New York designated the Herkimer Diamond as the official New York State Mineral.
The designation celebrated both the geological significance of the crystals and their long-standing connection to the region's history and culture.
Today, Herkimer Diamonds remain one of the most recognizable natural treasures associated with New York State.
One of the most fascinating things about Herkimer Diamonds is that their story is still being written.
Every day, visitors to Herkimer County pick up a hammer, split open ancient dolostone, and discover crystals that have remained hidden for hundreds of millions of years.
For many people, finding their first Herkimer Diamond creates a direct connection to a geological story that began long before human history.
It's a rare opportunity to hold something in your hand that has remained unchanged since before complex life existed on Earth.
The best way to experience the history of Herkimer Diamonds is to search for them yourself.
At Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort, guests can enjoy direct access to one of the most famous crystal mining destinations in the world.
Accommodation options include:
RV sites
Tent camping
Camping cabins
Deluxe cabins
Luxury lodges
Guests can also enjoy:
Swimming pool
Creek tubing on West Canada Creek
Family activities
Shopping and dining
Convenient access to the mining area
Whether you're interested in geology, crystal collecting, family adventures, or learning more about New York history, a visit to Herkimer Diamond Mines offers an unforgettable experience.
The history of Herkimer Diamonds spans more than 500 million years, but your story can begin today.
Come discover why these remarkable crystals have fascinated Indigenous peoples, settlers, collectors, and adventurers for generations.
Reserve your stay at Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort and experience one of New York's most unique treasures for yourself.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
