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
Looking for a family vacation in New York that's more exciting than another day at the beach or a crowded amusement park?
Herkimer Diamond mining offers families a unique hands-on adventure where kids and adults can work together, explore the outdoors, and discover real crystals that formed more than 500 million years ago.
Unlike many attractions where children simply watch, Herkimer Diamond mining puts everyone in the action. Best of all, every crystal you find is yours to keep.
If you're searching for one of the most unique family activities in New York, this experience belongs at the top of your list.
Many gem mining attractions involve purchasing a bag of pre-seeded gravel and washing it through a sluice.
Herkimer Diamond mining is different.
At Herkimer Diamond Mines, families search a real quarry, break open ancient dolostone rock, and uncover genuine Herkimer Diamonds hidden underground for hundreds of millions of years.
It's an authentic experience that combines adventure, learning, and discovery.
You don't need a geology degree or previous mining experience.
Families of all experience levels can participate, and first-time visitors find crystals every season.
Every Herkimer Diamond you uncover is yours to take home.
Many families leave with crystals that become treasured keepsakes and reminders of their trip.
Kids learn about geology, fossils, minerals, and natural history while actively participating in the experience.
The learning happens naturally because they're excited about what they're doing.
The moment a rock splits open and reveals a sparkling crystal never gets old.
Whether you're six years old or sixty, it's a genuinely exciting experience.
Younger children can search for loose crystals and participate in gem panning, while older children and adults can tackle more advanced rock-breaking techniques.
Everyone can participate at their own level.
When you arrive at Herkimer Diamond Mines in Herkimer, New York, you'll receive an all-day prospecting pass and access to one of the most famous crystal mining destinations in the country.
Families spend the day searching for Herkimer Diamonds while enjoying a variety of additional activities.
Search the quarry, split open dolostone rocks, and uncover crystals that formed more than 500 million years ago.
Perfect for younger children, gem panning offers another fun way to discover colorful stones and minerals.
Kids love searching for fossils and learning about ancient life that once existed in the region.
Turn your Herkimer Diamond finds into necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and keepsakes that can be enjoyed for years to come.
Learn about the history, geology, and formation of Herkimer Diamonds through educational exhibits and displays.
A little preparation can make your family mining adventure even better.
Safety glasses are required in the quarry and should be worn whenever rocks are being broken.
Younger children often enjoy searching for loose crystals before moving on to more advanced mining techniques.
Finding Herkimer Diamonds takes persistence.
Teaching kids that every rock could contain a crystal makes the experience even more rewarding.
Mining is active work, and families will appreciate having refreshments available throughout the day.
Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get dirty.
This is a real mining experience, not a museum exhibit.
Give children the freedom to choose rocks, search for crystals, and explore the experience at their own pace.
Some of the best family memories come from those independent discoveries.
The best way to experience Herkimer Diamond mining is to stay at Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort.
Located directly on the property, the resort allows families to spend more time exploring and less time driving.
Simply wake up, grab breakfast, and head straight to the quarry.
Whether you're traveling in an RV or looking for extra comfort, there's an option for every style of camping.
Choose from:
Tent sites
RV sites
Camping cabins
Deluxe cabins
Luxury lodges
One reason families love Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort is the variety of activities available beyond the quarry.
Cool off after a day of mining and exploring.
One of the most popular summer activities in Upstate New York.
Enjoy time on the water while taking in the natural beauty of the region.
Families can enjoy:
Playground
Basketball
Volleyball
Horseshoes
Disc golf
Seasonal activities often include:
Bingo
Tie-dye
Arts and crafts
Family games
Special events
The best family vacations aren't always the most expensive.
They're the ones where families share an experience, learn something new, and create stories they'll tell for years.
A child finding their first Herkimer Diamond inside a 500-million-year-old rock is the kind of memory that sticks.
It's the kind of story that gets shared with friends, grandparents, and classmates long after the vacation ends.
If you're looking for family-friendly activities in New York, a unique Upstate New York vacation, or an unforgettable gem mining experience, Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort offers something truly different.
Spend the day searching for crystals, exploring the outdoors, and creating memories together.
Then relax around the campfire and start planning your next visit.
Reserve your campsite, cabin, RV site, or lodge at Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort and experience one of the best family adventures in New York.
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.
