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
If you've ever heard someone mention Herkimer Diamonds and wondered whether they're actually diamonds, you're not alone.
Despite the name, Herkimer Diamonds are not true diamonds. They're something entirely unique and, many would argue, even more fascinating.
Known for their incredible clarity, natural faceting, and rare double-terminated shape, Herkimer Diamonds have become one of the most sought-after crystals in the world and one of the most popular attractions in Upstate New York.
Whether you're planning a Herkimer Diamond mining adventure or simply curious about these remarkable gems, here's everything you need to know.
Herkimer Diamonds are a rare variety of double-terminated quartz crystal found primarily in Herkimer County, New York.
Unlike most quartz crystals, which typically grow with a single termination point, Herkimer Diamonds naturally form with points on both ends. This rare characteristic is known as double termination.
Each crystal also develops naturally with 18 facets, creating a brilliant appearance that closely resembles a cut diamond.
Their exceptional clarity, natural shape, and glass-like sparkle are what earned them the nickname "Herkimer Diamonds."
On the Mohs hardness scale, Herkimer Diamonds rank a 7, making them durable enough for jewelry while still maintaining their natural beauty.
True Herkimer Diamonds are found almost exclusively in Herkimer County, New York.
The crystals are embedded within the Little Falls Dolostone, a rock formation that dates back approximately 500 million years to the Cambrian Period.
At that time, much of present-day New York was covered by a shallow inland sea. Over millions of years, silica-rich fluids filled cavities within the dolostone and slowly crystallized into the stunning quartz formations we know today as Herkimer Diamonds.
While quartz crystals can be found around the world, the exceptional clarity, natural faceting, and double-terminated growth found in Herkimer County make genuine Herkimer Diamonds unique.
Several characteristics set Herkimer Diamonds apart from ordinary quartz crystals.
Most gemstones require cutting and polishing before they are ready for display or jewelry making.
Herkimer Diamonds emerge from the rock already displaying their natural faceted shape, often requiring little to no additional work.
Many Herkimer Diamonds are remarkably transparent and water-clear.
Their clarity is one of the primary reasons they are often mistaken for actual diamonds.
The distinctive points on both ends are one of the defining features of Herkimer Diamonds and are relatively rare in the mineral world.
Some crystals contain fascinating inclusions that make each specimen one of a kind.
These can include:
Fluid inclusions
Tiny air bubbles
Anthraxolite (ancient organic material)
Mineral inclusions
Many collectors actively seek out these unusual specimens.
In 2012, Herkimer Diamonds were officially designated as the New York State Mineral, further recognizing their importance to the region's history and geology.
Absolutely.
One of the things that makes Herkimer Diamond mining so popular is that visitors can search for and excavate their own crystals.
Unlike many gemstones that require industrial mining operations, Herkimer Diamonds are accessible to families, beginners, hobbyists, and experienced rockhounds alike.
Visitors can break open dolostone rock and search for crystals that have remained hidden underground for hundreds of millions of years.
Finding your first crystal is an experience you'll never forget.
The best place to experience Herkimer Diamond mining is at Herkimer Diamond Mines in Herkimer, New York.
Guests can spend the day searching for crystals while learning about the area's unique geology and history.
Whether you're visiting for a few hours or making it a weekend getaway, mining for Herkimer Diamonds is one of the most unique family activities in Upstate New York.
It's part treasure hunt, part outdoor adventure, and part hands-on geology lesson.
To get the most out of your Herkimer Diamond mining adventure, consider staying right on property at Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort.
The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including:
RV sites
Tent camping
Camping cabins
Deluxe cabins
Luxury lodges
Guests can also enjoy:
Swimming pool
Creek tubing on West Canada Creek
Family activities
On-site dining and shopping
Easy access to the mining area
It's the perfect home base for exploring one of New York's most unique attractions.
Whether you're a crystal collector, geology enthusiast, family traveler, or simply looking for one of the most unique things to do in New York, Herkimer Diamond mining is an unforgettable experience.
Spend the day searching for crystals that formed more than 500 million years ago, then relax at Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort with family and friends.
Your next great discovery could be waiting just beneath the surface.
Ready to experience Herkimer Diamond mining for yourself? Book your stay at Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort and start planning your adventure today.
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.
