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Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground Introduce

For those living in or visiting the New York region, finding a getaway that combines natural beauty with a hands-on adventure can be a challenge. However, tucked away in the scenic landscape of Middleville, the Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground offers a truly distinctive experience. This destination is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is a gateway to one of New York’s most famous geological treasures: the Herkimer Diamond. As a local staple for outdoor enthusiasts, this campground provides a rustic and engaging environment where families, solo travelers, and rockhounds can immerse themselves in the thrill of discovery while enjoying the tranquility of the Mohawk Valley.

The core appeal of Ace of Diamonds lies in its dual nature as both a functional quartz crystal mine and a fully equipped campground. Visitors from across the state often make the trip to Middleville to try their luck at "prospecting." Whether you are a seasoned geologist or a family with young children looking for a fun weekend activity, the thrill of seeing a glimmering crystal emerging from the earth is an experience that stays with you. The atmosphere at the grounds is one of community and excitement, as campers often share stories of their finds around evening fires, creating a sense of camaraderie that is unique to this specific New York location.

Accessibility is a key factor for New York residents planning a road trip. Located at 84 Herkimer Street in Middleville, NY, the campground is conveniently situated for those traveling from major hubs like Syracuse, Albany, or even the New York City metro area. The drive into Middleville offers beautiful views of the rolling hills and local farmland, setting the stage for a relaxing retreat. Upon arrival, guests find a site that is well-integrated into the local topography, featuring different elevations that provide varying perspectives of the surrounding countryside and the night sky.

The camping experience at Ace of Diamonds is designed to cater to different preferences, ranging from traditional tent camping to modern RV setups. One of the standout features of the site is the tiered layout of the camping areas. Frequent visitors often recommend the middle and upper levels for those who appreciate stargazing, as these areas are further removed from the security lighting of the main level. For those who prefer a bit more infrastructure, the main level offers unique accommodations like lean-tos, which provide a sturdy shelter and, in some cases, additional conveniences like an outdoor sink, making the camping experience both comfortable and manageable.

  • RV water hookups for convenient stays.
  • Dedicated tent sites for a traditional outdoor experience.
  • Lean-to rentals providing additional shelter and amenities.
  • On-site tool rentals for diamond mining activities.
  • Sluicing stations for cleaning and discovering crystals.
  • Clean restroom facilities for all campers.
  • Hot shower facilities to refresh after a day in the mines.
  • On-site store featuring minerals, souvenirs, and supplies.
  • Convenient payment options including Debit cards and NFC mobile payments.

Beyond the services, the highlights of Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground center on the authentic mining experience. The "diamonds" found here are actually double-terminated quartz crystals, world-renowned for their clarity and natural facets. The mine allows visitors to engage in surface hunting or more intensive breaking of rock to find these treasures. For many, the highlight of the day is hearing the excitement of children finding their first crystal, a sound that echoes through the mine and brings a smile to everyone nearby. The site provides an educational and tactile way to learn about New York's geological history.

  • Authentic Herkimer Diamond mining opportunities directly on-site.
  • Three distinct levels of camping to choose from based on view preferences.
  • Pet-friendly environment where dogs are allowed to join the family.
  • Excellent stargazing opportunities from the higher elevation campsites.
  • Family-oriented atmosphere perfect for teaching kids about nature and minerals.
  • Scenic views of the Mohawk Valley and the active mining areas.
  • Close proximity to a local tower, though signal strength varies by elevation.
  • A history of successful finds that keeps visitors returning year after year.

For those looking to plan their visit or inquire about current mining conditions and site availability, the staff can be reached through multiple channels. Contacting the office ahead of time is often recommended, especially during peak summer months when the interest in diamond mining is at its highest. The facility maintains a professional yet welcoming presence, ensuring that all guests feel informed and prepared for their mining and camping adventure.

Contact Information:
Address: 84 Herkimer St, Middleville, NY 13406, USA
Phone: (315) 891-3855
Mobile Phone: +1 315-891-3855

Choosing Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground is a decision to embrace a truly New York-centric adventure. What makes this location worth choosing over a standard state park is the interactive element of the mine. It is one of the few places where you can combine your overnight stay with a productive and rewarding hobby. The ability to rent tools on-site means you don't need to be a professional to get started; the staff and fellow campers are often happy to provide tips on where to look and how to identify a quality find.

Furthermore, the flexibility of the accommodations makes it an excellent choice for various groups. Whether you are bringing a large RV and require a water hookup or you are a backpacker looking for a simple tent site under the stars, the facility accommodates your needs. The inclusion of modern amenities like hot showers and the acceptance of mobile payments ensures that while the mining is rugged, the logistics of your stay are smooth and contemporary. The pet-friendly policy also means you don't have to leave your furry friends behind, making it a complete family outing.

Finally, the value of the experience is found in the memories made. There is a specific kind of satisfaction that comes from finding something beautiful in the earth with your own hands. Between the peaceful nights overlooking the Middleville landscape and the active days spent in the fresh air of the mine, Ace of Diamonds offers a balanced and invigorating escape from the routine of daily life. For anyone in the New York area looking for a unique, affordable, and fun destination, this campground stands out as a premier choice for outdoor recreation.

Location

Customer Reviews

4.0
407 reviews
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Gayle Nicholson
Jul 26, 2022

Had a fantastic time!Found lots of beautiful clear Herkimer Diamonds, some just laying on the ground waiting to be picked up.Three levels of Camping. The middle and top have the best view of the stars at night, as the security floodlight drowns most of them out on the main level.Good, hot showers. Fair prices for tool rental and mining.We rented the lean-to on the main level and it was so worth it! Not just a water supply, but also a sink! Great view of the mine and sluice. Felt like I owned the place!Note- Cell service is not so good on the main level even though you can see a tower at the top of the hill. Upper levels probably have better service.It was really cool to meet the other campers, as well as seeing families come and go with their kids all day. Especially hearing the little ones get so excited when they find their first Diamond!

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the5toed sloth
Aug 03, 2023

We first visited the mine in 2019 and had so much success! We came back again in 2022 and were disappointed. We didn’t realize before making the trip from Ontario that they hadn’t been replenishing their rock piles as there had been no commercial mining for a couple years.When there is active mining and new material being added this experience is ‘gold’ - fun, affordable, unique, and successful. Without the replenished material we still had fun and found some, and also enjoyed the store, but it was a disappointment when we know what we had previously gotten.

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Jarrod Williams
Sep 20, 2020

Fun place to look for Herkimers. Reasonable prices, and nice gift shop. Keep your eyes peeled for Herkimers on the ground. Definitely give the sluice mining a try. Bang away at some rocks and if your lucky you'll find some nice hidden crystals. My wife and I will be back again next year.

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Alix Crist
Jun 03, 2023

We had a blast here! It was really nice that there’s tons of open space to mine, and that you can rent everything you need there. The guy working the front desk was incredible, friendly and kind and really informative. It’s something unique you don’t get to do anywhere else, and it’s hard to explain how cool it is until you do it yourself!

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Choronzon 333
Sep 10, 2019

I wish I could live here forever. If I run away from home this is where I'm going, don't tell anyone who might look for me. Met the best people, felt like friends we've known forever, just blended into each others mining experiences and camping like family because we all felt the same love of Herkimers. Exchanged contact info with some folks and made lifelong friends💎👽💜👽💎 Good people opening a great experience to the world. A must experience for crystal lovers. There were ALL AGES and ALL TYPES of people here, white haired folks in wheels chairs, tiny children, and literally everyone in between. Goid restrooms, showers, campsites...Oh....did I mention the gift shop.....I could barely breathe over the majesty within!!!!!