Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground, Middleville, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York State residents seeking a truly unique outdoor adventure that blends traditional camping with an exciting, hands-on geological experience, the Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground has long been a landmark destination. Located in the heart of Central New York, this site offers much more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it is one of the premier locations where visitors can prospect for the world-famous Herkimer Diamonds. These naturally faceted quartz crystals, which form only in this specific region, are known for their exceptional clarity and geometric perfection, making the experience of finding your own a memorable one for all ages.

Ace of Diamonds is not only a functional campground but also a unique recreational mining operation. It has a rich history as a family-operated business, establishing itself as a cherished spot for generations of rockhounds and campers since 1957. The property is designed to encourage an affordable, interactive, and educational outdoor holiday. Visitors—from seasoned prospectors to families with young children—can try their luck sifting through rock piles, utilizing a sluice, or gently breaking apart the host dolostone rock to reveal sparkling treasures. The sense of excitement, especially hearing the delight of a child finding their first crystal, is what makes this location stand out from typical New York campgrounds.

**IMPORTANT NOTE FOR NEW YORK VISITORS:** As of the latest available public information, the Ace of Diamonds Mine, Campground, and Gift Shop are facing legal issues among the current landowners. This has resulted in the heartbreaking necessity to keep the physical location **CLOSED until further notice, including the entire 2024 season and possibly beyond**, until the litigation is permanently resolved. New York residents should verify the current operating status directly via the provided contact information or website before making any travel plans, especially for the 2025 season and beyond. The information below reflects the full range of amenities and features available when the facility is actively operating.

Location and Accessibility

The Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground is situated at 84 Herkimer St, in the charming small town of Middleville, New York (ZIP code 13406, USA). This location is in Herkimer County, placing it conveniently in the Central New York region, often referred to as the Mohawk Valley.

Its address on Herkimer Street provides easy access from State Route 28, a main artery through the area. For New York residents traveling from more distant regions, the campground is a straightforward drive from major upstate cities, being a short distance north of the New York State Thruway (I-90). This central location makes it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

The campground itself is structured across three distinct levels, each offering a slightly different experience and aesthetic. The main level is the closest to the mining area and sluice, offering a lively, immediate view of the day's activities. The middle and top levels, according to local camper reviews, provide a more secluded experience and, notably, a much better view of the night sky for stargazing, as they are further removed from the main area's security lighting. While cell service can be spotty on the lower main level, the higher elevations often provide better mobile connectivity, a key consideration for today's campers. The relatively easy access from major New York roadways, combined with the distinct multi-tiered camping environment, ensures a rewarding and diverse experience for local users.

Services Offered

The services at Ace of Diamonds are designed to support both the camping and the hands-on mining experience, creating a self-contained, adventure-ready destination. (Note: These services are offered when the facility is operational.)

Campground Accommodations: The facility typically offers 50 total sites, including electrical sites, catering to tents, pop-up trailers, small RVs, and traditional campsites.
Lean-To Rentals: Special Adirondack lean-to sites are available for a more rustic yet sheltered experience, with some main-level units featuring unique amenities like a sink and water supply.
Essential Facilities: Clean and well-maintained restroom and hot shower facilities are available 24 hours a day, providing necessary comforts for all campers.
Tool and Equipment Rental: For the diamond mining experience, fair-priced rental and sale of necessary tools (like hammers, chisels, and safety gear) are offered at the site.
Sluice Access: A long sluice (water trough) is available for visitors to sift their mined dirt and rocks, helping to wash away sediment and reveal the sparkling Herkimer Diamonds.
On-Site Retail and Snacks: A camp store or rock shop is typically available to provide cold drinks, snacks, ice cream, and other quick necessities, including souvenirs and rock-hunting supplies.

Features / Highlights

The primary appeal of Ace of Diamonds lies in its unique geology and the exciting activities it provides:

Hands-On Herkimer Diamond Mining: The core feature is the ability for visitors to personally dig for and keep the world-renowned Herkimer Diamonds. Mining can involve surface searching, sifting through tailings (rock piles), or using tools to break open dolostone rock.
Three-Tiered Camping Experience: The distinct layout of the campground across main, middle, and top levels provides choice between convenience (main level) and superior night-sky viewing/seclusion (upper levels).
Unique Geological Setting: The location is a genuine source of Herkimer Diamonds, providing an authentic and educational experience that highlights New York's specific geological treasures.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The campground fosters a strong sense of community, with campers and day visitors often interacting, sharing tips, and celebrating the excitement of finding crystals, making it ideal for families.
Scenic and Relaxing Environment: Despite the mining activity, the surrounding environment offers a peaceful natural setting, allowing for a restful camping experience after a full day of prospecting.

Contact Information

For New York residents planning a visit, especially given the current closure status, it is critical to use the following information to check for updates and operational hours:

Address: 84 Herkimer St, Middleville, NY 13406, USA

Phone: (315) 891-3855

Mobile Phone: +1 315-891-3855

Locals should also consult the business’s official website or social media pages for the most current announcements regarding the legal situation and the anticipated re-opening date.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Ace of Diamonds Mine & Campground holds a special place for New York residents as an affordable, accessible, and wholly unique Central New York getaway. It perfectly combines the simplicity of an outdoor camping trip with the thrill of a genuine treasure hunt. For families and rock enthusiasts in the tri-state area, a short drive to Middleville offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with local geology and walk away with a priceless, naturally faceted souvenir—the famous Herkimer Diamond. The multi-level camping, hot showers, and friendly atmosphere cultivate a sense of camaraderie that is often cited by returning visitors. While the current temporary closure due to legal matters is a disappointment, the facility’s historical success and passionate ownership signal its eventual return. When fully operational, Ace of Diamonds offers a powerful, hands-on escape from city life, providing an all-in-one experience of camping, family fun, and geological exploration that is distinctly New York. It is a local gem in every sense of the word, and well worth monitoring for its eventual re-opening.