Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground

- 161 Co Rd 114, St Johnsville, NY 13452

Introduction / Overview

For New York families and adventure seekers, Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground offers a truly unique destination that combines serene camping with the excitement of a hands-on geological treasure hunt. Located in St. Johnsville, NY, this small, quaint campground is nestled in a peaceful, wooded setting alongside the tranquil Timmerman Creek, perfectly positioned near the Adirondack and Central Leatherstocking Regions.

The core attraction is the opportunity to mine for world-class Herkimer Diamonds—a type of stunningly clear, naturally faceted quartz crystal found only in this part of Upstate New York. The mining sites are adjacent to the campground, allowing guests to walk from their campsite to the open-pit mine to dig for their own crystals on matrix or gemmy, water-clear specimens. Customers consistently rave about the "great experience," noting the abundance of crystals found, the well-planned events, and the extremely happy and friendly atmosphere among both staff and fellow campers. Whether you arrive in an RV, pitch a tent, or stay in one of the charming rustic cabins, Crystal Grove provides a distinctive and memorable adventure for locals looking for more than a typical camping trip.

Location and Accessibility

Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground is located at 161 Co Rd 114, St Johnsville, NY 13452, USA. St. Johnsville sits comfortably in the Mohawk Valley, making the campground easily accessible from major population centers across New York State.

The location is a fantastic hub for exploration. It is a reasonable drive from cities like Albany, Syracuse, and Utica, making it a viable weekend escape for many New York residents. The campground is situated off major routes, offering a sense of seclusion and natural retreat under majestic hardwood trees, yet it’s close enough to the town of St. Johnsville for necessary errands. The area itself is rich in history and offers access to other regional attractions, including the Erie Canal, Fort Plain Museum, and the beautiful natural landscapes of nearby State Parks like Glimmerglass and Gilbert Lake. While the natural, wooded setting is part of its charm, be aware that cell service can be limited—a perfect excuse to unplug and focus on mining and family time. WiFi capabilities are, however, available in and around the Camp Store for essential connectivity.

Services Offered

The campground offers essential services with a focus on convenience for campers and miners:

• Diverse Site Options: The park accommodates various camping styles with a mix of sites: primitive tent sites, 15-amp electric/water hookup sites, and 30-amp electric/water hookup sites for RVs and pop-ups.
• Cabin Rentals: Multiple cute, rustic cabins are available, including 4-person and 6-person options. These include a front porch, a desk or table, a picnic table, and a fire ring, though guests must bring their own linens.
• Clean Bathhouses: Two bathhouses are located on the grounds, with one including four hot-shower facilities (showers are coin-operated).
• Camp Store and Gift Shop: A well-maintained on-site store offering basic camping needs, firewood (purchased on-site to comply with NYS law), souvenirs, drinks, snacks, and, most importantly, mining passes and tool rentals.
• Sanitary Services: A convenient dump station is available on the grounds for RV guests.
• Discounted Mining for Campers: Guests staying at the campground receive a discounted rate for the all-day mining experience.
• Tool Rentals: A variety of essential mining tools, including crack hammers, rock chisels, sift boxes, and sledgehammers, are available for rent at the camp store.

Features / Highlights

The distinguishing features of Crystal Grove are what draw local New Yorkers seeking a recreational blend of science and outdoor fun:

• World-Class Herkimer Diamond Mining: The primary draw, allowing campers to dig for unique quartz crystals in an open-pit mine adjacent to the campground, with no reservations needed for mining. Guests keep all the crystals they find.
• Peaceful Natural Setting: The campground is situated along Timmerman Creek, providing a tranquil soundtrack and an excellent place for crystal washing and wading.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The layout and atmosphere are highly family-oriented, with activities like sifting for crystals being ideal for younger children and plenty of space for kids to ride bikes.
• Recreation Area: On-site features include a pavilion with board games and ping pong, as well as areas designated for basketball, volleyball, and horseshoes.
• Events and Community: The campground hosts well-planned events, sometimes including vendors and communal activities, fostering a friendly and welcoming community atmosphere where "everyone was extremely happy and friendly."
• Shaded Sites: All campsites are shaded for part of the day by tall hardwood trees, ensuring comfort and relief from the summer sun.

Contact Information

For New York residents interested in booking a campsite, reserving a rustic cabin, or inquiring about mining fees, please use the following contact details:

Address: 161 Co Rd 114, St Johnsville, NY 13452, USA

Phone: (518) 568-2914

Alternative Phone/Mobile: +1 518-568-2914

Mining Inquiries: Reservations are not needed for daily mining; simply purchase your pass at the Camp Store upon arrival.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground is a hidden gem that New York locals should prioritize for a weekend getaway or a longer family vacation. Its suitability lies in the unique pairing of classic, rustic camping with an enriching and exciting activity that is regionally exclusive: digging for genuine Herkimer Diamonds. This combination guarantees that the "kids never get bored," offering a fun, educational, and physically active experience that creates tangible, sparkling memories.

The small, welcoming nature of the campground, combined with the affordability (especially with discounted mining rates for campers), makes it an accessible option for budget-conscious families. Furthermore, for those looking to genuinely unplug, the limited cell service outside of the camp store acts as a beneficial feature, encouraging families to engage with nature, each other, and the mining activity. Crystal Grove provides an unforgettable, multi-faceted adventure that is close to home yet feels worlds away, perfectly capturing the spirit of exploration in Upstate New York.

Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground

161 Co Rd 114, St Johnsville, NY 13452, USA