NY campground wins top honor

Exceptional customer service resulted in a New York state campground winning the KOA Kampground of the year award at the company's annual convention.

The Herkimer Diamond campground is known for its outstanding accommodations and for the fact that it's located near an old quartz crystal mine. In addition to swimming, disc golf and other activities, visitors at the resort can go prospecting for "Herkimer Diamonds" in the mine.

For a minimal fee, campers get a mining kit and watch an instructional video before heading off to the mining area, where they can spend the day finding and breaking rocks and digging in pockets. There's also a rock shop that can make any treasures they find into jewelry.

"Of course, the mines are a huge draw for the Herkimer KOA, but what we hear from guests time and time again is how well they’re taken care of when they stay there," said KOA President Pat Hittmeier.

The campground has 135 tent(s) and RV sites, 16 cabins, five cottages and two lodges. The cottages are heated and air conditioned and include a private bath, kitchenette and dining area.

The campground has been owned and operated by the Scialdo and Shevat families since 1981.