Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground
St. Johnsville, New York
herkimer diamondsdoubly terminated quartzcalcitedolomite
Fee dig · Fee, seasonal
Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground
Crystal Grove sits on the same Cambrian dolostone as the Herkimer district but about twenty miles west, and the pockets here frequently open in decayed, crumbly rock instead of stubborn ledge. That makes it a forgiving first dig: a screwdriver, a screen and patience will produce crystals. The campground next door means you can sleep on the property and dig two days running. The operator notes all rates are subject to change.
The card catalog
| What you can find | herkimer diamonds, doubly terminated quartz, calcite, dolomite |
|---|---|
| Access | Fee dig — Fee, seasonal |
| Fees | $16 per person ages 12 and up, $10 for ages 6-11, under 5 free; campers pay $14 and $8. Tool rentals extra: chisel $3, crack hammer $4, shovel $4, sift box $5, sledge $7, no reservations on tools |
| Season & hours | mid-April through mid-October; daily hours are not posted online, so call ahead at (518) 568-2914 if arriving late in the day |
| Kids | Family-friendly — One of the gentler places to learn the technique because crystals often come out of soft weathered rock rather than hard seams. Rent a sift box and a small hammer and kids can work independently |
| Official source | Crystal Grove Diamond Mine and Campground (operator) |
| Last checked | Checked against its source August 16, 2026 |
Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
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Before you go
What does Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground cost?
$16 per person ages 12 and up, $10 for ages 6-11, under 5 free; campers pay $14 and $8. Tool rentals extra: chisel $3, crack hammer $4, shovel $4, sift box $5, sledge $7, no reservations on tools Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
When is Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground open?
mid-April through mid-October; daily hours are not posted online, so call ahead at (518) 568-2914 if arriving late in the day Hours, fees, and access rules change. Verify with the operator or land agency before you go.
Is Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground good for kids?
Yes — Crystal Grove Diamond Mine & Campground works for families. One of the gentler places to learn the technique because crystals often come out of soft weathered rock rather than hard seams. Rent a sift box and a small hammer and kids can work independently