The best camping near Fort Stanwix National Monument

Downtown Rome, New York, is unlike any other downtown area in America. There's a reconstruction of a colonial fort. Fort Stanwix, nicknamed "The Fort That Never Surrendered", was a Revolution-era fort that withstood three battles and a month-long siege in 1777.

The layout of the fort looks like a four-point ninja throwing star when seen from above. The four points, elevated on a hill, held watchtowers to look for enemy troop movements. Placed every 8 to 10 feet in between the points were cannons designed to repel any attacks. Surrounding the fort was a fence of tall thick, sharp, pointy logs that made scaling the walls impossible.

Thanks to a well-trained fighting force of Americans, French, and Dutch troops, the British never captured Fort Stanwix. That's despite the fact it was made of earth and wood as opposed to bricks and concrete. American troops finally abandoned the fort in 1781 after the British threat subsided.

Today, you can stand on the ramparts that watched over the countryside and the town of Rome. Serve as a sentinel getting ready to call out to the troops below. Pretend to yell orders to cannoneers to fire their weapons. During busy months, people in period costumes bring life to Fort Stanwix.

Regular events include daily tours, summer concerts on the courtyard and the Junior Rangers program for kids. Nearby campsites offer a picture-perfect vacation to this idyllic countryside. Nearby Oneida Lake offers plenty of water to recreate in. The Silver Lake Wilderness to the east has scenic drives and hiking trails. Summer and early fall are perfect times to visit Fort Stanwix and Rome.