Charles E. Baker State Forest offers primitive camping in a secluded woodland setting with access to hiking and bridle trails. The forest maintains one designated campsite with a fire pit and picnic table, as well as ample space for dispersed camping throughout the property. Visitors can camp for free without reservations, though the primitive nature means no electric hookups, running water, or toilet facilities. A dirt access road leads to camping areas suitable for tent camping or small recreational vehicles. Campers have reported good water access at a nearby pond. The forest accommodates equestrians with trail riding opportunities, though no dedicated horse corrals are present. Visitors typically bring their own portable containment systems for horses. The Dyrt includes reviews of campgrounds near Waterville, New York.
The forest features miles of trails through wooded terrain ideal for day rides and overnight equestrian camping trips. Riders should be prepared for self-sufficient camping as the forest provides minimal facilities. Horse owners must bring water containers, feed storage solutions, and appropriate containment systems. The surrounding area includes additional state forests and public lands with connected trail systems for extended riding opportunities. Visitors report the trails are well maintained and offer a good mix of terrain. The forest's natural setting provides a quiet camping experience with minimal crowds even during peak seasons. Campers should note that while the forest is pet-friendly, management of horse waste is the responsibility of owners, and proper trail etiquette should be observed for the preservation of the natural environment.
"For activities, there are some great hikes around the campground, as well as excellent playgrounds, fishing, an awesome pool, and of course, free shuttle rides to the Turning Stone Casino right up the"
"Pool and walking paths were well kept. Dog waste stations were available but the park didn't have a dog park. Bummer for fino."
from $65 - $75 / night
"Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there’s a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road."
"Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods."
ScoutSpace was adequate with both shade and some sun, trash service and shuttle service was a plus . Pool and walking paths were well kept. Dog waste stations were available but the park didn't have a dog park. Bummer for fino.
GuideThe property is beautiful and quiet. Cute market at check in. Plenty to do. Neighbors keep to themselves and kind of stare le us down when we pulled in and during dog walks…maybe just an outlier experience? Staff very kind. We just stayed one night so we were an easy in and out. Super buggy.
GuideTurning Stone is well maintained with nice sites. Memorial day weekend the weather is beautiful spring weather. All full hook up sites from full sun to full shade. Been coming here for 25 + years. There is the casino, dining, golf course and more near by.
GuideWe scheduled a pull through for 1 night last minute due to an unexpected change in plans. We are a full-time traveling family (2 kids - 8 & 13) and 2 English Bulldogs. We have a Class A motorhome and flat tow a Jeep. The campground was beautiful and easy to get in and out of. The sites were level and great size with nice spacing in between. The location was nice too! We did head over to the casino briefly and enjoyed that. We also took a drive to the University of Syracuse to tour the campus. Clean and wonderful park. Would definitely recommend.
TravelerVery pleasant and knowledgeable staff, well maintained and pleasantly arranged spaces. There ere a lot of campers set up when we were there but we never felt crowded.
TravelerWe were very pleased with the knowledgeable and friendly staff, we had no problem getting a nice paved spot for our 34' class A, and they even provided a small treat for our Schnauzer.
GuideCamped here on a Thursday night in late September. Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there’s a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road. Campsite consists of a fire pit and picnic table. Some litter, not too bad. No toilets. Bugs aren’t an issue. Water access at a lovely nearby pond. Highly recommended. Only giving 4 stars because the best free sites have water pumps and vault toilets, but this is a great camping experience
GuideSitesare spacious, lots to do for kids, facilities are new and clean.
TravelerBeautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods. There are official camp spots with water access which are also free to use. Highly recommend!
Charles E. Baker State Forest provides primitive camping opportunities near Waterville, New York. Located in the central New York region at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 feet, the forest experiences typical northeast seasonal patterns with warm summers and cold winters. The terrain consists primarily of mixed hardwood forest with some coniferous stands and small ponds scattered throughout the property.
Trail riding opportunities: Equestrians visiting horse campgrounds near Waterville, New York can access miles of established trails. "Beautiful forest with miles of trails," notes Matt A. about Charles E. Baker State Forest.
Fishing access: Multiple water bodies near camping areas provide fishing opportunities. "Water access at a lovely nearby pond," reports Cameron about their stay at Charles E. Baker State Forest.
Casino entertainment: For campers wanting entertainment options, nearby attractions include gaming facilities. "There is the casino, dining, golf course and more near by," explains Carl G. about The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone, located approximately 25 miles from Waterville.
Secluded camping spots: The area offers quiet, natural settings away from crowds. "I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods," shares Matt A. about his experience at Charles E. Baker State Forest.
Night sky viewing: Clear skies in rural locations create optimal stargazing conditions. "Its so peaceful at night. My favorite time to come is August during the meteor showers," writes Jessica D. about her experiences at The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.
Well-maintained facilities: Established campgrounds in the region maintain clean, functional amenities. "Turning Stone is well maintained with nice sites. Memorial day weekend the weather is beautiful spring weather," notes Carl G. from his 25+ years of camping experience at the location.
Access road conditions: Prepare for unpaved roads leading to primitive camping areas. "Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road," explains Cameron about Charles E. Baker State Forest.
Limited facilities: Most primitive camping near Waterville lacks developed amenities. "Only giving 4 stars because the best free sites have water pumps and vault toilets, but this is a great camping experience," Cameron adds about the forest camping experience.
Site availability: Designated sites may be limited at some locations. "Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there's a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby," notes Cameron about their camping experience.
Playground availability: Some area campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. "Offers a pool, playground, hiking trail, fishing pond, paddleboat rentals, camp store, very clean bath houses throughout," April L. notes about the family-friendly amenities at The Villages RV Park.
Educational opportunities: The forest environment provides natural learning experiences about local ecology. "We also took a drive to the University of Syracuse to tour the campus," mentions Jen O., suggesting educational side trips from regional campgrounds.
Activity planning: Schedule outdoor activities based on seasonal conditions. "Very well kept up, bathrooms are very modern and well stocked. Staff are attentive and useful, and they operate a great store with lots of options," writes Michael O. about The Villages at Turning Stone, noting the resources available for planning activities.
Site types: RV campers should research site specifications before arrival. "Sitesare spacious, lots to do for kids, facilities are new and clean," notes Keri about The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.
Leveling requirements: Most primitive sites require self-leveling. "The sites were level and great size with nice spacing in between," explains Jen O. about her experience with a Class A motorhome at Turning Stone.
Hookup availability: Equestrian campgrounds near Waterville vary in hookup options. "All full hook up sites from full sun to full shade," reports Carl G. about the RV accommodations at Turning Stone, contrasting with more primitive options at state forest locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waterville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waterville, NY is The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone with a 4.9-star rating from 11 reviews.
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