The Charles E. Baker State Forest provides equestrian camping near Durhamville, New York without specific designated horse facilities. The forest's extensive trail network spans through diverse woodland terrain at elevations ranging from 1,200-1,500 feet. Most trails maintain good footing for horses through mixed hardwood forests, though seasonal mud can affect accessibility particularly during spring thaw and after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Trail riding at Baker State Forest: Miles of interconnected trails wind through the forest, offering varied terrain for day rides. One visitor noted, "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."
Fishing opportunities: Access the pond within Charles E. Baker State Forest for catch-and-release fishing. "Water access at a lovely nearby pond," reports one camper who stayed in late September.
Casino entertainment: Take advantage of shuttle services to nearby gaming. A regular visitor to The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone mentions, "Been coming here for 25 + years. There is the casino, dining, golf course and more near by."
What campers like
Secluded primitive camping: Baker State Forest offers true dispersed camping opportunities. As one camper explains, "Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there's a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby."
Seasonal stargazing: Late summer provides optimal night sky viewing in the area. One enthusiast shares, "One of my favorite campgrounds in NY. Its so peaceful at night. My favorite time to come is August during meteor showers."
Well-maintained facilities: Campers appreciate the upkeep at established campgrounds. "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."
What you should know
Site variations: At The Villages, sites range significantly in terms of shade and proximity to facilities. "All full hook up sites from full sun to full shade," notes a long-time visitor.
Access considerations: The forest requires planning for primitive camping. "Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road. Campsite consists of a fire pit and picnic table," reports a camper about Baker State Forest.
Noise factors: Train traffic affects some areas of established campgrounds. One camper advises, "The proximity to some railroad tracks, which can be somewhat active and very audible in some spots (you'll want to stay towards the south / front of the park if this kind of thing bothers you)."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Multiple activities keep children engaged. A traveling family notes, "We are a full-time traveling family (2 kids - 8 & 13) and 2 English Bulldogs... The campground was beautiful and easy to get in and out of."
Playground access: Younger children benefit from dedicated play areas at established sites. "Offers a pool, playground, hiking trail, fishing pond, paddleboat rentals, camp store, very clean bath houses throughout," according to a visitor who camps regularly with family.
Bathroom proximity: Consider site location relative to facilities. "Some sites aren't that close to a bath house, so if you're not planning on duecing in your box, you might be looking at a longer walk than others based on where your site is."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: The Villages RV Park provides properly graded parking for all sizes. "Spacious FHU sites. Pull thru and back ins," confirms one RV camper.
Ease of navigation: The campground layout accommodates larger rigs. "We had no problem getting a nice paved spot for our 34' class A, and they even provided a small treat for our Schnauzer."
Spacing between sites: Despite being a popular destination, the campground avoids overcrowding. "There were a lot of campers set up when we were there but we never felt crowded."
