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Equestrian Camping near Hamilton, NY

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    Charles E. Baker State Forest provides primitive camping options for equestrians near Hamilton, New York. The forest features free camping areas with fire pits and picnic tables. While there are no dedicated horse corrals or stalls on site, the extensive trail system and open areas accommodate riders who bring their own containment systems. The forest includes miles of trails suitable for horseback riding through wooded terrain. The campground is accessible via a well-maintained dirt road with sufficient room for horse trailers in designated parking areas. Water for horses is available from a nearby pond, though campers should bring their own drinking water. The forest attracts riders seeking a rustic, no-fee camping experience with their horses.

    The trail network throughout Charles E. Baker State Forest connects to broader riding routes in the region. Dispersed camping options allow equestrians to select sites with adequate space for both camping equipment and horses. The primitive nature of the campground means riders must be self-sufficient, bringing all necessary horse gear, feed, and waste management systems. No reservation is required for camping, operating on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. The forest setting provides natural shade and shelter for horses during hot weather. Many riders appreciate the secluded environment that allows for quiet camping away from more developed facilities. The campground's location offers convenient access to additional riding opportunities in the Hamilton area while maintaining a natural setting for horse camping.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Hamilton (2)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      4.9(10)19mi from HamiltonRVs

      "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"

      "Convenient to the highway with 24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained."

      from $65 - $75 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Charles E. Baker State Forest

      4.5(2)9mi from HamiltonTents

      "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."

      Check Availability
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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hamilton, NY

    17 Reviews of 2 Hamilton Campgrounds

    • Madeleine W.
      Sep. 24, 2018

      Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED

      Beautiful spot for relaxing

      I stayed at Charles’ farm with a friend of mine. We had a great time! Charles was there to greet us, he was a little quiet in the beginning but we had a great chat. We bought some kabob meat from him and cooked it up on the fire pit with some corn for dinner. There isn’t a heap to do once you’re on the actual farm, but if you want a place to walk through pastures, relax, watch the sunset, see the stars, and be outside, this is the place for you. There are fish in the pond, but we didn’t do any fishing this time so I’m not sure if you have to bring your own gear or not. Make sure you bring long pants if you want to walk through the back pasture to avoid burrs in your legs! We pitched our tent near the pond next to the cabin. It was a great spot with a fire pit right there, plenty of wood provided, a lovely bench to watch the sunset from. The outhouse is small but functional. After we left the farm we went and picked apples at nearby Deer Run Farm. Overall we had a wonderful time. Thank you Charles for having us!

    • M
      Aug. 23, 2018

      The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      Very nice high-end camp resort for RV's and full timers or weekend warriors

      This is a nice campground. I mean really nice. Very well thought out. All sites are full hookups (i think) and paved. Definitely geared towards the RV or trailer crowd.

      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.

      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 street.

      The only real negatives would be 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). That and 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.

    • Lena L.
      Aug. 28, 2018

      Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED

      A backpacking experience without having to backpack!

      This is a gorgeous environment! I’ll start by saying that when we go back, we’ll throw all of our stuff into our packs so that we can walk in all in. Kind of like the shortest backpacking trip! I actually think this would be the perfect environment for someone who wants to test their skills staying ‘alone’ in the ‘backcountry’ without really being either. It’s a nice in between for those who are looking for more solitude than the average campground provides but without having to hike into a back country site.

      When you arrive at CBG farm, Charlie (and if you’re lucky, his friendly dog Drift) will meet you at the meat store and then show you the way (a 2 minute drive around the corner) to the Shady Pines camp. You’ll park in the grass across from cornfields, and then ride with Charlie around a path through the woods and fields to check out the sites. We chose to stay near the “lake”, a pond that Charlie put in, and stocks wth fish.

      It’s a gorgeous spot. We set up a hammock, put our tent out in the field, used the wooden table to cook our dinner, and made a fire. The cows were nearby and we could occasionally hear them mooing, but a friend asked if it smelled like cows, and it really doesn’t! It actually smells like apples. You can still hear a few cars drive by but they’re mostly drowned out by the crickets.

      Theres a cabin and an outhouse a short walk away, and an incredible outdoor kitchen that we didn’t need to use but would love to grill some burgers next time we go.

      We truly loved this spot and can’t wait to bring some friends next time! Anyone in the Central NY area needing a night away should check out Shady Pines!

    • r
      Aug. 12, 2018

      Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED

      Rustic and beautiful

      After meeting up with the owner we went down to the parking area. A dirt trail and park on the side in the grass. You have to walk in about 2 minutes on a trail. The owner has a golf cart with a small wagon and transported our stuff to the campsite and back when we left…he was really nice and very helpful.the trail opened to open grassy areas with surrounding trees where we pitched our tent…a small table and fire ring w grate provided. Also firewood.you get water back up at the barn but the owner was nice and brought us a 5 gal. Jug. Pond stocked with fish…catch and release. We caught some nice bass and bullhead…kids had a blast. Past the pond is the cabin with sitting spots and an open cement fire stove and oven also a fire pit. Theres an outhouse behind the cabin w a seat over a bucket w chemicals…papertowels tp hand sanitizer and disenfectant wipes nicely provided. We did have cellphone signals. Overall a really nice spot to relax and commune w nature.

    • April L.
      Apr. 4, 2019

      The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      Beautiful

      Convenient to the highway with 24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained. Offers a pool, playground, hiking trail, fishing pond, paddleboat rentals, camp store, very clean bath houses throughout, maintained sites, fire rings at each site and organized in loops to offer wooded and full sun sites depending on what you are looking for. Visited at least once a year since 2016 with our most recent visit being June 2018. Hoping to visit again this season.

    • Carl G.
      May. 27, 2023

      The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      Great weekend

      Turning 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.

    • Sarah A.
      Aug. 18, 2023

      The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      Weird vibe but great property

      The 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.

    • Jen O.
      Jun. 23, 2021

      The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      Great One Night Stop - Would Have Stayed Longer!

      We 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.

    • Cameron
      Oct. 2, 2020

      Charles E. Baker State Forest

      Free Primitive Campsite

      Camped 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

    Guide to Hamilton

    Charles E. Baker State Forest offers equestrian camping opportunities in the foothills of central New York, approximately 30 miles southeast of Syracuse. The area features mixed hardwood forests with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 feet. Summer temperatures typically average between 65-80°F, while winters can drop below freezing with significant snowfall accumulation from December through March.

    What to do

    Trail riding routes: The forest contains several unmarked trails suitable for horseback riding through varied terrain. "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," notes one visitor of Charles E. Baker State Forest.

    Fishing access: Multiple water features near equestrian camping areas provide fishing opportunities. Access the pond within the forest boundaries for catch-and-release fishing. "Water access at a lovely nearby pond. Highly recommended," reports a camper who visited in September.

    Casino entertainment: For those wanting evening activities after a day of horseback riding, consider the nearby attractions. "There is the casino, dining, golf course and more near by," explains a visitor to The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone, located about 35 minutes north of Hamilton.

    What campers like

    Budget-friendly options: Horse owners appreciate the no-cost camping options in the area. "Free primitive camping. There are official camp spots with water access which are also free to use," mentions a cyclist who discovered the forest during travels.

    Secluded environment: Many equestrians value the privacy available at less-developed sites. "Camped 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," reports a visitor to Charles E. Baker State Forest.

    Natural surroundings: The forested setting provides a quiet backdrop for camping with horses. "One of my favorite campgrounds in NY. Its so peaceful at night. My favorite time to come is August during the meteor showers," shares Jessica D. about her experiences at the region's camping options.

    What you should know

    Limited facilities: Horse camping in this region generally requires self-sufficiency. "No toilets. Bugs aren't an issue. Water access at a lovely nearby pond," explains a camper about Charles E. Baker State Forest. "Only giving 4 stars because the best free sites have water pumps and vault toilets, but this is a great camping experience."

    Road conditions: Access to horse-friendly camping areas varies seasonally. Most forest roads leading to primitive camping areas are unpaved but maintained regularly. "Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road," notes a visitor who camped in late September.

    Reservation requirements: Most equestrian camping in state forests operates on a first-come basis without reservation systems. For developed facilities like The Villages at Turning Stone RV Park, advanced bookings are recommended: "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."

    Tips for camping with families

    Beginner-friendly trails: Families with young riders should utilize the gentler terrain sections. State forest trails often include both challenging and easier routes suitable for different experience levels. "Turning Stone has lovely locations and is kept up nicely. Over Memorial Day weekend, the weather is gorgeous for spring," mentions a longtime visitor.

    Weather preparation: Pack appropriate gear for children based on seasonal conditions. "Memorial day weekend the weather is beautiful spring weather," notes Carl G. who has been visiting Turning Stone for over 25 years.

    Entertainment options: When camping with children and horses, plan activities for non-riding time. "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 street," suggests Michael O.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection: Choose locations with adequate space for both living quarters and horse containment. "Sitesare spacious, lots to do for kids, facilities are new and clean," reports a visitor to The Villages at Turning Stone RV Park.

    Accessibility considerations: Verify trailer access before arriving at primitive horse camping areas. "We 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," shares Jen O. about her experience at Turning Stone.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hamilton, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hamilton, NY is The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

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