Charles E. Baker State Forest offers primitive camping options for equestrians in the Hubbardsville area. Located at the end of a well-maintained dirt road, the state forest features miles of trails suitable for horseback riding through wooded terrain. The forest provides dispersed camping with basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables at designated sites. No horse-specific facilities such as corrals or stalls are present, requiring visitors to bring portable containment systems. The forest's open layout allows ample space for setting up temporary horse enclosures or highlines away from environmentally sensitive areas.
Access to the forest's trail system begins directly from the camping areas, eliminating the need to trailer horses between sites. Riders can explore extensive woodland paths with varying terrain suitable for different experience levels. The nearby pond offers a water source for horses, though bringing supplemental water is recommended during dry periods. Camping is free with no permits required, making this an economical option for overnight equestrian adventures. The forest remains open year-round, though seasonal conditions affect trail accessibility. Some areas contain litter, but overall the grounds are maintained in satisfactory condition for primitive camping with horses.
"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."
"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
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 free primitive camping near Hubbardsville, New York. Located within the rolling hills of central New York at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, the forest features several unmarked dispersed camping areas beyond the main designated site. The area receives substantial rainfall throughout spring and early summer, creating lush undergrowth and occasionally muddy trail conditions.
Trail exploration: Visitors can enjoy extensive hiking through the wooded terrain beyond the established horse trails. "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 Matt A. about Charles E. Baker State Forest.
Fishing opportunities: The nearby pond offers fishing options for campers. "Water access at a lovely nearby pond," according to Cameron's review of Charles E. Baker State Forest. Anglers should bring their own equipment as no rentals are available on site.
Casino entertainment: For campers willing to venture beyond Hubbardsville, entertainment options exist at nearby facilities. "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," shares Jen O. about her stay at The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.
Secluded camping: The forest offers privacy away from crowded campgrounds. "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," reports Matt A. about Charles E. Baker State Forest.
Seasonal stargazing: The area's limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions during certain months. "One of my favorite campgrounds in NY. Its so peaceful at night. My favorite time to come is August during the meteor showers," notes Jessica D. about The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.
Well-maintained facilities: For those seeking more amenities than the primitive options at Baker State Forest, nearby developed campgrounds offer excellent facilities. "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," explains Michael O. about The Villages at Turning Stone.
Seasonal considerations: Late summer and early fall provide optimal camping conditions in the Hubbardsville area. "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," shares Cameron about Charles E. Baker State Forest.
Limited facilities: Primitive camping sites near Hubbardsville lack developed amenities. "No toilets. Bugs aren't an issue. Water access at a lovely nearby pond," Cameron adds about Charles E. Baker State Forest.
Site availability: While permits aren't required for dispersed camping, designated sites can fill during peak seasons. Arrival on weekdays increases chances of securing preferred spots, particularly for horse camping near Hubbardsville.
Playground access: Families seeking more developed facilities with recreational options can find them at campgrounds within driving distance of Hubbardsville. "For activities, there are some great hikes around the campground, as well as excellent playgrounds, fishing, an awesome pool," reports Michael O. about The Villages at Turning Stone.
Activity planning: Family-friendly options exist near the primitive camping areas. "Offers a pool, playground, hiking trail, fishing pond, paddleboat rentals, camp store, very clean bath houses throughout," notes April L. about The Villages at Turning Stone.
Accessibility considerations: When exploring equestrian camping options near Hubbardsville with families, consider the terrain difficulty. The main access road is generally passable for most vehicles but can become challenging after heavy rains.
Site specifications: RVers looking for developed campgrounds near Hubbardsville should check site dimensions. "We had no problem getting a nice paved spot for our 34' class A," mentions Frank M. about The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.
Setup considerations: RV sites at developed campgrounds offer varying levels of shade. "All full hook up sites from full sun to full shade," explains Carl G. about The Villages at Turning Stone.
Pet amenities: Some nearby campgrounds provide pet-friendly features beyond basic pet policies. "They even provided a small treat for our Schnauzer," Frank M. adds about his experience at The Villages at Turning Stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hubbardsville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hubbardsville, NY is Charles E. Baker State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
Keep Exploring
