Charles E. Baker State Forest offers primitive equestrian camping with free access to several horse-friendly camping areas. The forest contains miles of trails suitable for horseback riding through wooded terrain. Trail riding options include both forest paths and connections to surrounding public lands. Riders frequently mention the peaceful environment and secluded nature of the campsites. The forest lacks formal corrals or stalls, so campers must bring portable containment systems or high-lines for their horses.
The forest's access comes via a well-maintained dirt road leading to designated primitive campsites. Each site typically includes a basic fire pit and picnic table. No water pumps or vault toilets are available, requiring equestrians to bring adequate water supplies for both themselves and their horses. The forest connects to a small pond that provides a natural water source where horses can drink. Trailer parking is available at designated areas, though the forest's primitive nature means no dedicated horse-specific amenities exist. Dispersed camping opportunities extend beyond the marked sites, giving horse owners flexibility in choosing suitable locations based on their stock's needs.
"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 equestrian-focused dispersed camping opportunities through wooded terrain in central New York. Located at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, the forest experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. The forest terrain consists primarily of mixed hardwoods with moderate elevation changes throughout the trail system.
Trail riding connections: Charles E. Baker State Forest offers extensive trail networks that connect to neighboring public lands, creating longer riding routes for equestrians. Nearby The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone provides a different experience with "great hikes around the campground, as well as excellent playgrounds, fishing, an awesome pool," according to visitor Michael O.
Fishing access: The small pond within the forest provides fishing opportunities alongside a natural water source for horses. Camper Cameron notes, "Water access at a lovely nearby pond," making it convenient for both recreation and watering stock.
Meteor shower viewing: The minimal light pollution at equestrian camping areas creates ideal conditions for stargazing during summer months. Jessica D. from The Villages RV Park mentions, "Its so peaceful at night. My favorite time to come is August during the meteor showers."
Secluded camping: The dispersed nature of equestrian sites throughout Baker State Forest provides privacy not found at more developed facilities. Matt A. reports, "I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods."
Cost-effective option: Charles E. Baker State Forest offers no-fee camping for equestrians and other visitors. A camper confirms this benefit: "Free primitive camping... There are official camp spots with water access which are also free to use."
Natural setting: The forest's minimal development maintains a genuine outdoor experience for equestrians. Cameron describes it as a "Free Primitive Campsite" and mentions, "Only giving 4 stars because the best free sites have water pumps and vault toilets, but this is a great camping experience."
Access considerations: The forest road leading to horse camping areas can present challenges during wet weather or winter months. Cameron notes access is "at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road," suggesting high-clearance vehicles may be advantageous for horse trailers.
Seasonal insect activity: Bug pressure varies significantly by season, with late summer generally providing more comfortable conditions. Cameron mentions, "Bugs aren't an issue," during a late September visit.
Litter management: With no garbage service, equestrian campers must pack out all waste. A visitor notes, "Some litter, not too bad," indicating campers should prepare to leave sites cleaner than found.
Bring adequate water: With no water pumps available at horse campgrounds near Kirkville, New York, families must transport sufficient water for both humans and horses. For families seeking more amenities, April L. from The Villages RV Park states it "offers a pool, playground, hiking trail, fishing pond, paddleboat rentals, camp store, very clean bath houses throughout."
Consider site selection: Choose horse-friendly sites based on your stock's temperament and containment needs. Jen O. advises from her experience at other campgrounds that "The sites were level and great size with nice spacing in between," highlighting the importance of adequate space.
Pack entertainment: Horse-focused camping near Kirkville provides fewer built-in amenities for children compared to developed campgrounds. Frank M. notes that even at busier campgrounds, "There were a lot of campers set up when we were there but we never felt crowded," suggesting that proper preparation creates comfortable experiences regardless of amenities.
Trailer parking: Equestrians bringing horse trailers should scout designated parking areas before setting up camp. While primitive, these areas accommodate standard-sized horse trailers. For those seeking full hookups instead, Carl G. mentions that The Villages RV Park offers "All full hook up sites from full sun to full shade."
Self-contained camping: RVers visiting equestrian sites must be prepared for no-hookup, primitive conditions. Boomer B. describes other campgrounds having "Spacious FHU sites. Pull thru and back ins," illustrating the contrast between developed RV parks and primitive horse camping options near Kirkville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kirkville, NY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kirkville, NY is The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone with a 4.9-star rating from 11 reviews.
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