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Best Equestrian Camping near Oneida, NY

18 Reviews

Charles E. Baker State Forest offers primitive camping with dispersed sites suitable for equestrian use. Located approximately 35 miles south of Oneida, this state forest provides free camping in an undeveloped setting. While there are no designated horse corrals or equestrian facilities, the forest permits camping with horses in appropriate areas. The primitive campsite includes a fire pit and picnic table, with additional space for dispersed camping throughout the forest. Water access is available at a nearby pond, though campers should note there are no toilets or running water facilities.

The forest features miles of trails accessible for horseback riding through wooded terrain. Access is via a long but well-maintained dirt road, making it possible to bring horse trailers to the camping area. Riders should be prepared for self-sufficient camping, as no amenities beyond the basic campsite are provided. The forest environment offers peaceful camping with minimal crowds, even during summer months. Horse owners should bring their own portable corrals or highlines for securing animals overnight. The miles of trails provide good riding opportunities through varied terrain with beautiful forest scenery. Visitors have noted the secluded nature of the camping areas provides a backcountry experience without having to venture far from civilization.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Oneida, New York (2)

    1. The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

    11 Reviews
    Oneida, NY
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (315) 361-7275

    $65 - $75 / night

    "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."

    2. Charles E. Baker State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Hubbardsville, NY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 674-4017

    "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."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Oneida, NY

18 Reviews of 2 Oneida 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.

  • Russel M.
    Jun. 18, 2024

    The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

    Turning Stone has lovely

    Turning Stone has lovely locations and is kept up nicely. Over Memorial Day weekend, the weather is gorgeous for spring. Every fully equipped site, with complete shade or full sun. been visiting for more than 25 years. Nearby are a golf course, food options, a casino, and @geometry dash online .

  • 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.

Guide to Oneida

Charles E. Baker State Forest offers primitive equestrian camping in a secluded setting located approximately 35 miles south of Oneida. The terrain consists primarily of mixed hardwood forest with elevations ranging between 1,200-1,500 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs typically reaching the mid-80s.

What to do

Trail riding opportunities: The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone offers miles of hiking trails that can be explored on horseback, with multiple loops for riders of different experience levels. According to Frank M., "Very pleasant and knowledgeable staff, well maintained and pleasantly arranged spaces. There were a lot of campers set up when we were there but we never felt crowded."

Fishing spots: Several ponds throughout the region provide opportunities for fishing near horse campgrounds near Oneida, New York. Cameron notes about Charles E. Baker State Forest, "Water access at a lovely nearby pond. Highly recommended."

Casino entertainment: For evening activities after a day of trail riding, Turning Stone Casino provides entertainment options within shuttle distance. Carl G. shares, "There is the casino, dining, golf course and more near by."

What campers like

Peace and quiet: Many equestrian campers appreciate the tranquility of the forested campsites around Oneida. Jessica D. mentions about The Villages at Turning Stone, "One of my favorite campgrounds in NY. Its so peaceful at night. My favorite time to come is August during the meteor showers."

Well-maintained facilities: Matt A. states about Charles E. Baker State Forest, "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."

Spacious sites: Horse camping requires additional space, and several campgrounds accommodate this need. Boomer B. notes, "Spacious FHU sites. Pull thru and back ins" at The Villages at Turning Stone RV Park.

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Many equestrian camping facilities near Oneida have limited seasonal availability. Carl G. mentions, "Memorial day weekend the weather is beautiful spring weather. Been coming here for 25+ years."

Primitive vs. developed options: Campgrounds range from primitive sites with minimal facilities to full-service parks. Cameron comments on 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."

Reservation requirements: While some sites permit walk-ins, popular horse camping locations can fill quickly during summer months. April L. recommends planning ahead: "Visited at least once a year since 2016 with our most recent visit being June 2018. Hoping to visit again this season."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Families camping with both children and horses can find activities to satisfy everyone. Keri shares about The Villages at Turning Stone, "Sites are spacious, lots to do for kids, facilities are new and clean."

Safety precautions: When bringing children to equestrian campgrounds near Oneida, ensure adequate supervision around both horses and water features. Matt A. notes about dispersed camping, "There are official camp spots with water access which are also free to use."

Educational opportunities: The forest environments provide learning experiences about local ecology. Cameron explains, "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."

Tips from RVers

Access considerations: RVers with horse trailers should assess road conditions before arrival. Jen O. shares about The Villages, "The campground was beautiful and easy to get in and out of. The sites were level and great size with nice spacing in between."

Hookup availability: Full hookups simplify extended stays with horses. Frank M. notes, "We had no problem getting a nice paved spot for our 34' class A, and they even provided a small treat for our Schnauzer."

Storage options: For multi-day trail riding excursions, secure equipment storage is essential. Russel M. mentions, "Turning Stone has lovely locations and is kept up nicely. Every fully equipped site, with complete shade or full sun."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Oneida, NY is The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone with a 4.9-star rating from 11 reviews.

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