Norwich's equestrian camping areas sit within rolling terrain at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. The region contains extensive trail networks through hardwood forests and open meadows, with several dedicated horse campgrounds near Norwich offering varied terrain for riders. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Trail riding access: Charles E. Baker State Forest provides "miles of trails" through wooded terrain perfect for horseback riding. One camper notes the "beautiful forest with miles of trails" making it ideal for extended riding excursions.
Fishing opportunities: The area offers multiple water access points for anglers. At Bear Spring Mountain, visitors can "rent a paddle boat or kayak to go out on the water" with good fishing in Launt Pond. Another camper mentions "water access at a lovely nearby pond" at Charles E. Baker State Forest.
Hiking routes: For non-equestrian activities, Bear Spring Mountain features a "hiking loop that goes around the pond" with moderate terrain suitable for most experience levels. A visitor mentions "endless hiking and beautiful streams" throughout the area's trail system.
What campers like
Privacy and spacing: The Villages RV Park receives praise for its "sites were level and great size with nice spacing in between." Another reviewer noted "we never felt crowded" despite the campground being nearly full during their stay.
Water sources: Natural water quality stands out to visitors at Bear Spring Mountain, where one camper mentioned "you can drink straight from the pipes!" This reflects the pristine water sources available in the region's campgrounds.
Budget-friendly options: Charles E. Baker State Forest offers completely free camping options. A visitor reports, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Many horse campgrounds near Norwich have limited seasonal availability. Bear Spring Mountain operates only from "mid May-late August," requiring advance planning for summer visits.
Primitive conditions: At some locations, facilities are minimal. Charles E. Baker State Forest has "no toilets" and while there are designated sites, one camper noted "some litter, not too bad" and mentioned that "the best free sites have water pumps and vault toilets."
Variable terrain: Access roads to some campsites require appropriate vehicles. One visitor to Charles E. Baker mentions "access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road" which may affect accessibility during wet weather.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Family-friendly facilities vary between locations. The Villages RV Park offers "a pool, playground, hiking trail, fishing pond, paddleboat rentals" all within the campground property.
Wildlife viewing: The area provides natural educational opportunities, with one camper at Bear Spring Mountain noting "lots of wildlife!" Families should follow "bear rules" as mentioned by another visitor.
Activity options: When camping with children, consider sites with diverse activities. One family mentioned "brought bikes but the roads were way too steep" at Bear Spring Mountain, suggesting researching terrain before planning activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: While many campgrounds offer primitive sites only, The Villages RV Park provides "all sites are full hookups" with most sites featuring paved pads. One RVer describes it as "definitely geared towards the RV or trailer crowd."
Site selection considerations: Some campgrounds have specific areas that may affect the camping experience. At Bear Spring Mountain, a visitor notes "there are two areas for camping, check out both though one smells kind of like a barn" due to the equestrian facilities.
Bathhouse access: For RVers not using onboard facilities, consider proximity to amenities. One camper mentions at The Villages that "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."
