The best camping near Utica with horseback riding

·

Just 35 miles south of the Adirondacks, this small city is a gateway to central New York. With lakes, marshes, and the Erie Canal, Utica is fascinating for urban adventurers and families alike.

The Erie Canal hasn't run directly through Utica for nearly a century. Today, the paved-over waterway is the 13.5-mile Canalway Trail. The flat terrain makes for easy biking. The trail passes the Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area, a nice spot for nature walks and birding.

The Mohawk River is also here, offering a watery view of the shore's shuttered factories and wildlife. To launch, take your canoe to Harbor Road near Genesee Street in Utica. You can also hop aboard an Erie Canal tour boat, with options from group kayaks to house boats. The guides are a great source of Erie history and can explain finer points like the canal's antique locks.

Kayakers can pitch tent at Lock 20 in Marcy, NY. The facilities have bathrooms and water, but the first-come, first-serve camping is quite small, so try to arrive early.

In nearby Rome, Delta Lake State Park sits on a peninsula jutting into the Delta Reservoir. A popular spot for fishing, the park has a boat launch and a sandy beach with lifeguards during the summer. The camp has spacious sites, some on the waterfront, and each comes with a picnic table and fire ring. The wooded grounds here are relatively flat, making for easy walking along the trails.

Pixley Falls State Park is a short drive from Delta Lake. The star of the park is the 50-foot tall waterfall. A hiking trail follows the streams uphill for deeper exploration.

The private campgrounds in the Adirondack foothills are great if you want a summer camp vibe. Close to Utica, these camps range from rustic cabins to RV parks and resorts. Several offer extras such as fishing ponds and swimming pools, plus amenities like Wi-Fi and laundry.

Utica is well-situated for day trips, with Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes both about 80 miles away. Less than an hour away, the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is a must-see for sports fans.

100% (120)

Top-rated campgrounds near Utica

1. Trailside Ranch Cabin Rentals

94%
(35)
43mi from Utica · 6 sites · Lodging
YOUR CABIN IS WAITING FOR YOU! TRAILSIDERANCH IS OPEN YEAR-ROUND. This family friendly 10 acre off the grid ranch is located inside the Adirondack Park. We are at the end of Partridgeville Road and the beginning of Paradise in beautiful Brantingham NY Trailside Ranch is surrounded by the pristine 76,000-acre Independence River Wild Forest Preserve. It is linked to 65 miles of Horse trails, hundreds of miles of Snowmobile trails and to the nearly 600 miles of ATV trails. If you are looking for the full wilderness experience, you can hike right from your cabin! We also offer on-site snowmobile rentals in the winter and S x S rentals in the summer. You can hire our local guide to explore the area or if you are comfortable with a map and directions, we can give you details of some amazing scenery to see. Ask us about our rentals if you are interested in this adventure. Your time here will be something your entire family will remember for a lifetime.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$190
 / night

2. Bramble Hill

100%
(48)
42mi from Utica · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Bramble Hill is situated in beautiful Central New York just off Route 20- Cherry Valley Turnpike and between the quaint villages of Cazenovia and Skaneateles. Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard is a 20 minute drive for after concert camping. Our close proximity to Syracuse and Ithaca is convenient for our guests. Please google map the address vs using the Hipcamp directions. We lease some of our property to local farmers but otherwise the land is in a relatively natural state. We enjoy the blue birds and other wildlife, our gardens and the views, and hope you will too! Bramble Hill is also available for family and wedding related photo shoots and you'll see some of these photos that showcase the property. Please note that photos are from over the years and changes may have occurred. Feel free to ask questions about the site. Pitch your tent on a quiet hillside overlooking the majestic green hills of CNY.  After a day on trails, paddling, swimming, antiquing or taking in the quaint nearby villages or a local concert, return to your own private sanctuary with spectacular sunsets and gentle breezes to lull you to sleep.  If you are looking for a place to unwind, unplug, relax and connect with nature, you have found the place. We love to see your photos of your campsite.  Please feel free to post!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

7. Horses & Nature Extravaganza!

100%
(19)
39mi from Utica · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
New Babies! Nature! 30+ Bird species! 20+ Mammal species! 10+Reptile & Amphibian species! NEWS!!! We have babies! You can get some supervised play time with our newest babies! Two babies, the horses are there to greet you when you camp and when you get up in the morning. Walk our trails, see wildlife! I acquired my farm ahead of the "end of the world" millennial crisis; I want to share it with nature lovers who appreciate it as well; and love animals like I do! We will have foals this year to interact with supervision! We have a turtle sanctuary, & have taken in many homeless critters &; animals 4 legged, some 2 legged. We also have occasional other worldly visitors, completely benevolent, and a lot of wildlife that call our little mountaintop oasis home. Come! See for yourself! We have lots of nearby activities the whole family can enjoy! Ball parks, specialty breweries, 4 star restaurants, lakes Learn more about this land: Enjoy the wildlife & the domestic life! You can have input about what part you want to camp in, but there is a turtle safety zone; and we know where the quick sand is, and would rather you didn't sink out of sight! We have a hill top view or the serenity of a water fall site (as long as there isn't a drought) or the sweet smell of hemlock & pine! Shade & trees. Feel like you're in the Wild West with herds of horses, cows, goats ; wildlife visiting your campsite! We have a canoe w a small pond & bullhead fishing, wagon rides, pony rides, and eventually trails for horse back riding. Eventually we will install cabins with lean-tos to bring your own horse with you! If you have a dog? Ask if it is welcome, not all dogs are, due to safety issues with the livestock and birds. We can provide a barbeque pit, for cooking. Depending on the time of year there is fresh produce as well!   Why go thousands of miles to walk with the (almost!) mustangs !!! You can have the experience right here in NY!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

8. R & B Acres

100%
(14)
14mi from Utica · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Let Renee and Bill welcome you to the beautiful Mohawk Valley on 10+ acres surrounded by farms, with spectacular views of the Adirondack foothills. Camp open field, pine grove or secluded, private orchard setting. Only 1 1/2 miles from the Herkimer Diamond Mines. 9 miles to the amazing Erie Canal cruise. Secluded, but less than a mile to Stewart's shop for essentials, and 8 miles to major shopping. Close to state parks, biking and hiking trails. Dogs welcome with an additional $10 fee. Firewood sales, generator and tent rentals. Additionally, we have a deluxe equipped pop-up camper available for rent with electricity and running water in the pine grove. We are welcoming to LGBTQ+ campers, all ethnicities, religions, live acoustic music and 420 friendly in private sites. From inexperienced campers who might need assistance to experienced campers who just want seclusion, this is the place to be!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night

9. Williams Corners

100%
(23)
26mi from Utica · 2 sites · RVs
We are a family that travels in our RV fulltime and have created this private oasis for travelers to unwind. This location is in a quiet area in the rolling hills of Morrisville. Our property is a rolling hill with views from the top and a pond and flat area at the bottom, we don't actively mow the hill and large field area, the camping area is mowed. We are 5-10 minutes from a couple of small lakes for boating and fishing and 15 minutes from larger Cazenovia lake. We are also close to Delphi falls that has hiking and a really nice waterfall to visit and walk in. There are other local parks and hiking in the area for things to do. We are only 5 minutes out of Morrisville and 15 minutes to the town of Cazenovia and Hamilton (weekend farmers markets). There are plenty of places to visit that are close including local wineries and 3 casinos within 30 minutes. Some day trip attractions: Eaton Reservoir- paddling less than 10 min away Cazenovia Lake - swimming, paddling 15 min away Chittenango Falls - hiking 20 min away Green Lakes State park - swimming, paddling, hiking 30 min away Rexford Falls - hiking 30 min away The Wild Animal Park - Zoo with safari 30 min away Jamesville Beach Park - swimming, paddling 35 min away Tinker Falls - hiking 35 min away Pixley Falls - hiking 1 hr away Carpenter Falls - hiking 1hr away Fillmore Glen State Park - waterfall, hiking approx 1 hr away Ithaca gorges and waterfalls 1 hr 30-1 hr 45 minutes away Corning Glass and Watkins Glen 2 hrs away Howe Caverns 1 hr 30 hrs away Old Forge and Enchanted Water Safari 1 hr 30 hrs away NY City 4 hr 30 hrs away
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$41
 / night

11. Summer Fun In Cooperstown

100%
(4)
32mi from Utica · 1 site · Lodging
Nestled in a serene valley along Red Creek in Cooperstown, NY, a mere 2.5 miles from the Baseball Hall of Fame and Lake Otsego, our accommodation offers a truly unique experience. Picture a private cabin in the woods – only, in this case, it's a safari-style tent, providing an intimate connection with nature. Our Red Creek Hideaway is not just a place to stay; it's a haven where comfort, convenience, and the great outdoors seamlessly come together. Enjoy the luxury of private access to beautiful Red Creek, creating the perfect backdrop for relaxation, exploration, swimming, or fishing. The safari-style tent is so well-appointed and stocked with amenities that you may find it tempting to extend your stay throughout the summer. All the necessary equipment and glamping amenities are thoughtfully provided, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable experience. For a detailed list of amenities and to discover more about the unique offerings of our Red Creek Hideaway, visit www.redcreekhideaway. Immerse yourself in a getaway that combines the charm of a private cabin in the woods with the comforts of modern glamping. Your escape to nature begins here.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$136
 / night

13. Ever After Farms NY, LLC

42mi from Utica · 2 sites · Lodging
Welcome to Ever After Farms Glamping Retreats. Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary on our 25 acres of the lush outdoors. Nurture yourself in nature’s haven with Ever After Farms Glamping Retreats. Our luxury glamping experiences brings you closer to nature and serenity, without sacrificing comfort or style. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, Ever After Farms offers unforgettable glamping accommodations nestled in the Hills of Oneonta, known as The City of the Hills, with some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes. And for you leaf peepers, the season is about to begin with some of the most spectacular colors in the country! Indulge in the ultimate blend of comfort and adventure with our handpicked selection of glamping accommodations. Relax in one of our hammocks, enjoying the serenity of nature amidst the tranquility of the mountains and pristine air, while listening to a babbling brook or stargazing under the clear night sky, or find your sanctuary in the heart of the forest, surrounded by towering evergreen trees and the soothing sounds of nature. Stroll through our 25 acres of property while enjoying a panoramic view of the mountainous terrain with apple trees, a small vineyard, and a you-pick blueberry and black berry farm. Grab a basket and pick some blueberries, blackberries, apples and some beautiful flowers. You can also enjoy a warm and cozy campfire to warm your evenings. Or make your trip an experiential time and help with planting, harvesting and farming. If you enjoy bird watching, be sure to bring your binoculars and camera. You may see bald eagles, golden eagles, hawks, pheasant, humming birds, wood peckers, ruffed grouse, along with wild turkey, deer, fox, and other wildlife. One of our guests described this as a “little piece of heaven”! We offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, helping to create cherished memories for years to come but close enough to the “real world”. We are 8 minutes away from Cooperstown Allstar Park and 20 minutes away from Cooperstown Dream Park and the Cooperstown Hall of Fame! We are also just minutes away from Oneonta Country Club for you avid golfers and minutes away from Gilbert State Park which offers swimming, fishing, boat rentals and 12 miles of hiking. Ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and create unforgettable memories? Contact us now to book your glamping getaway, and experiential glamping vacation.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$165
 / night

Just 35 miles south of the Adirondacks, this small city is a gateway to central New York. With lakes, marshes, and the Erie Canal, Utica is fascinating for urban adventurers and families alike.

The Erie Canal hasn't run directly through Utica for nearly a century. Today, the paved-over waterway is the 13.5-mile Canalway Trail. The flat terrain makes for easy biking. The trail passes the Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area, a nice spot for nature walks and birding.

The Mohawk River is also here, offering a watery view of the shore's shuttered factories and wildlife. To launch, take your canoe to Harbor Road near Genesee Street in Utica. You can also hop aboard an Erie Canal tour boat, with options from group kayaks to house boats. The guides are a great source of Erie history and can explain finer points like the canal's antique locks.

Kayakers can pitch tent at Lock 20 in Marcy, NY. The facilities have bathrooms and water, but the first-come, first-serve camping is quite small, so try to arrive early.

In nearby Rome, Delta Lake State Park sits on a peninsula jutting into the Delta Reservoir. A popular spot for fishing, the park has a boat launch and a sandy beach with lifeguards during the summer. The camp has spacious sites, some on the waterfront, and each comes with a picnic table and fire ring. The wooded grounds here are relatively flat, making for easy walking along the trails.

Pixley Falls State Park is a short drive from Delta Lake. The star of the park is the 50-foot tall waterfall. A hiking trail follows the streams uphill for deeper exploration.

The private campgrounds in the Adirondack foothills are great if you want a summer camp vibe. Close to Utica, these camps range from rustic cabins to RV parks and resorts. Several offer extras such as fishing ponds and swimming pools, plus amenities like Wi-Fi and laundry.

Utica is well-situated for day trips, with Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes both about 80 miles away. Less than an hour away, the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is a must-see for sports fans.

100% (120)

Top-rated campgrounds near Utica

1. Trailside Ranch Cabin Rentals

94%
(35)
43mi from Utica · 6 sites · Lodging
YOUR CABIN IS WAITING FOR YOU! TRAILSIDERANCH IS OPEN YEAR-ROUND. This family friendly 10 acre off the grid ranch is located inside the Adirondack Park. We are at the end of Partridgeville Road and the beginning of Paradise in beautiful Brantingham NY Trailside Ranch is surrounded by the pristine 76,000-acre Independence River Wild Forest Preserve. It is linked to 65 miles of Horse trails, hundreds of miles of Snowmobile trails and to the nearly 600 miles of ATV trails. If you are looking for the full wilderness experience, you can hike right from your cabin! We also offer on-site snowmobile rentals in the winter and S x S rentals in the summer. You can hire our local guide to explore the area or if you are comfortable with a map and directions, we can give you details of some amazing scenery to see. Ask us about our rentals if you are interested in this adventure. Your time here will be something your entire family will remember for a lifetime.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$190
 / night

2. Bramble Hill

100%
(48)
42mi from Utica · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Bramble Hill is situated in beautiful Central New York just off Route 20- Cherry Valley Turnpike and between the quaint villages of Cazenovia and Skaneateles. Beak and Skiff Apple Orchard is a 20 minute drive for after concert camping. Our close proximity to Syracuse and Ithaca is convenient for our guests. Please google map the address vs using the Hipcamp directions. We lease some of our property to local farmers but otherwise the land is in a relatively natural state. We enjoy the blue birds and other wildlife, our gardens and the views, and hope you will too! Bramble Hill is also available for family and wedding related photo shoots and you'll see some of these photos that showcase the property. Please note that photos are from over the years and changes may have occurred. Feel free to ask questions about the site. Pitch your tent on a quiet hillside overlooking the majestic green hills of CNY.  After a day on trails, paddling, swimming, antiquing or taking in the quaint nearby villages or a local concert, return to your own private sanctuary with spectacular sunsets and gentle breezes to lull you to sleep.  If you are looking for a place to unwind, unplug, relax and connect with nature, you have found the place. We love to see your photos of your campsite.  Please feel free to post!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

7. Horses & Nature Extravaganza!

100%
(19)
39mi from Utica · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
New Babies! Nature! 30+ Bird species! 20+ Mammal species! 10+Reptile & Amphibian species! NEWS!!! We have babies! You can get some supervised play time with our newest babies! Two babies, the horses are there to greet you when you camp and when you get up in the morning. Walk our trails, see wildlife! I acquired my farm ahead of the "end of the world" millennial crisis; I want to share it with nature lovers who appreciate it as well; and love animals like I do! We will have foals this year to interact with supervision! We have a turtle sanctuary, & have taken in many homeless critters &; animals 4 legged, some 2 legged. We also have occasional other worldly visitors, completely benevolent, and a lot of wildlife that call our little mountaintop oasis home. Come! See for yourself! We have lots of nearby activities the whole family can enjoy! Ball parks, specialty breweries, 4 star restaurants, lakes Learn more about this land: Enjoy the wildlife & the domestic life! You can have input about what part you want to camp in, but there is a turtle safety zone; and we know where the quick sand is, and would rather you didn't sink out of sight! We have a hill top view or the serenity of a water fall site (as long as there isn't a drought) or the sweet smell of hemlock & pine! Shade & trees. Feel like you're in the Wild West with herds of horses, cows, goats ; wildlife visiting your campsite! We have a canoe w a small pond & bullhead fishing, wagon rides, pony rides, and eventually trails for horse back riding. Eventually we will install cabins with lean-tos to bring your own horse with you! If you have a dog? Ask if it is welcome, not all dogs are, due to safety issues with the livestock and birds. We can provide a barbeque pit, for cooking. Depending on the time of year there is fresh produce as well!   Why go thousands of miles to walk with the (almost!) mustangs !!! You can have the experience right here in NY!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

8. R & B Acres

100%
(14)
14mi from Utica · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Let Renee and Bill welcome you to the beautiful Mohawk Valley on 10+ acres surrounded by farms, with spectacular views of the Adirondack foothills. Camp open field, pine grove or secluded, private orchard setting. Only 1 1/2 miles from the Herkimer Diamond Mines. 9 miles to the amazing Erie Canal cruise. Secluded, but less than a mile to Stewart's shop for essentials, and 8 miles to major shopping. Close to state parks, biking and hiking trails. Dogs welcome with an additional $10 fee. Firewood sales, generator and tent rentals. Additionally, we have a deluxe equipped pop-up camper available for rent with electricity and running water in the pine grove. We are welcoming to LGBTQ+ campers, all ethnicities, religions, live acoustic music and 420 friendly in private sites. From inexperienced campers who might need assistance to experienced campers who just want seclusion, this is the place to be!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night

9. Williams Corners

100%
(23)
26mi from Utica · 2 sites · RVs
We are a family that travels in our RV fulltime and have created this private oasis for travelers to unwind. This location is in a quiet area in the rolling hills of Morrisville. Our property is a rolling hill with views from the top and a pond and flat area at the bottom, we don't actively mow the hill and large field area, the camping area is mowed. We are 5-10 minutes from a couple of small lakes for boating and fishing and 15 minutes from larger Cazenovia lake. We are also close to Delphi falls that has hiking and a really nice waterfall to visit and walk in. There are other local parks and hiking in the area for things to do. We are only 5 minutes out of Morrisville and 15 minutes to the town of Cazenovia and Hamilton (weekend farmers markets). There are plenty of places to visit that are close including local wineries and 3 casinos within 30 minutes. Some day trip attractions: Eaton Reservoir- paddling less than 10 min away Cazenovia Lake - swimming, paddling 15 min away Chittenango Falls - hiking 20 min away Green Lakes State park - swimming, paddling, hiking 30 min away Rexford Falls - hiking 30 min away The Wild Animal Park - Zoo with safari 30 min away Jamesville Beach Park - swimming, paddling 35 min away Tinker Falls - hiking 35 min away Pixley Falls - hiking 1 hr away Carpenter Falls - hiking 1hr away Fillmore Glen State Park - waterfall, hiking approx 1 hr away Ithaca gorges and waterfalls 1 hr 30-1 hr 45 minutes away Corning Glass and Watkins Glen 2 hrs away Howe Caverns 1 hr 30 hrs away Old Forge and Enchanted Water Safari 1 hr 30 hrs away NY City 4 hr 30 hrs away
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$41
 / night

11. Summer Fun In Cooperstown

100%
(4)
32mi from Utica · 1 site · Lodging
Nestled in a serene valley along Red Creek in Cooperstown, NY, a mere 2.5 miles from the Baseball Hall of Fame and Lake Otsego, our accommodation offers a truly unique experience. Picture a private cabin in the woods – only, in this case, it's a safari-style tent, providing an intimate connection with nature. Our Red Creek Hideaway is not just a place to stay; it's a haven where comfort, convenience, and the great outdoors seamlessly come together. Enjoy the luxury of private access to beautiful Red Creek, creating the perfect backdrop for relaxation, exploration, swimming, or fishing. The safari-style tent is so well-appointed and stocked with amenities that you may find it tempting to extend your stay throughout the summer. All the necessary equipment and glamping amenities are thoughtfully provided, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable experience. For a detailed list of amenities and to discover more about the unique offerings of our Red Creek Hideaway, visit www.redcreekhideaway. Immerse yourself in a getaway that combines the charm of a private cabin in the woods with the comforts of modern glamping. Your escape to nature begins here.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$136
 / night

13. Ever After Farms NY, LLC

42mi from Utica · 2 sites · Lodging
Welcome to Ever After Farms Glamping Retreats. Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary on our 25 acres of the lush outdoors. Nurture yourself in nature’s haven with Ever After Farms Glamping Retreats. Our luxury glamping experiences brings you closer to nature and serenity, without sacrificing comfort or style. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo retreat, Ever After Farms offers unforgettable glamping accommodations nestled in the Hills of Oneonta, known as The City of the Hills, with some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes. And for you leaf peepers, the season is about to begin with some of the most spectacular colors in the country! Indulge in the ultimate blend of comfort and adventure with our handpicked selection of glamping accommodations. Relax in one of our hammocks, enjoying the serenity of nature amidst the tranquility of the mountains and pristine air, while listening to a babbling brook or stargazing under the clear night sky, or find your sanctuary in the heart of the forest, surrounded by towering evergreen trees and the soothing sounds of nature. Stroll through our 25 acres of property while enjoying a panoramic view of the mountainous terrain with apple trees, a small vineyard, and a you-pick blueberry and black berry farm. Grab a basket and pick some blueberries, blackberries, apples and some beautiful flowers. You can also enjoy a warm and cozy campfire to warm your evenings. Or make your trip an experiential time and help with planting, harvesting and farming. If you enjoy bird watching, be sure to bring your binoculars and camera. You may see bald eagles, golden eagles, hawks, pheasant, humming birds, wood peckers, ruffed grouse, along with wild turkey, deer, fox, and other wildlife. One of our guests described this as a “little piece of heaven”! We offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, helping to create cherished memories for years to come but close enough to the “real world”. We are 8 minutes away from Cooperstown Allstar Park and 20 minutes away from Cooperstown Dream Park and the Cooperstown Hall of Fame! We are also just minutes away from Oneonta Country Club for you avid golfers and minutes away from Gilbert State Park which offers swimming, fishing, boat rentals and 12 miles of hiking. Ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and create unforgettable memories? Contact us now to book your glamping getaway, and experiential glamping vacation.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$165
 / night

Camper favorites near Utica

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field