Cherry Ridge Campground

For New Yorkers, the allure of the outdoors is undeniable. From the majestic Adirondacks to the serene Finger Lakes, our state offers a vast playground for those looking to escape the urban hustle and reconnect with nature. While many campgrounds come with a fee, there are hidden gems across the state that offer a more rustic, often free, camping experience. One such gem that has garnered positive attention for its natural beauty and straightforward approach to outdoor recreation is Cherry Ridge Campground in West Edmeston, NY.

Cherry Ridge Campground is a testament to the simple joys of camping. Unlike many commercial campgrounds with extensive amenities and organized activities, Cherry Ridge embraces a more primitive, "just show up, sign the registry, pick your site and set up your tent or camper" philosophy. This approach appeals to seasoned campers and those seeking an authentic outdoor adventure, where the focus is on the natural surroundings and the camaraderie of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a place where the weather won't get you down, as one reviewer aptly put it, describing a memorable night under the stars despite the elements.

Operating within the Charles E. Baker State Forest, Cherry Ridge Campground provides a true wilderness feel, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the tranquility of New York's beautiful landscapes. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's an opportunity to experience the quiet majesty of nature, enjoy campfires under starlit skies, and create lasting memories without the typical costs associated with a camping trip. For New Yorkers eager to explore our state's natural treasures on a budget, Cherry Ridge Campground represents an excellent, gold-standard option for free camping.

Cherry Ridge Campground is nestled within the beautiful Charles E. Baker State Forest, located in West Edmeston, NY 13485, USA. This placement in Central New York offers a prime location for residents across the state, providing an accessible escape into a natural, forested environment.

West Edmeston is a hamlet in Otsego County, a region known for its rolling hills, agricultural landscapes, and proximity to larger towns like Oneonta and Cooperstown. The campground's address within Charles E. Baker State Forest indicates that access is primarily via forest roads, often gravel. Reviews confirm that the "road in is Gravel" but is "Easy to find off a good dirt/gravel rd." This suggests that while it's a more rustic access, it's generally manageable for vehicles, including RVs up to 25 feet.

The Charles E. Baker State Forest itself is a significant draw, encompassing a vast network of recreational trails open for various activities, including hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking. For those with disabilities, specific trails are open for ATV use by permit only, and accessible portable toilets and a mounting platform are available at the Moscow Hill Assembly and Camping Area, which is part of the larger trail system that includes Cherry Ridge.

While the campground offers a feeling of seclusion, its location in Central New York means it's within a reasonable driving distance for many major population centers in the state, making it a viable option for a weekend getaway or a longer outdoor adventure without extensive travel. The rustic nature of the roads contributes to the authentic camping experience, allowing visitors to truly feel immersed in the wilderness.

Cherry Ridge Campground operates as a primitive, free camping area within a state forest, meaning its services are focused on essential amenities rather than extensive recreational facilities found at commercial campgrounds. The aim is to provide a natural camping experience with basic necessities. Based on public data and user reviews, here are the services typically offered:

• Designated Campsites: The campground offers 9 well-defined, large, and fairly level campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, often with a cooking grid, providing the basic infrastructure for a comfortable camp setup. Sites are spaced nicely for privacy.
• Potable Water: There is "potable water from a hand pump" available at the campground, specifically "by site #1." However, a review notes that the "well at the entrance to the camping area seemed to have run dry," and another mentions that obtaining water "requires EFFORT," suggesting potential inconsistencies or physical exertion may be needed.
• Restroom Facilities: The campground provides "2 well maintained potro potties," with one specifically noted as being handicap accessible. These are typically basic, unheated vault toilets.
• Free Camping: A significant service highlight is that camping at Cherry Ridge is entirely free. While a permit is required for stays longer than 3 nights (up to 2 weeks), the absence of nightly fees makes it a highly attractive option for budget-conscious campers.
• Self-Check-in/Registry: The process is simple: "Just show up, sign the registry," indicating a self-service check-in system.
• Firewood Availability: Reviews suggest "plenty of firewood" is available, likely from fallen trees within the forest, though visitors typically source and process their own.
• Cellular Service: Although primitive, some cellular service is available, with Verizon 4G/LTE noted as being "usable." This allows for some connectivity if needed, despite the remote feel.
• Activities Facilitated: While not "services" in the traditional sense, the park's setting naturally facilitates activities like biking, hiking, horseback riding, and hunting.

It's important to note that, as a primitive site, Cherry Ridge does not offer amenities like showers, flush toilets, electricity at sites, or on-site staff for immediate assistance. Visitors should be prepared for a self-sufficient camping experience.

Cherry Ridge Campground, though rustic, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a favorite among New York campers seeking an authentic outdoor experience:

• Free Camping: This is arguably the biggest highlight. The ability to enjoy quality campsites without a nightly fee makes it incredibly accessible and budget-friendly for all New Yorkers.
• Rustic & Primitive Feel: For those who love true wilderness camping, Cherry Ridge delivers. It's not overly developed, allowing campers to truly immerse themselves in nature, listen to "rivers running through our campsite," and enjoy unspoiled views of the "moon and the stars."
• Spacious & Private Sites: Reviews mention "nine good sites" that are "very large" and "spaced very nicely for privacy." Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grid, enhancing the camping experience.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Located within Charles E. Baker State Forest, the campground boasts a serene environment with ample opportunities for wildlife observation and enjoying the sounds of nature.
• Well-Maintained Portable Toilets: Despite being "potro potties," they are described as "well maintained," and one is handicap accessible, which is a significant plus for a free, primitive site.
• Potable Water Source: The availability of a hand pump for potable water, even if it requires effort, is a crucial amenity for primitive camping, saving campers from having to carry in all their water.
• Extensive Trail System Access: Being part of Charles E. Baker State Forest means direct access to 100 miles of connected trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more, offering endless exploration.
• Friendly for Both Tents and Small RVs: The campground accommodates both tent camping and RVs up to 25 feet, making it versatile for different camping styles.
• Opportunity for Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the campground provides a fantastic opportunity for viewing the night sky, as one reviewer noted, enjoying a "beautiful view of the moon and the stars."

These features collectively offer a genuine and memorable outdoor adventure for those prepared for a more rugged camping experience.

As a free campground operating within a New York State Forest, Cherry Ridge Campground does not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Its primary "offer" is the provision of free camping. The value it provides comes from its accessibility and the natural amenities it offers without a fee.

However, the following aspects could be considered as inherent benefits or "offers" for New York locals:

• Cost-Free Camping: The most significant "promotion" is the complete absence of nightly fees for camping. This makes outdoor recreation highly accessible and affordable for everyone.
• Extended Stay Option: While basic stays are "just show up," campers can obtain a free permit to extend their stay for up to two weeks, allowing for longer, more immersive trips without additional cost.
• Year-Round Access to Forest Trails: Although the campground itself is open seasonally (typically May 1 - December 1), the surrounding Charles E. Baker State Forest trails are generally accessible year-round for activities like hiking and snowshoeing, offering continuous recreational opportunities.
• Educational Opportunities: While not a direct promotion, state forests often provide educational signage or opportunities to learn about local flora, fauna, and forest management, enriching the camping experience.

Visitors interested in Cherry Ridge Campground should focus on appreciating its inherent value as a free, state-maintained outdoor recreation site rather than seeking commercial discounts. The real "special offer" is the chance to experience New York's natural beauty without breaking the bank.

As a primitive campground managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) within Charles E. Baker State Forest, direct contact information for Cherry Ridge Campground specifically is not typically a dedicated phone number or email for reservations or daily operations in the way a commercial campground would have. The management of these types of sites falls under the broader purview of the NYSDEC regional offices responsible for the state forest.

For general inquiries about Charles E. Baker State Forest, including regulations, trail conditions, or information about primitive camping areas like Cherry Ridge, New York locals should contact the relevant NYSDEC regional office.

Address for Charles E. Baker State Forest (which contains Cherry Ridge Campground): West Edmeston, NY 13485, USA

Relevant NYSDEC Contact Information (for Charles E. Baker State Forest):

NYSDEC Region 7 Sherburne Sub-office

2715 State Hwy 80

Sherburne, NY 13460

Phone: (607) 674-4017

It is important to note that specific inquiries about site availability on a day-to-day basis at a first-come, first-served free campground like Cherry Ridge are best handled by simply arriving. For questions about permits for extended stays (over 3 nights) or general forest rules, the NYSDEC phone number is the appropriate contact.

For New Yorkers who cherish the authentic outdoor experience and seek an affordable, no-frills escape into nature, Cherry Ridge Campground in West Edmeston is an ideal destination. Its status as a free, primitive campground within the expansive Charles E. Baker State Forest immediately sets it apart, offering a refreshing alternative to more commercialized sites. This allows local residents to enjoy the beauty of our state's wilderness without the financial barrier often associated with camping trips.

The campground's rustic charm, characterized by spacious, private sites, well-maintained portable toilets, and a potable water source (even if it requires some effort), caters to those who are prepared for self-sufficient camping. It's a place where you can truly disconnect, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy stunning views of the night sky, as highlighted by satisfied campers. Furthermore, the extensive network of multi-use trails within Charles E. Baker State Forest provides endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, ensuring that outdoor enthusiasts will always find an adventure. For New Yorkers looking to rekindle their love for the outdoors, create lasting memories around a campfire, and experience the simple, profound beauty of our state's natural landscapes, Cherry Ridge Campground offers a truly gold-standard, accessible, and unforgettable camping experience.

Cherry Ridge Campground

West Edmeston, NY 13485, USA