The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

This was, by far, one of the nicest commercial campgrounds we've stayed at. While it is pricey, the campground offers a lot for the cost.

Site spacing is variable depending on which loop you are in. There is decent site separation for just about all of them, but some are a bit better than others. There are plenty of trees throughout the campground and many of the sites back up to wooded areas, improving the situation greatly. We lucked out with no neighbor on one side for our entire visit, but even with neighbors on both sides, I think we would have been happy to sit outside and enjoy all the green.

For purposes of interesting things to do, the location is just so-so. You're kind of in the middle-of-nowhere New York. On the other hand, in the middle-of-nowhere New York, there aren't many good options for RV camping right off the highway, so this place fills a crucial need. The RV park is owned and operated by a rather large and modern casino. We did not visit, but I imagine it could provide entertainment for some folks and there is plenty to do at the park itself. It's a good spot to stop along I-90, and a good spot for some R&R, it's just not a place with access to a lot of sightseeing options.

Overall, we were really impressed with this park. The property was very beautiful with rolling green lawns, ponds, nice walking trails, and pretty landscaping. Additionally, there is plenty to do with tennis courts, a volleyball court, playgrounds, and pools, all of which are well maintained.

We'd definitely stay here again if traveling through the area.

We stayed 5 nights from end of Sept into early Oct. Site 121 is in first loop so close to common buildings, easy short walk to pick up the 24/7 on demand shuttle that you summon with a quick cell phone call (I put their # in my contact list right away labeled for quick reference). Shuttle drivers were all friendly, you can tip a buck if you want but i did not always do that. They are on the clock. I was attending a conference at the Turning Stone Casino (1/2 mile down road) also owned by the Oneida Indian Nation. It was perfect! My husband came along this time and did day trip to Camping World in Syracuse (about 40 mi away) and we attended the RV Show in Syracuse at the NYS Fair Grounds (disappointing, no vendors selling gear).

Campground staff was very professional and friendly. Lawn care was well done and even late in season the flower beds, etc. still looked nice. Booking using their online map allowed me to select a site, but you do have to phone them to make the actual reservation. They offer discounts for Good Sam and for AAA. That brought our rate at this time of year down to $39.95 including all taxes, etc. Normally I have attended by myself and stayed in casino hotel. PS the Casino does have a golf course, a few shops (not great) lots of onsite restaurants and a few bars/nite clubs so the shuttle is great for that too--no driving needed! Camping was so much nicer---great to snuggle in my bathrobe in front of the campfire after a long day in windowless classrooms!

All roads around loops and park are nicely paved and maintained. our Campsite itself was paved, with some gravel bumpout skirting added outside of pavement to line up for your awning and/or carpet to go over top. Sites are well spaced especially the back in ones on outer edge of loop. Pull throughs in center are a little too "stacked" for our liking plus we liked backing up to the small pond for privacy. Back in sites are a little short and with our combined length of about 50 ' with trailer and vehicle we had to park our 3/4 ton P-up perpendicular at end of our campsite pavement once unhitched. Campfire grill/ring was the nicest we have ever seen-check out the photo! Adjustable grate for cooking and large enough to do a decent fire and in really good condition. Each site has a picnic bench and while a small feature it is the type made with metal frame and wood seat/table. this makes if FAR easier to get in and out without having to hoist your leg over the X sawbuck type ends. I believe all sites are fHU and we had cable. Evidently some even have land line hook ups but they are limited and you have to ask which ones if you need that. we did not. Internet was decent with at least 3-4 bars with Verizon all the time. Cable TV was ok but limited channels for sure. We did not try the WIFI because we have unlimited 4G plan but we did see a lot of boosters on poles around the various loops. There are at least four or five loops with 20-30 sites each.

We STRONGLY recommend going into Loop 1 and site 121 if you can. This is the loop that is close to the pool area, main lodge and many sites along the small pond (which could use some cleaning out of duck weed, etc) Oh yeah and on this pond you can rent pink paddle boats at $3.50 per hour and pedal around the small pond. Kids might like, adults will be bored. For kids they do have a nice, large playground near main lodge.

Main lodge laundry, camp store and meeting room/tv room were excellent. Store was decently stocked, laundry was spotless and well equiped even with an iron and ironing board. Washing machine was $1 per, dryer was $1.50 for 20 min. i believe.

Meeting room could be great for group meetings or socials. TV in there too but that could really be larger. Pool was all covered up, looks like there is a hot tub and also perhaps kiddie pool area. Pool buttons right up the day after Labor Day. Not sure about spring opening. Bathhouse we checked out next to loop 1 was amazing. clean, well set up, nice shower privacy with doors into a changing area then into your shower. very private and all was spotless and heated nicely! It was a little bit of a hike from our site, we did not need to use. If you depend on the bath house for more than a shower, you may want a closer site.

Many of the loops have beautiful large wood pavilions for group gatherings or rainy days with kids that just need to get outside a bit! All had outdoor charcoal grill set ups, tables and chairs. again, great for groups of campers gathering. There is a very large covered pavilion with a huge ski chalet type center fireplace. Picnic tables for at least 30-40 easily and it is near the playground and pool but not right on top of them.

We were surprised how when so many rigs left on sunday that the park quickly filled again, especially our loop. TOP REASON TO STAY IN LOOP 1 is because there IS A TRAIN about a half mile away that runs all day and night. At night, from 4:30 AM i counted almost every 50-60 minutes i could hear the 6-7 times the train whistles go off as it crosses side intersections. These are for the most part, esp. at night frieght trains. We had our windows open first night there due to mild temp. train woke me up. By day three we were pretty used to it and with windows closed when got chilly we hardly heard it at all. A friend of mine who has been there in summer and using his RV AC said they never heard the train and was surprised when i told him about it. So train buffs will love it, but the rest of us it takes some adjusting. Loop 1 is furthest from the tracks. We spoke with fellow campers on the shuttle who were in loop 4 for first time stay and they said it was loud and you could hear and feel the rumble. I bet, because we could hear the rumble slightly too! This should not be viewed as enough to deter you from choosing this campground though because their nicely kept park, amenities, cleanliness and courtesy outweighs a little train whistle.

If you are a casino lover or just get away peaceful time, this is a great alternative stay. Otherwise, there really is limited things to do in the immediate area. There is a very good Mennonite Market where tons of locals go, that is only about 15 min. away, and Rome, Syracuse are not too far and do offer more shopping, history including Fort Stanwix National Historical Park which is really cool and things to do. The RV campground does also have some gravel walking trails onsite that go into the woodlands some. We did not get a chance to check them out. But if relaxing is your thing...its great. Quick easy access off of the NY Thruway, RT 90.