Backbone Horse Campground operates with a $10 fee per night collected through a self-service honor system. Located in the Finger Lakes National Forest at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet, this campground experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F. The forest encompasses 16,212 acres of woodland between Seneca and Cayuga lakes, offering trail access at multiple points throughout the property.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The campground connects directly to over 30 miles of marked horse trails throughout Finger Lakes National Forest. "Large camp sites have room for all your horses and horse paraphernalia. Call Finger Lakes National Forest to make sure trails aren't closed due to weather, spring melt, etc," advises Harry H. from Backbone Horse Campground.
Stargazing sessions: The minimal light pollution makes this area excellent for astronomy enthusiasts. "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!" shares Ian A. who camped at Backbone Horse Campground.
Water recreation: Tompkins Campground, about 45 minutes from Alpine, offers lake access. "There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," notes Stacey C. about Tompkins campground.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: The sites at Backbone provide ample room for equipment and animals. "This is a great little campground with fairly large sites. We were initially going to stay at Blueberry Patch however our tent was too large for the sites available," reports Heather D. from Backbone Horse Campground.
Privacy and solitude: Many campers appreciate the low usage rates, especially on weekdays. Heather D. adds, "We seen maybe three people pass through the three days/two nights we were there. A Sheriff's truck did drive through Saturday morning just to patrol."
Convenience for regional exploration: The central location serves as a base camp for various attractions. "You're centrally located to do and see everything from waterfalls, trails, vineyards and so on. It's primitive, but more than half the price of a state par[k]," explains Brenley R. about Backbone Horse Campground.
What you should know
Equestrian priority: While non-horse campers can use Backbone when space permits, equestrians receive preference. "The horse riders that camp here were not pleased with us. This campground is apparently ONLY for horse owners with their horses," warns Brenley R. from Backbone Horse Campground.
Weather-dependent trail access: Trail conditions vary seasonally. Harry H. advises, "Call Finger Lakes National Forest to make sure trails aren't closed due to weather, spring melt, etc."
Limited facilities: Prepare for basic amenities only. Backbone has vault toilets and trash service but lacks drinking water. For full hookups, Tompkins Campground offers more services, though it's about 45 minutes from Alpine.
Tips for camping with families
Consider alternative campgrounds during peak horse season: Families without horses might face uncomfortable situations during busy equestrian weekends. "After another camper made a passive aggressive comment about us being here without horse, we attempted to find another location," shares Brenley R. about Backbone Horse Campground.
Pack entertainment: The area has limited built-in recreation for children besides trails. Aaron W. recommends Tompkins for its "Amazing View And Hiking" options that can engage kids.
Bring all supplies: No stores exist within the immediate vicinity of Backbone. Plan meals carefully and pack extra supplies, as the nearest grocery stores are in Watkins Glen or Trumansburg, both about 15-20 minutes away.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions before arrival: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. "We stayed in the Bench Loop which is very busy since it is waterfront. Our first week, we were on site 54 (W/E 50A) and waterfront. Our second week, we stayed on site 44 (FHU 50A)," explains Bran P. about Tompkins.
Limited connectivity: Cell reception can be spotty or non-existent. "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster," warns Bran P. about the Tompkins area.
Consider seasonality: Backbone's equestrian camping near Alpine, New York operates year-round but usage patterns vary. "We were told by locals that the horse riders are upset about the new $10 camping fee and that has deterred them from coming like they usually would," notes Brenley R., suggesting potentially more availability for non-equestrian campers during typical peak times.
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