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Best Equestrian Camping near Brooktondale, NY

13 Reviews

Backbone Horse Campground in Finger Lakes National Forest offers primitive camping facilities for riders and non-riders alike. The campground features individual sites with picnic tables and fire pits across a spacious area. Although designed primarily for equestrians, non-horse campers are welcome when space permits. The facilities include toilets and trash disposal, with no electricity or running water available. Sites accommodate both tents and small RVs with ample room for horse trailers. The camping fee is a modest $10 per night collected through an honor system payment box. The campground rarely reaches capacity, with most visitors reporting a quiet, uncrowded experience even during holiday weekends.

Located within the Finger Lakes National Forest trail system, Backbone Horse Campground provides direct access to numerous riding paths through forests and fields. Trails connect to scenic overlooks and adjacent recreation areas within the 16,000-acre national forest. Campers often report having the entire campground to themselves during weekday visits. The campground operates year-round, though trail conditions vary seasonally with spring melt sometimes limiting access. No permit is required for camping, but riders should verify trail conditions with the Finger Lakes National Forest office before arrival. Weather can affect trail conditions significantly, particularly after heavy rainfall. The sheriff occasionally patrols the grounds, though the remote location offers considerable privacy for campers seeking a quiet outdoor experience.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Brooktondale, New York (2)

    1. Backbone Horse Campground

    4 Reviews
    Hector, NY
    22 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "We ended up having to come to this location. It was actually perfect for our small popup, but the horse riders that camp here were not pleased with us."

    "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."

    2. Tompkins

    4 Reviews
    Lawrenceville, PA
    49 miles
    Website

    $24 - $46 / night

    "Just off US 15 at the New York border. All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we’ve stayed."

    "It is run by Army Corp of Engineers because it is on a lake with a dam. Spots are level and paved. It is always clean."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Brooktondale, NY

13 Reviews of 2 Brooktondale Campgrounds

  • Bran P.
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Tompkins

    Very Nice CG!

    Just off US 15 at the New York border. All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we’ve stayed. 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) right across from the seldom used playground. Quite wooded here but we managed to get satellite TV. No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster. This area is pretty with rolling hills all around so we enjoyed a couple of scenic drives. About an hour away is the Pine Creek Rail Trail in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

  • Brenley R.
    May. 29, 2018

    Backbone Horse Campground

    Central Primitive Spot

    We originally came down to the National Forest to stay at the Blueberry Patch Campground but it was full by noon on the Friday before Memorial Day. This was also the first day it was open. We ended up having to come to this location. It was actually perfect for our small popup, but the horse riders that camp here were not pleased with us. This campground is apparently ONLY for horse owners with their horses. After another camper made a passive aggressive comment about us being here without horse, we attempted to find another location. Of course that was not a success the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, so we stayed. No other comment has been made and we aren’t the only ones that don’t have horses. We made the moral decision to leave if the campground filled with horse rider, but it hasn’t even reach half. 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. Anyways, both locations are great with a small fee. 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

  • H
    Oct. 1, 2017

    Backbone Horse Campground

    All year Finger Lakes camping with your horses

    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. You need a permit to camp here but the permit and site are free. You can camp without having horses but get ready to smell them.

  • Heather D.
    Aug. 5, 2019

    Backbone Horse Campground

    We had the whole place to ourselves

    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. We see a posting that there were sites at Backbone that were for people with or without horses. More than half of the camp is designated for horses but only one horse trailer came into the camp the entire time we were there. The fire pits and picnic tables are very nice. Sites are first come first serve. Payment of the low fee is on the honor system and check in / out is very flexible. 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.

  • Madeleine W.
    Sep. 24, 2018

    Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED

    Beautiful spot for relaxing

    I stayed at Charles’ farm with a friend of mine. We had a great time! Charles was there to greet us, he was a little quiet in the beginning but we had a great chat. We bought some kabob meat from him and cooked it up on the fire pit with some corn for dinner. There isn’t a heap to do once you’re on the actual farm, but if you want a place to walk through pastures, relax, watch the sunset, see the stars, and be outside, this is the place for you. There are fish in the pond, but we didn’t do any fishing this time so I’m not sure if you have to bring your own gear or not. Make sure you bring long pants if you want to walk through the back pasture to avoid burrs in your legs! We pitched our tent near the pond next to the cabin. It was a great spot with a fire pit right there, plenty of wood provided, a lovely bench to watch the sunset from. The outhouse is small but functional. After we left the farm we went and picked apples at nearby Deer Run Farm. Overall we had a wonderful time. Thank you Charles for having us!

  • Lena L.
    Aug. 28, 2018

    Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED

    A backpacking experience without having to backpack!

    This is a gorgeous environment! I’ll start by saying that when we go back, we’ll throw all of our stuff into our packs so that we can walk in all in. Kind of like the shortest backpacking trip! I actually think this would be the perfect environment for someone who wants to test their skills staying ‘alone’ in the ‘backcountry’ without really being either. It’s a nice in between for those who are looking for more solitude than the average campground provides but without having to hike into a back country site.

    When you arrive at CBG farm, Charlie (and if you’re lucky, his friendly dog Drift) will meet you at the meat store and then show you the way (a 2 minute drive around the corner) to the Shady Pines camp. You’ll park in the grass across from cornfields, and then ride with Charlie around a path through the woods and fields to check out the sites. We chose to stay near the “lake”, a pond that Charlie put in, and stocks wth fish.

    It’s a gorgeous spot. We set up a hammock, put our tent out in the field, used the wooden table to cook our dinner, and made a fire. The cows were nearby and we could occasionally hear them mooing, but a friend asked if it smelled like cows, and it really doesn’t! It actually smells like apples. You can still hear a few cars drive by but they’re mostly drowned out by the crickets.

    Theres a cabin and an outhouse a short walk away, and an incredible outdoor kitchen that we didn’t need to use but would love to grill some burgers next time we go.

    We truly loved this spot and can’t wait to bring some friends next time! Anyone in the Central NY area needing a night away should check out Shady Pines!

  • r
    Aug. 12, 2018

    Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED

    Rustic and beautiful

    After meeting up with the owner we went down to the parking area. A dirt trail and park on the side in the grass. You have to walk in about 2 minutes on a trail. The owner has a golf cart with a small wagon and transported our stuff to the campsite and back when we left…he was really nice and very helpful.the trail opened to open grassy areas with surrounding trees where we pitched our tent…a small table and fire ring w grate provided. Also firewood.you get water back up at the barn but the owner was nice and brought us a 5 gal. Jug. Pond stocked with fish…catch and release. We caught some nice bass and bullhead…kids had a blast. Past the pond is the cabin with sitting spots and an open cement fire stove and oven also a fire pit. Theres an outhouse behind the cabin w a seat over a bucket w chemicals…papertowels tp hand sanitizer and disenfectant wipes nicely provided. We did have cellphone signals. Overall a really nice spot to relax and commune w nature.

  • Christina G.
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Shady Pines Camp at CBG Farm - CLOSED

    Beautiful farmland!

    Charles has beautiful property! Acres and acres to explore and admire! The most accessible is a patch of pines with several tent sites, a small cabin, stone outdoor stove and a cool clear pond that is stocked with fish! Follow the corn on foot or an 4 wheel drive vehicle to the back pasture a more open area with apple trees and another small pond, further out is more land and wooded area Charles is happy to offer to you! I stayed 3 nights with my daughter and dog and had a wonderful time! This is a perfect for a quick quiet getaway, or to camp and explore apple orchards in the area! Charles sells fresh meat on site and it is amazing!!! I highly recommended this property, Charles is a wonderful host willing to help with anything, very family friendly and dog friendly to boot!!!

  • Stacey C.
    Jul. 9, 2018

    Tompkins

    Always a favorite

    We love this campground. We come every year. It is run by Army Corp of Engineers because it is on a lake with a dam. Spots are level and paved. It is always clean. There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy.

Guide to Brooktondale

Backbone Horse Campground provides accessible equestrian camping near Brooktondale, New York within the Finger Lakes National Forest. The campground sits at approximately 1,900 feet elevation in a region characterized by rolling hills and forests interspersed with agricultural lands. The camping area features large, spacious sites specifically designed to accommodate horse trailers while allowing ample room for horses to be secured near campsites.

What to do

Trail riding access: Direct connections to the Finger Lakes National Forest trail system allow riders to explore approximately 30 miles of designated equestrian trails. "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," notes reviewer Harry H. from Backbone Horse Campground.

Stargazing opportunities: The remote location offers minimal light pollution for astronomy enthusiasts. "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!" reports Ian A. who stayed at Backbone Horse Campground.

Water recreation: Visitors can access boating and swimming at nearby lakes within an hour's drive. "There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," mentions Stacey C. from Tompkins.

What campers like

Uncrowded camping experience: Most campers report having significant space and privacy. "We had the whole place to ourselves...We seen maybe three people pass through the three days/two nights we were there," reports Heather D. about her stay at Backbone Horse Campground.

Central location for regional activities: The campground provides a strategic base for exploring both natural areas and local attractions. "You're centrally located to do and see everything from waterfalls, trails, vineyards and so on," explains Brenley R. from Backbone Horse Campground.

Cost-effective option: The nominal fee structure makes this an economical choice for overnight stays. "It's primitive, but more than half the price of a state park," notes Brenley R., highlighting the value proposition of horse camping near Brooktondale compared to other options.

What you should know

Camping permit requirements: Verify current requirements before arrival as policies have changed. "You need a permit to camp here but the permit and site are free," explains Harry H., though more recent reviews mention a $10 fee collected via honor system.

Weather impact on trails: Seasonal conditions significantly affect trail accessibility throughout the year. "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.

Non-equestrian camping reception: Non-horse campers may encounter mixed reception from traditional users. "We originally came down to the National Forest to stay at the Blueberry Patch Campground but it was full...the horse riders that camp here were not pleased with us," reports Brenley R. about her experience at Backbone.

Tips for camping with families

Alternative campgrounds during peak times: Have backup options ready during holiday weekends when preferred sites fill quickly. "We originally came down to the National Forest to stay at the Blueberry Patch Campground but it was full by noon on the Friday before Memorial Day," shares Brenley R. from Backbone Horse Campground.

Wildlife observation opportunities: The quiet setting provides excellent chances for children to observe forest animals. "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife," mentions Ian A., highlighting activities suitable for family engagement.

Playground availability: Some nearby campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. "Our second week, we stayed on site 44 (FHU 50A) right across from the seldom used playground," notes Bran P. from Tompkins Campground, providing context for families seeking additional recreation options.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger rigs: Paved sites at alternative campgrounds may better accommodate larger RVs. "All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we've stayed," explains Bran P. from Tompkins, offering insight for RV travelers seeking more developed facilities than Backbone provides.

Connectivity limitations: Prepare for minimal cell service and internet access. "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster," warns Bran P. about the Tompkins area, suggesting travelers should download maps and information in advance.

Hookup availability: Small popup campers can utilize Backbone, while those needing full hookups should consider alternatives. "It was actually perfect for our small popup," notes Brenley R. about Backbone Horse Campground, contrasting with the full-hookup options at other regional campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Brooktondale, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Brooktondale, NY is Backbone Horse Campground with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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