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Equestrian Camping near Camillus, NY

2 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Backbone Horse Campground provides primitive equestrian camping in the Finger Lakes National Forest near Camillus, New York. The campground features dedicated sites for horse owners, with ample space for horse trailers and equipment. Vault toilets serve as the only amenity at this rustic facility. Non-horse campers are permitted to use the campground, though local equestrians consider it primarily for horse camping. The spacious sites accommodate tents and small pop-up campers alongside horse equipment. Payment operates on an honor system with a $10 camping fee. Trails throughout the national forest connect directly to the campground, offering riders immediate access to the forest trail system. The campground remains open year-round, though trail conditions vary seasonally.

    Located between vineyards and natural attractions in the Finger Lakes region, Backbone Horse Campground connects to an extensive network of riding trails. Campsites feature fire rings and picnic tables, with sites distributed to provide privacy and adequate space for horses and equipment. The campground rarely reaches capacity, even during holiday weekends, allowing for a quiet, peaceful experience. Riders should verify trail conditions before arrival, especially during spring melt when weather-related closures may occur. A camping permit is required but the sites themselves are free. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with flexible check-in and check-out times. The campground's central location provides convenient access to waterfalls, trails, and vineyards throughout the Finger Lakes region. Perfect weather conditions create spectacular night sky viewing opportunities.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Camillus (2)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      4.9(10)36mi from CamillusRVs

      "For activities, there are some great hikes around the campground, as well as excellent playgrounds, fishing, an awesome pool, and of course, free shuttle rides to the Turning Stone Casino right up the"

      "Convenient to the highway with 24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained."

      from $65 - $75 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Backbone Horse Campground

      5.0(4)46mi from Camillus1 siteRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $15 / night

      Check Availability
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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Camillus, NY

    19 Reviews of 2 Camillus Campgrounds

    • 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!

    • M
      Aug. 23, 2018

      The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      Very nice high-end camp resort for RV's and full timers or weekend warriors

      This is a nice campground. I mean really nice. Very well thought out. All sites are full hookups (i think) and paved. Definitely geared towards the RV or trailer crowd.

      Very well kept up, bathrooms are very modern and well stocked. Staff are attentive and useful, and they operate a great store with lots of options.

      For activities, there are some great hikes around the campground, as well as excellent playgrounds, fishing, an awesome pool, and of course, free shuttle rides to the Turning Stone Casino right up the street.

      The only real negatives would be the proximity to some railroad tracks, which can be somewhat active and very audible in some spots (you'll want to stay towards the south / front of the park if this kind of thing bothers you). That and some sites aren't that close to a bath house, so if you're not planning on duecing in your box, you might be looking at a longer walk than others based on where your site is.

    • 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.

    • April L.
      Apr. 4, 2019

      The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      Beautiful

      Convenient to the highway with 24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained. Offers a pool, playground, hiking trail, fishing pond, paddleboat rentals, camp store, very clean bath houses throughout, maintained sites, fire rings at each site and organized in loops to offer wooded and full sun sites depending on what you are looking for. Visited at least once a year since 2016 with our most recent visit being June 2018. Hoping to visit again this season.

    • Carl G.
      May. 27, 2023

      The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      Great weekend

      Turning Stone is well maintained with nice sites. Memorial day weekend the weather is beautiful spring weather. All full hook up sites from full sun to full shade. Been coming here for 25 + years. There is the casino, dining, golf course and more near by.

    Guide to Camillus

    Backbone Horse Campground offers primitive equestrian camping within the Finger Lakes National Forest. The facility sits at approximately 1,900 feet elevation in a region known for its variable weather patterns throughout the year. Trails connecting directly to the campground provide riders immediate access to over 30 miles of forest paths that wind through hardwood forests and meadows. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime and dropping to 50-60°F overnight.

    What to do

    Trail riding access: Backbone Horse Campground connects to extensive riding trails throughout the Finger Lakes National Forest. "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," notes Harry H., emphasizing the importance of checking conditions before arrival.

    Stargazing opportunities: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!" shares Ian A. about his experience at Backbone Horse Campground.

    Casino entertainment nearby: For those wanting entertainment options, The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone provides "24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained," according to April L., making it convenient for campers seeking recreational activities beyond the outdoors.

    What campers like

    Spacious, private sites: Sites at The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone offer generous spacing. "Very well kept up, bathrooms are very modern and well stocked. Staff are attentive and useful, and they operate a great store with lots of options," notes Michael O., highlighting the campground's well-maintained facilities.

    Uncrowded camping experience: Even during holiday weekends, Backbone Horse Campground rarely fills to capacity. "We were initially going to stay at Blueberry Patch however our tent was too large for the sites available. We seen maybe three people pass through the three days/two nights we were there," reports Heather D., describing the peaceful atmosphere.

    Natural surroundings: The setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and natural experiences. "One of my favorite campgrounds in NY. Its so peaceful at night. My favorite time to come is August during the meteor showers," shares Jessica D. about her experiences at Turning Stone.

    What you should know

    Payment systems vary: Backbone Horse Campground uses an honor system for collecting the $10 camping fee. "Payment of the low fee is on the honor system and check in/out is very flexible," explains Heather D., noting the straightforward process for overnight stays.

    Site availability considerations: During peak seasons, popular campgrounds 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. This was also the first day it was open," shares Brenley R. about her experience finding alternative camping at Backbone Horse Campground.

    Weather preparation essential: Weather can change rapidly in the Finger Lakes region, particularly during spring and fall. Campers should pack for temperature variations and possible precipitation regardless of season. The horse campground remains accessible year-round, but trail conditions vary significantly with seasons and recent weather.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Family-friendly amenities are available at select campgrounds. "Offers a pool, playground, hiking trail, fishing pond, paddleboat rentals, camp store, very clean bath houses throughout, maintained sites, fire rings at each site," notes April L. about The Villages at Turning Stone RV Park.

    Activity options: Multiple recreation choices keep children engaged. "We are a full-time traveling family (2 kids - 8 & 13) and 2 English Bulldogs. The campground was beautiful and easy to get in and out of. The sites were level and great size with nice spacing in between," shares Jen O., describing her family's positive experience at Turning Stone.

    Site selection strategy: When camping with families at horse campgrounds near Camillus, New York, select sites away from horse traffic if traveling without equestrian equipment. Non-horse campers should be respectful of the primary purpose of these facilities while sharing the space.

    Tips from RVers

    Site leveling and access: Paved sites are available at certain campgrounds. "Sitesare spacious, lots to do for kids, facilities are new and clean," notes Keri about The Villages RV Park, highlighting the convenience for RVers seeking level parking.

    Hookup availability: Full hookup options exist at select locations. "All full hookup sites from full sun to full shade. Been coming here for 25 + years," explains Carl G., describing the variety of site options at The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.

    Size accommodations: Various campgrounds accommodate different RV sizes. "We had no problem getting a nice paved spot for our 34' class A, and they even provided a small treat for our Schnauzer," shares Frank M., noting the ease of finding suitable parking for larger rigs at certain facilities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Camillus, NY is The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

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