Backbone Horse Campground serves as the primary equestrian camping facility in the Finger Lakes National Forest near Campbell, New York. The campground features spacious sites specifically designed to accommodate trailers and provide ample room for horses. Located in the only national forest in New York state, the campground sits at approximately 2,000 feet elevation on the forested ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, with well-drained soil that helps maintain trail conditions through various weather patterns.
What to do
Trail riding access: The Finger Lakes National Forest offers over 30 miles of interconnected riding trails directly accessible from Backbone Horse Campground. "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," notes Heather D., who found the alternative accommodations at Backbone Horse Campground worked perfectly.
Stargazing opportunities: The area provides excellent dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Ian A. describes the experience: "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!"
Explore nearby state parks: Within 45 minutes of Campbell, visitors can access multiple state parks including Lyman Run State Park. "What a great park. Was there in order to go to nearby Cherry Springs SP which is a certified Dark Sky area, to see the stars. Cherry Springs is about 8 miles away," recommends Peggy S.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting and minimal crowds. "We had the whole place to ourselves. This is a great little campground with fairly large sites," reports Heather D. about her experience at Backbone Horse Campground.
Well-maintained facilities: Despite the primitive nature of some sites, campers note the clean conditions. At Tompkins Campground, Stacey C. mentions, "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."
Lake access: Several campgrounds in the region offer water activities. "There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," adds Stacey C. about Tompkins Campground.
What you should know
Campground regulations: Backbone Horse Campground operates on a permit system with first-come, first-served availability. "Payment of the low fee is on the honor system and check in/out is very flexible," explains Heather D., noting that "a Sheriff's truck did drive through Saturday morning just to patrol."
Seasonal considerations: Weather significantly impacts camping conditions and trail access. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, visitor Brandon W. notes, "No cell service and WiFi isn't reliable if that's what you need or are looking for."
Non-equestrian campers: While horse campgrounds primarily serve riders, they accommodate other campers too. "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," explains Brenley R., who found space at Backbone Horse Campground instead.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and recreation options: Some nearby campgrounds offer additional amenities for children. MJ B. reports about Stony Fork Creek Campground: "The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals."
Pet-friendly sites: Many campgrounds welcome pets, which is important for family camping. Jennifer P. notes about Lyman Run State Park: "The sites are affordable, spacious, and they allow dogs. The campground is quiet at night and the stars are sensational."
Creek exploration: Natural water features provide entertainment for children. Jennifer P. adds, "Little creek runs beside it for kids to play and explore."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should carefully choose sites based on rig size and amenities needed. Bran P. shares about Tompkins Campground: "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."
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary by campground. "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," continues Bran P.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service and internet access are limited in the region. "Quite wooded here but we managed to get satellite TV. No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster," advises Bran P.
