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Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Caroline, NY

13 Reviews

Backbone Horse Campground is a primitive camping area in Finger Lakes National Forest near Burdett, New York. The campground provides horse camping for both horse owners and general campers, with more than half of the sites designated specifically for equestrians with horses. The campground features fairly large sites, fire pits, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. A $10 camping fee is collected via an honor system payment box. Sites are first-come, first-served with flexible check-in and check-out times. The campground remains open year-round and operates with minimal oversight, though occasional sheriff patrols occur. Large campsites accommodate horse trailers with ample space for horses and related equipment.

Trail access from Backbone Horse Campground connects riders to the broader Finger Lakes National Forest trail system. Campers should contact the Finger Lakes National Forest office before visiting to confirm trail conditions, as seasonal closures due to weather or spring melt may affect accessibility. The quiet, peaceful setting offers excellent stargazing opportunities and chances to observe wildlife. Non-horse campers are welcome at the campground, though during peak periods priority may be given to those camping with horses. The primitive nature of the facilities appeals to campers seeking a more solitary experience than typical developed campgrounds provide. During off-peak periods or weekdays, visitors often report having the entire campground to themselves, creating an authentic forest camping experience.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Caroline, 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 Caroline, NY

13 Reviews of 2 Caroline 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 Caroline

Backbone Horse Campground provides equestrian camping near Caroline, New York, with several designated sites for horse owners within Finger Lakes National Forest. The campground sits at approximately 1,900 feet elevation on the forested ridge between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with moderate snowfall, while summer brings average highs in the mid-70s with occasional thunderstorms.

What to do

Trail riding opportunities: Access to Finger Lakes National Forest trail system makes this location popular for riders. "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," notes Harry H. about Backbone Horse Campground.

Stargazing sessions: The minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing conditions. "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!" reports Ian A. about the campground.

Waterfront activities: Nearby lakes provide water recreation options. "There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," notes Stacey C. about Tompkins Campground, a regional alternative to Backbone Horse Campground.

What campers like

Spacious camping areas: The large sites accommodate various camping setups beyond just horse trailers. "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," shares Heather D. about Backbone Horse Campground.

Privacy and solitude: Off-peak periods offer exceptional solitude. "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," continues Heather D.

Convenient location: The central location provides access to various regional 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 park," notes Brenley R..

What you should know

Campground purpose confusion: Some non-horse campers have experienced tension with equestrians. "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. 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," reports Brenley R. about Backbone Horse Campground.

Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts both campground and trail accessibility. "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," shares Stacey C. about alternative camping at Tompkins Campground during peak season.

Limited amenities: The primitive nature requires self-sufficiency. Bring all necessary supplies as services are limited.

Tips for camping with families

Alternative options during peak times: When equestrian sites are full, consider nearby alternatives. "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. about finding alternatives to popular equestrian camping near Caroline, New York.

Educational opportunities: Use the horse camping environment as a learning opportunity for children about equestrian activities and forest conservation.

Wildlife observation: The quiet setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife in natural habitats.

Tips from RVers

Size considerations: Some RVs can access the campground despite its primitive nature. "It was actually perfect for our small popup," notes Brenley R. about Backbone Horse Campground.

Road conditions: Access roads may be challenging for larger rigs during wet conditions. Call ahead for current road status.

Alternative RV-friendly options: For full hookups, consider alternatives in the region. "All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we've stayed," notes Bran P. about Tompkins Campground, providing an alternative to the primitive equestrian camping near Caroline.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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