Backbone Horse Campground provides equestrian-specific accommodations within Finger Lakes National Forest. The campground features large sites designed for horse trailers and equipment, with direct access to forest riding trails. Sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis with a $10 fee collected through an honor system. Permits are required but available at no additional cost. The campground is accessible year-round, though seasonal weather conditions may restrict trail access during spring thaw or inclement weather periods.
What to do
Horseback trail riding: Experienced riders access miles of interconnected trails directly from Backbone Horse Campground. "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.
Stargazing: The remote location offers minimal light pollution for astronomical observation. "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 his experience at Backbone Horse Campground.
Explore regional attractions: Tompkins Campground serves as a base for regional exploration approximately 50 miles from Dundee. "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," shares Bran P.
What campers like
Large, spacious sites: The equestrian campgrounds near Dundee, New York feature unusually large camping areas. "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," explains Heather D., who appreciated finding suitable space.
Privacy and solitude: Many visitors appreciate the low occupancy rates, especially during weekdays. "We had the whole place to ourselves. We seen maybe three people pass through the three days/two nights we were there," Heather D. continues about her experience at Backbone Horse Campground.
Central location: The strategic placement makes these horse-friendly camping areas convenient for regional activities. "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]," notes Brenley R.
What you should know
Primarily for equestrians: Non-horse campers may encounter resistance from regular users. "The horse riders that camp here were not pleased with us. This campground is apparently ONLY for horse owners with their horses," cautions Brenley R. from Backbone Horse Campground.
Minimal facilities: Expect basic amenities with no potable water or shower facilities. "It's primitive," Brenley R. states simply, indicating campers should arrive fully prepared with necessary supplies.
Law enforcement presence: Security patrols monitor the grounds periodically. "A Sheriff's truck did drive through Saturday morning just to patrol," reports Heather D., suggesting a basic level of security oversight.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: For families needing recreational structures, consider alternative sites. "Our second week, we stayed on site 44 (FHU 50A) right across from the seldom used playground," mentions Bran P. about Tompkins Campground, noting its proximity to family amenities.
Swimming opportunities: Water recreation provides cooling options during summer months. "There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," reports Stacey C. about Tompkins Campground.
Wildlife observation: Evening hours present opportunities for nature education. The quiet environment at these horse campgrounds enables wildlife viewing, as Ian A. notes about listening to wildlife during nighttime hours.
Tips from RVers
RV pad information: Paved surfaces accommodate larger vehicles at certain facilities. "All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we've stayed," explains Bran P. about Tompkins Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites exist at select locations, though not at primitive horse camps. "Our second week, we stayed on site 44 (FHU 50A)," continues Bran P., detailing the amenities at Tompkins.
Signal connectivity: Cell service may be limited or nonexistent. "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster," cautions Bran P., indicating technological limitations in the region.
Legend
