Backbone Horse Campground provides primitive camping options in Finger Lakes National Forest with dedicated facilities for equestrians. Located at an elevation of 1,900 feet, the campground sits within rolling terrain that transitions between open meadows and hardwood forest. Sites can accommodate both horses and camping equipment with sufficient space for trailers and turnaround areas.
What to do
Trail riding access: Multiple bridle paths connect directly to Backbone Horse Campground, allowing for immediate trail access throughout the forest. "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!" reports Ian A., highlighting activities beyond riding.
Pennsylvania Grand Canyon exploration: The nearby Pine Creek Rail Trail offers additional outdoor recreation opportunities. "About an hour away is the Pine Creek Rail Trail in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon," notes Bran P. from Tompkins Campground, describing a popular day trip from the Elmira area.
Local water activities: Several campgrounds provide water access for fishing and boating. Stacey C. mentions, "There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," when describing recreational options at nearby facilities.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Most equestrian camping near Elmira, New York offers peaceful surroundings. "We had the whole place to ourselves," shares Heather D. about her experience at Backbone Horse Campground. "The fire pits and picnic tables are very nice. Sites are first come first serve."
Spacious sites: Campgrounds in the region typically feature generous spacing between sites. "Large camp sites have room for all your horses and horse paraphernalia," notes Harry H. about Backbone Horse Campground, emphasizing the practical layout for equestrian needs.
Scenic surroundings: The rolling terrain provides attractive views and varied landscapes. "Amazing View And Hiking," summarizes Aaron W. about the Tompkins Campground area, reflecting the general appeal of the region's topography.
What you should know
Reservation policies: Many sites operate on a first-come basis with flexible check-in procedures. Heather D. explains, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts trail conditions significantly in this region. Harry H. advises, "Call Finger Lakes National Forest to make sure trails aren't closed due to weather, spring melt, etc." This precaution prevents discovering closed trails upon arrival.
Limited connectivity: Cell service can be minimal or non-existent at many campgrounds. Brandon W. notes about Stony Fork Creek Campground, "No cell service and WiFi isn't reliable if that's what you need or are looking for," highlighting connectivity limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Some nearby campgrounds offer swimming facilities for children. Greg W. notes, "The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times."
Activity centers: Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities. "The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals," reports MJ B. about Stony Fork Creek Campground.
Noise levels: Consider campground atmosphere when traveling with children. "My husband does not like staying in crowded campgrounds with people surrounding you and up all night screaming and singing. We go camping to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet," explains MJ B., highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate locations.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Check for adequate spacing when bringing larger rigs to horse campgrounds. Brenley R. mentions, "It was actually perfect for our small popup," when staying at Backbone Horse Campground, suggesting that while space exists for small RVs, larger units may face challenges.
Level parking: Most campgrounds feature relatively level sites. "Spots are level and paved. It is always clean," notes Stacey C., describing the parking conditions at Tompkins Campground, which offers more developed facilities than some primitive horse camps.
Road surface quality: Access roads vary in quality throughout the region. Greg W. observes, "All of the roads were paved and sites were very large," highlighting that infrastructure quality differs significantly between various camping options near Elmira.
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