Backbone Horse Campground serves as a key equestrian site in New York's Finger Lakes region. The terrain features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 1,300-1,900 feet throughout the surrounding forest. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season with summer daytime temperatures typically ranging 65-85°F, while winter camping requires preparation for below-freezing temperatures and occasional snow cover.
What to do
Trail riding access: Multiple bridle trails connect directly from Backbone Horse Campground to the broader Finger Lakes National Forest system. "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," notes camper Harry H.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location and limited light pollution create 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 his experience at Backbone Horse Campground.
Scenic drives: The areas surrounding horse campgrounds near Erin, New York feature numerous country roads through rolling farmland. "This area is pretty with rolling hills all around so we enjoyed a couple of scenic drives," writes Bran P. who stayed at Tompkins Campground.
What campers like
Privacy and space: The generous site sizing at equestrian campgrounds provides ample room even for non-horse campers. "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.
Affordability: Camping costs remain reasonable compared to larger facilities. "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," explains Brenley R.
Uncrowded conditions: Even during peak seasons, these campgrounds rarely reach capacity. "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," notes Heather D. about her stay at Backbone Horse Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Trail and facility conditions change significantly with seasons. "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," writes Stacey C. about her experiences at Tompkins Campground.
Honor system payments: Many sites use self-registration systems with limited oversight. "Payment of the low fee is on the honor system and check in/out is very flexible," explains Heather D.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity remains sparse in much of the region. "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster," reports Bran P. regarding service at Tompkins Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Limited recreational facilities exist at most horse-focused campgrounds. "Our second week, we stayed on site 44 (FHU 50A) right across from the seldom used playground," notes Bran P. about Asaph Campground.
Swimming options: Some nearby campgrounds offer water recreation. "There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," shares Stacey C. about family amenities at Tompkins.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife observation. "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife," writes Ian A. about nighttime activities at Backbone Horse Campground.
Tips from RVers
Paved access: Some regional campgrounds provide improved parking areas. "All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we've stayed," explains Bran P. who stayed at Tompkins Campground.
Site spacing: RV sites at equestrian campgrounds typically offer more space than standard campgrounds. "We had the whole place to ourselves," mentions Heather D. about conditions at Backbone Horse Campground.
Maintenance considerations: Facility upkeep varies by location and season. "I have been camping at this campground for years, but I would say it not as kept up as it us to be. it still a nice campground but it's nothing like it's sister campground Ives run," advises Kayla N. about Tompkins Campground.
