The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Equestrian Camping near Hector, NY

13 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Backbone Horse Campground serves as a dedicated equestrian camping destination in the Finger Lakes National Forest near Burdett, New York. The campground features large sites specifically designed to accommodate horses and horse trailers, with ample space for equestrian equipment. Toilet facilities and trash collection are available onsite. Both horse owners and non-horse owners can utilize the campground, though priority is given to those camping with horses. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with camping fees collected through an honor system. Sites include fire pits and picnic tables, allowing campers to enjoy meals outdoors after a day of riding. During off-peak periods, visitors often report having the entire campground to themselves for stargazing and wildlife observation.

The extensive trail network within Finger Lakes National Forest connects directly to Backbone Horse Campground, providing immediate access to riding routes. Campers should contact the Finger Lakes National Forest office before arrival to verify trail conditions, as seasonal weather can affect accessibility, particularly during spring thaw. The campground remains open year-round, though usage by horse owners fluctuates seasonally. The peaceful environment offers excellent opportunities for stargazing and listening to wildlife, with minimal light pollution. Some regular equestrian users have noted reduced attendance following the implementation of camping fees. The terrain surrounding the campground features rolling hills and varied landscapes, creating diverse riding experiences throughout the forest. Non-horse campers may occasionally use the facilities when space permits, particularly during holiday weekends when other nearby campgrounds reach capacity.

Map showing campgrounds near Hector, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Hector, New York (2)

    1. Backbone Horse Campground

    4 Reviews
    Hector, NY
    4 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
    39 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-2 of 2 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Hector Contest

Enter to Win

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Hector, NY

13 Reviews of 2 Hector 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!!!

Guide to Hector

Backbone Horse Campground provides equestrian camping near Hector, New York within the Finger Lakes National Forest. The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 1,900 feet, placing it among the highest points in the region. Winter temperatures typically range from 15-30°F, while summer brings moderate 70-85°F conditions ideal for riding. The surrounding forest contains over 30 miles of interconnected trails through northern hardwood forest.

What to do

Trail riding access: Backbone Horse Campground connects to an extensive network of multi-use trails throughout the Finger Lakes National Forest. "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. from Backbone Horse Campground.

Stargazing opportunities: The remote location offers excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution interference. Ian A. from Backbone Horse Campground shares, "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!"

Water recreation: Nearby lakes provide additional recreational options beyond equestrian activities. "There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," explains Stacey C. from Tompkins.

What campers like

Spacious sites: The campground offers ample room for vehicles, equipment, and horses. "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," reports Heather D. from Backbone Horse Campground.

Privacy and solitude: Many visitors appreciate the uncrowded nature of the area. "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.

Location convenience: The central location provides a strategic base for exploring regional attractions. Brenley R. notes, "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]."

What you should know

Campground etiquette: While technically open to all campers, equestrians have traditional priority. "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," explains Brenley R. from Backbone Horse Campground.

Payment system: The campground operates on a self-service payment system. "Payment of the low fee is on the honor system and check in / out is very flexible," shares Heather D.

Cell service limitations: Be prepared for limited connectivity in the area. Aaron W. from Tompkins rates the campground as "Beautiful" with "Amazing View And Hiking," but visitors should note nearby campgrounds report "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster."

Tips for camping with families

Alternative campgrounds: Have backup options ready during peak periods. "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," shares Brenley R.

Playground access: Consider nearby campgrounds with family amenities if traveling with children. Bran P. from Tompkins mentions staying "on site 44 (FHU 50A) right across from the seldom used playground."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The quiet setting creates excellent wildlife observation chances. Ian A. describes Backbone Horse Campground as a "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Choose sites based on your specific rig requirements. Bran P. from Tompkins notes, "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: Consider your power needs when selecting equestrian camping locations. "Our first week, we were on site 54 (W/E 50A) and waterfront. Our second week, we stayed on site 44 (FHU 50A)," explains Bran P.

Seasonal maintenance variations: Be aware that facility upkeep may fluctuate seasonally. Kayla N. mentions about Tompkins, "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Keep Exploring