Backbone Horse Campground features secluded equestrian camping in the Finger Lakes National Forest. The site operates with a $10 per night fee collected through a self-registration honor system. Though primarily intended for horseback riders, the campground accommodates non-equestrians when space permits. Most sites can accommodate multiple horses with ample room for trailers and camping gear. The facility is rustic without water sources, so campers should come prepared with supplies for themselves and their animals.
What to do
Trail exploration: Multiple trail networks connect directly to Backbone Horse Campground for riding or hiking through diverse Finger Lakes terrain. "We're centrally located to do and see everything from waterfalls, trails, vineyards and so on," notes camper Brenley R.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location and minimal light pollution make this area ideal for night sky viewing. Ian A. describes it as a "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!"
Visit the PA Grand Canyon: Stony Fork Creek Campground offers convenient access to this natural wonder. "We chose this campsite due to its proximity to the Leonard Harrison State Park," explains MJ B., who visited the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon during their stay.
What campers like
Privacy and solitude: The uncrowded camping environment provides a peaceful experience, especially midweek. Heather D. shares, "We had the whole place to ourselves... We seen maybe three people pass through the three days/two nights we were there."
Central location: Tompkins Campground offers access to numerous regional attractions. "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," explains Bran P.
Well-maintained facilities: Many area campgrounds feature clean, organized sites. At Stony Fork Creek, Greg W. noted that "The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times."
What you should know
Limited services: Horse campgrounds near Horseheads, New York typically have minimal facilities. Harry H. advises visitors to "Call Finger Lakes National Forest to make sure trails aren't closed due to weather, spring melt, etc." before traveling.
Weekend crowds vs. weekday solitude: Holiday weekends see increased usage and occasional patrols. "A Sheriff's truck did drive through Saturday morning just to patrol," mentions Heather D. about her experience at Backbone Horse Campground.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity can be minimal in the region. At Stony Fork Creek, Brandon W. warns that there's "No cell service and WiFi isn't reliable if that's what you need or are looking for."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds struggle with noise management. Gina M. observed that at Stony Fork Creek, "other campers did not respect quiet hours and it took the campground staff too long to ask them to quiet down."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Stony Fork Creek Campground provides family-friendly recreation. "The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals," describes MJ B.
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on specific needs and proximity to amenities. "Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy," explains one family at Stony Fork Creek.
Paved accessibility: Some campgrounds offer easier access for families with strollers or bikes. Greg W. notes, "All of the roads were paved and sites were very large" at Stony Fork Creek Campground.
Tips from RVers
Parking surface quality: Tompkins Campground features well-maintained vehicle areas. "All roads and parking pads are paved," reports Bran P., noting this makes setup easier for larger rigs.
Site size considerations: Space between campsites varies significantly between facilities. Stacey C. appreciates that at Tompkins, "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."
Hookup availability: Research utility options before arrival. Brandon W. notes that at some campgrounds, "Can get a bit crowded in some spots where the campers seem to be on top of one another. Luckily we didn't have one of those sites."
Legend
