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Equestrian Camping near Jacksonville, NY

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    Backbone Horse Campground in Burdett offers primitive camping sites with ample space for horses and camping equipment. The campground features fire pits and picnic tables at each site, with first-come, first-serve availability. Located in the Finger Lakes National Forest, the campground provides direct access to horse trails throughout the forest. The sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with sufficient room for horse trailers. Campers pay a modest fee through an honor system with flexible check-in and check-out times. Large campsites have space for multiple horses and related equipment. The campground remains quiet and peaceful, perfect for stargazing and listening to wildlife.

    Trail access from Backbone Horse Campground connects riders to numerous paths throughout the Finger Lakes National Forest. The campground serves as a central location for exploring the surrounding forest and regional attractions, including waterfalls, vineyards, and hiking trails. Both horse owners and non-horse campers can use the facilities, though the campground primarily caters to equestrians. Visitors should contact Finger Lakes National Forest before arrival to ensure trails aren't closed due to weather conditions or seasonal restrictions. The campground operates year-round, allowing for four-season equestrian camping opportunities. Some horse riders have expressed concerns about the implementation of camping fees, which has reportedly reduced attendance at the campground. The surrounding pastures and wooded areas provide scenic riding opportunities with minimal crowds.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Jacksonville (2)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Backbone Horse Campground

      5.0(4)10mi from Jacksonville1 siteRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $15 / night

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      2. Tompkins

      4.3(4)47mi from Jacksonville122 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $24 - $46 / night

      Check Availability
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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Jacksonville, NY

    13 Reviews of 2 Jacksonville 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.

    • 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!!!

    • 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.

    Guide to Jacksonville

    Backbone Horse Campground provides rustic equestrian camping in the Finger Lakes National Forest at approximately 1,800 feet elevation. The campground features individual sites with adequate clearance for horse trailers and camping equipment across 16 acres of forest land. Open year-round, the facility operates on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration required at the entrance.

    What to do

    Trail riding opportunities: The Finger Lakes National Forest offers numerous interconnected trails accessible directly from Backbone Horse Campground. Riders should verify trail conditions before arrival. "Call Finger Lakes National Forest to make sure trails aren't closed due to weather, spring melt, etc," advises Harry H. from Backbone Horse Campground.

    Stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Ian A. notes that Backbone Horse Campground is the "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!"

    Hiking excursions: Nearby trails accommodate both equestrians and hikers with varying difficulty levels. "Amazing View And Hiking" reports Aaron W. about Tompkins Campground, which offers additional recreational trails within an hour's drive of Jacksonville.

    What campers like

    Spacious campsites: The campground provides ample room for vehicles, equipment, and horses. According to Heather D. from Backbone Horse Campground, "This is a great little campground with fairly large sites. The fire pits and picnic tables are very nice."

    Peace and solitude: Many visitors appreciate the low occupancy rates and quiet atmosphere. "We seen maybe three people pass through the three days/two nights we were there," reports Heather D., indicating minimal crowding even during peak season.

    Central location: The campground serves as a convenient base for regional exploration. As Brenley R. explains, "You're centrally located to do and see everything from waterfalls, trails, vineyards and so on."

    What you should know

    Equestrian focus: While non-horse campers can use the facilities, the primary purpose is equestrian camping. Brenley R. from Backbone Horse Campground recounts, "The horse riders that camp here were not pleased with us. This campground is apparently ONLY for horse owners with their horses."

    Fee system: The campground operates on an honor system with self-registration. "Payment of the low fee is on the honor system and check in/out is very flexible," explains Heather D.

    Seasonal accessibility: Weather conditions affect trail access, particularly during spring thaw. Campers should contact the ranger station for current status reports before arrival.

    Tips for camping with families

    Alternative campgrounds: If Backbone is full or you prefer non-equestrian camping, consider nearby options. "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," notes Brenley R.

    Playground access: Families seeking recreational facilities might prefer Tompkins Campground which has a "seldom used playground" according to Bran P., though it's located approximately 25 miles from Jacksonville.

    Security awareness: The campground receives periodic patrol checks. Heather D. notes, "A Sheriff's truck did drive through Saturday morning just to patrol," providing additional security for families camping in this remote location.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection: The campground accommodates small to medium recreational vehicles but lacks hookups. Brenley R. mentions it was "perfect for our small popup," suggesting suitable conditions for compact RVs.

    Parking surface conditions: Sites feature natural, unpaved surfaces which may present challenges during wet weather. Unlike nearby developed campgrounds where "All roads and parking pads are paved," as Bran P. describes Tompkins Campground, Backbone maintains a more primitive setup.

    Limited facilities: RVers should come fully self-contained as the campground offers vault toilets but no drinking water, showers, or dump stations. Preparation is essential for comfortable equestrian camping near Jacksonville, New York.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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