Equestrian Camping near Savona, NY

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    Backbone Horse Campground in Burdett offers free camping sites specifically designed for equestrians traveling with their horses in the Finger Lakes National Forest. The campground features toilet facilities and designated trash disposal areas, though drinking water is not available. Large campsites accommodate horse trailers and provide ample space for equestrian equipment. The campground welcomes both tent and RV camping, with sites available year-round depending on weather conditions and trail accessibility. Visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions, as the campground lacks hookups and modern amenities. The campground area is designed to support multiple horses per site with sufficient space for temporary containment systems.

    The extensive trail network surrounding Backbone Horse Campground connects directly to the main Finger Lakes National Forest trail system. Trails are well-maintained and suitable for day rides exploring the diverse terrain of the national forest. A permit is required for camping, though the sites themselves remain free of charge. Non-equestrians occasionally use the campground when space is available, particularly during less busy periods. Weather conditions can affect trail access, especially during spring thaw when trails may be temporarily closed. The quiet, peaceful setting provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing. Visitors should bring their own containment systems for horses as permanent corrals are not provided. The campground's central location in the Finger Lakes region makes it an ideal base for exploring multiple trail systems across the area.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Savona (6)

      1. Tompkins

      4.3(4)21mi from Savona122 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

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      2. Backbone Horse Campground

      5.0(4)25mi from Savona1 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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      3. Lyman Run State Park Campground

      4.6(24)48mi from Savona35 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Our trip was for astrophotography purposes, and Lyman Run is only a 10 minute drive away from the Cherry Springs viewing area. Totally worth it!"

      "Beautiful area all around. Up the road is cherry springs, known as our only Dark Sky Park in PA. The night sky is amazing. There is a lake to do many activities, and a beach there."

      from $20 - $29 / night

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      4. Stony Fork Creek Campground

      4.4(5)45mi from SavonaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers."

      "Stony Fork Creek is beautiful and offers nearby hiking trails, a lake, and activities."

      from $40 - $45 / night

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      5. Asaph Campground — Tioga State Forest

      Be the first to review36mi from Savona16 sitesRVs, Tents

      from $10 / night

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      6. Big Woods North Campsites — Tioga State Forest

      Be the first to review44mi from Savona4 sitesTents

      from $10 / night

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Savona, NY

    37 Reviews of 6 Savona 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.

    • D
      Jul. 20, 2020

      Lyman Run State Park Campground

      Solid campgrounds, super close to Cherry Springs, but lacks privacy & store

      We stayed at Lyman Run because we needed electricity hookups, and Cherry Springs didn't offer it. Our trip was for astrophotography purposes, and Lyman Run is only a 10 minute drive away from the Cherry Springs viewing area. Totally worth it!

      The good: Daggett Loop sites 16 and 17 are pretty solid. They're the last two in the loop and next to 17 is a river trail just to yourselves. It's nice. The bathrooms are modern and clean. Electricity hookups work great and I was able to pull a consistent 80% of max load(~32 amps) the entire time without issue. Sites are well kept. No cell service on site, but a 10 minute drive and you've got it (the best, imo)

      The bad: The lake is a bit scummy/stagnant and was jammed pack with people (and since this review is written during COVID, no one was wearing masks or social distancing--disappointing). The sites are really close together with zero trees in-between sites. Bring your own privacy. PA has cross-county firewood ban, but the campsite doesn't have a firewood store. Had to drive 15 minutes off the campsite to find a random house selling firewood for $5 a bundle.

    • Katie S.
      Jul. 12, 2018

      Lyman Run State Park Campground

      Beautiful area to get away!

      Beautiful area all around. Up the road is cherry springs, known as our only Dark Sky Park in PA. The night sky is amazing. There is a lake to do many activities, and a beach there. ATV trails, hiking, beautiful overlooks. No cell service, so you really get to get away from everything.

    • Ashley L.
      Oct. 21, 2019

      Lyman Run State Park Campground

      Well kept

      Sites are pretty level and well kept. The bathrooms are great! Remote, cute little place! They maintain the place well! There are a few trails close by. Nothing crazy but nice to have something close. Not far from cherry spring. We stayed at site 25. We were right next to the bathroom. Convenient, but did hear some traffic from other campers but not bad.

    • J
      Sep. 1, 2018

      Lyman Run State Park Campground

      People and their pups will love this campground

      The sites are affordable, spacious, and they allow dogs. The campground is quiet at night and the stars are sensational. It's also super close to Cherry Springs if you want the full dark sky experience. The bathroom and showers were clean. Sink area outside for convenience, like a wash area, very handy. Little creek runs beside it for kids to play and explore. There's a beach with concessions stand and paddle boats on the lake with the prettiest skyline of surrounding the lake. Got an ATV? They have trails that run all over the place. Love this campground. Wish it was closer to home.

    • MJ B.
      Jun. 19, 2024

      Stony Fork Creek Campground

      Good Camping Option to the Grand Canyon of PA

      Stayed at this campsite, taking our pop-up camper on its maiden voyage to the Grand Canyon of PA. Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers. 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. Not to listen to people pretending to relive their college days....lol. Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level. The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals. We chose this campsite due to its proximity to the Leonard Harrison State Park. We had no issues here and would recommend.


    Guide to Savona

    Backbone Horse Campground in Finger Lakes National Forest features equine-specific sites that accommodate horses and their equipment. The campground includes toilets and trash disposal with sites designed for trailer parking. Both tent and RV camping options are available year-round at these first-come, first-served sites. The campground accommodates horses and non-horse campers, though priority is given to those with horses. Sites are spacious enough for trailers and camping equipment with ample room for horses.

    The campground connects directly to the trail system within Finger Lakes National Forest, providing miles of riding opportunities. A free permit is required for camping, though some visitors note that the recent implementation of a $10 fee has reduced the number of horse riders using the facility. The picnic tables and fire pits are well-maintained, and the campground's layout provides adequate space between sites. While some horse owners may prefer dedicated corrals, the open design allows for flexible horse containment options. The campground's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions including waterfalls, hiking trails, and vineyards in the Finger Lakes region.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Savona, NY is Tompkins with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Savona, NY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Savona, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.