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Equestrian Camping near Tully, NY

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    Backbone Horse Campground in Finger Lakes National Forest provides primitive camping spaces specifically designed for horses and riders. The campground features large sites with ample room for horses and horse-related equipment. While no formal horse corrals exist, the spacious campsites accommodate trailers and provide sufficient area for temporary containment systems. Camping permits are required but sites are free of charge. The campground offers vault toilets and trash disposal, though drinking water is not available. Some campsites include picnic tables and established fire rings. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with flexible check-in and check-out times. The campground remains quiet with minimal visitor traffic, even during holiday weekends. Large sites have room for all horse paraphernalia.

    Access to the Finger Lakes National Forest trail system begins directly from Backbone Horse Campground, creating convenient riding opportunities without trailer repositioning. The campground serves as a central base for exploring the surrounding forest and connecting trails. Riders should check with the Finger Lakes National Forest administration regarding seasonal trail closures due to weather conditions, particularly during spring thaw periods. The campground accommodates campers without horses, though horse owners have priority access. The sheriff occasionally patrols the grounds for security. Weather conditions significantly impact the camping experience, with clear nights offering excellent stargazing opportunities. The campground's location provides access to nearby attractions including waterfalls, hiking trails, and vineyards within reasonable driving distance.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Tully (3)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      4.9(10)33mi from TullyRVs

      "For activities, there are some great hikes around the campground, as well as excellent playgrounds, fishing, an awesome pool, and of course, free shuttle rides to the Turning Stone Casino right up the"

      "Convenient to the highway with 24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained."

      from $65 - $75 / night

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      2. Charles E. Baker State Forest

      4.5(2)36mi from TullyTents

      "Only found one designated campsite, which was available, but there’s a lot of good space for dispersed camping right nearby. Access at the end of a long, but well maintained, dirt road."

      "Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods."

      Check Availability

      3. Backbone Horse Campground

      5.0(4)41mi from Tully1 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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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Tully, NY

    21 Reviews of 3 Tully Campgrounds

    • 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!

    • M
      Aug. 23, 2018

      The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      Very nice high-end camp resort for RV's and full timers or weekend warriors

      This is a nice campground. I mean really nice. Very well thought out. All sites are full hookups (i think) and paved. Definitely geared towards the RV or trailer crowd.

      Very well kept up, bathrooms are very modern and well stocked. Staff are attentive and useful, and they operate a great store with lots of options.

      For activities, there are some great hikes around the campground, as well as excellent playgrounds, fishing, an awesome pool, and of course, free shuttle rides to the Turning Stone Casino right up the street.

      The only real negatives would be the proximity to some railroad tracks, which can be somewhat active and very audible in some spots (you'll want to stay towards the south / front of the park if this kind of thing bothers you). That and some sites aren't that close to a bath house, so if you're not planning on duecing in your box, you might be looking at a longer walk than others based on where your site is.

    • 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.

    • April L.
      Apr. 4, 2019

      The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      Beautiful

      Convenient to the highway with 24 hour shuttles to the casino 5 minutes away, yet quiet and beautifully maintained. Offers a pool, playground, hiking trail, fishing pond, paddleboat rentals, camp store, very clean bath houses throughout, maintained sites, fire rings at each site and organized in loops to offer wooded and full sun sites depending on what you are looking for. Visited at least once a year since 2016 with our most recent visit being June 2018. Hoping to visit again this season.

    • Carl G.
      May. 27, 2023

      The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone

      Great weekend

      Turning Stone is well maintained with nice sites. Memorial day weekend the weather is beautiful spring weather. All full hook up sites from full sun to full shade. Been coming here for 25 + years. There is the casino, dining, golf course and more near by.

    Guide to Tully

    Backbone Horse Campground provides large, open camping spaces for equestrian use within Finger Lakes National Forest. The grounds include vault toilets, trash disposal, and multiple sites accessible by vehicle. Located at approximately 1,900 feet elevation, the campground experiences temperature variations typical of the New York uplands, with cool evenings even during summer months. The area features deciduous forest with rocky terrain throughout the surrounding trail system.

    What to do

    Trail riding access: Riders from Charles E. Baker State Forest appreciate the extensive trail network. "Beautiful forest with miles of trails. I found this spot passing through on my bike and had no problem pitching a tent in a secluded spot in the woods," notes Matt A.

    Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution makes for exceptional night sky viewing. "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!" reports Ian A. from Backbone Horse Campground.

    Local attractions: The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone offers convenient access to regional activities. "We also took a drive to the University of Syracuse to tour the campus. Clean and wonderful park," writes Jen O., highlighting day trip options for those staying at horse campgrounds near Tully, New York.

    What campers like

    Low visitor traffic: Many equestrian campgrounds maintain a peaceful atmosphere with limited occupancy. "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," reports Heather D. from Backbone Horse Campground.

    Cost-effective options: The free or low-cost camping options appeal to budget-conscious travelers. Cameron from Charles E. Baker State Forest notes, "Campsite consists of a fire pit and picnic table. Some litter, not too bad. No toilets. Bugs aren't an issue. Water access at a lovely nearby pond."

    Flexibility in booking: The non-reservation system works well for spontaneous trips. "Sites are first come first serve. Payment of the low fee is on the honor system and check in/out is very flexible," explains Heather D., describing the casual arrangement at equestrian campgrounds in the Finger Lakes region.

    What you should know

    Water availability concerns: Many horse camping facilities near Tully lack potable water sources. "Only giving 4 stars because the best free sites have water pumps and vault toilets, but this is a great camping experience," states Cameron about primitive camping options in the area.

    Campground usage protocols: Non-equestrian campers should understand site prioritization. "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," shares Brenley R., highlighting the unwritten expectations at designated horse facilities.

    Weather impact: The camping experience varies significantly with conditions. "Call Finger Lakes National Forest to make sure trails aren't closed due to weather, spring melt, etc," advises Harry H., noting the importance of checking trail status before planning an equestrian camping trip near Tully.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground availability: Some facilities offer recreational structures for children. "For activities, there are some great hikes around the campground, as well as excellent playgrounds, fishing, an awesome pool," reports Michael O. from The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.

    Activity planning: Schedule meteor shower viewing for August visits. "One of my favorite campgrounds in NY. Its so peaceful at night. My favorite time to come is August during the meteor showers," suggests Jessica D., highlighting optimal timing for astronomical events.

    Campsite selection: Consider location within the campground for comfort. Michael O. advises, "You'll want to stay towards the south/front of the park if this kind of thing bothers you," referring to noise from nearby railroad tracks at certain equestrian camping areas.

    Tips from RVers

    Site amenities for larger rigs: Full hookup availability varies significantly among horse campgrounds near Tully. "Spacious FHU sites. Pull thru and back ins," notes Boomer B. from The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone.

    Setup considerations: Evaluate site dimensions for horse trailers and RVs. "We had no problem getting a nice paved spot for our 34' class A, and they even provided a small treat for our Schnauzer," shares Frank M., describing accommodation for both vehicles and pets.

    Seasonal planning: Memorial Day weekend marks a transition in weather patterns. "Memorial day weekend the weather is beautiful spring weather. All full hook up sites from full sun to full shade. Been coming here for 25+ years," explains Carl G., noting long-term seasonal patterns at camping areas near Tully.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Tully, NY is The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Tully, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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