Backbone Horse Campground provides primitive camping facilities with wide, spacious campsites to accommodate both equestrian and non-equestrian campers in the Finger Lakes National Forest. The campground features a self-service payment system with a $10 fee, which according to local reports has reduced the number of equestrian visitors compared to previous years. This decreased usage means the campground rarely reaches capacity, even during peak holiday periods. The area offers access to an extensive trail system that winds through the rolling terrain of the Finger Lakes region, with elevations ranging from approximately 1,300 to 2,100 feet.
What to do
Trail riding with permits: Backbone Horse Campground requires visitors to obtain camping permits, though the sites themselves are free. "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," notes Harry H. in his Backbone Horse Campground review.
Astronomical observation: The minimal light pollution makes the area ideal for 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. about his experience at Backbone Horse Campground.
Scenic drives: The surrounding region features numerous winding roads through rolling hills. "This area is pretty with rolling hills all around so we enjoyed a couple of scenic drives," explains Bran P. about exploring from Tompkins Campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites: The campsites at equestrian camping areas near Tyrone, New York provide ample space for equipment. "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," writes Heather D. about her stay at Backbone Horse Campground.
Water activities: Some nearby campgrounds offer lake access for recreation. "There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," states Stacey C. about Tompkins Campground.
Central location: The Finger Lakes National Forest provides convenient access to regional attractions. "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 park," explains Brenley R. about camping at Backbone Horse Campground.
What you should know
Camp use patterns: The Backbone Horse Campground experiences seasonal fluctuations in use. "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.
Campground divisions: Certain camping areas have designated sections for specific uses. "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," notes Heather D. about the layout at Backbone Horse Campground.
Maintenance considerations: Facility upkeep varies between campgrounds in the region. "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," mentions Kayla N. about Asaph Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Some area campgrounds include recreational facilities. "Our second week, we stayed on site 44 (FHU 50A) right across from the seldom used playground," notes Bran P. about the amenities at Tompkins Campground.
Site selection strategies: During busy periods, flexibility with campsite location may be necessary. "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," shares Brenley R. about finding alternative accommodations at Backbone Horse Campground.
Weekend planning: Holiday weekends require special consideration for site availability. "Of course that was not a success the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, so we stayed," explains Brenley R. about attempting to relocate during a busy period.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: RV campers will find varying levels of service at different facilities. "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," details Bran P. about the layout at Tompkins Campground.
Connectivity concerns: Cell service and internet access vary throughout the region. "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster," warns Bran P. about connectivity at Tompkins Campground.
Satellite reception: Despite wooded settings, satellite service is possible at some locations. "Quite wooded here but we managed to get satellite TV," notes Bran P. about the amenities available during their stay at Tompkins Campground.
