Backbone Horse Campground provides direct access to the Finger Lakes National Forest trail system located 60 miles from Waverly, New York. The terrain features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,000 feet across the forest's 16,000 acres. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day, dropping to the 50s at night, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperatures that can dip below freezing.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Equestrians can access miles of forest trails directly from Backbone Horse Campground. "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," notes Harry H.
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution makes horse campgrounds near Waverly, New York excellent for astronomy enthusiasts. "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!" reports Ian A.
Hiking and exploration: The area offers numerous hiking options with varying difficulty levels. Aaron W. from Tompkins Campground describes "Amazing View And Hiking" opportunities throughout the region.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Equestrian campgrounds provide ample room for both camping equipment and horses. "We had the whole place to ourselves," mentions Heather D., adding that "This is a great little campground with fairly large sites."
Quiet atmosphere: The remote nature of these facilities ensures peaceful camping. "We seen maybe three people pass through the three days/two nights we were there," Heather D. reports about her stay at Backbone Horse Campground.
Central location: World's End Equestrian Campground and other horse-friendly sites near Waverly serve as strategic bases for regional exploration. As Brenley R. points out, "You're centrally located to do and see everything from waterfalls, trails, vineyards and so on."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: While some campgrounds operate year-round, others have limited seasons. Tompkins Campground operates from "mid May-late Sep," according to official information.
Payment systems: Many horse campgrounds operate on honor systems for fee collection. "Payment of the low fee is on the honor system and check in/out is very flexible," explains Heather D.
Usage patterns: Visitor numbers fluctuate seasonally and with fee changes. One camper noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. Bran P. from Tompkins Campground mentions staying "on site 44 (FHU 50A) right across from the seldom used playground."
Beach activities: Water recreation provides family entertainment options. "There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," reports Stacey C.
Non-equestrian camping: Families without horses can still use horse-focused campgrounds. "You can camp without having horses but get ready to smell them," advises Harry H., while Brenley R. adds that some campgrounds have both horse riders and non-equestrians, though tensions can occasionally arise between groups.
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