The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campgrounds near Whitney Point, New YorkExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Camping near Whitney Point, NY

18 Reviews

Charles E. Baker State Forest provides primitive, free camping in central New York with some horse-friendly trail access. Located 30 miles northwest of Whitney Point, this 9,087-acre state forest features a network of unmarked trails suitable for horseback riding. The forest terrain consists of mixed hardwoods with occasional clearings. Campsites are rustic with fire pits and picnic tables but no designated horse corrals or stables. Water for horses is available from a small pond on the property. Campground rules permit horses on designated trails only.

Backbone Horse Campground in the Finger Lakes National Forest offers designated equestrian camping with facilities specifically designed for horse owners. The campground features large sites that accommodate horse trailers and provide ample room for portable corrals or highlines. Trails connect directly to the 16,000-acre Finger Lakes National Forest trail system. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with a permit required for overnight stays. Fees remain affordable at $10 per night. Non-horse campers are permitted but horse owners receive priority during busy periods. The campground remains accessible year-round, though spring melt often affects trail conditions.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Whitney Point, New York (3)

    1. Bear Spring Mountain — DEC

    7 Reviews
    Downsville, NY
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 865-6989

    $18 - $40 / night

    "Went here with some friends who had never been outside NYC before. They were absolutely blown away. For me, it was a nice site but not exceptional. Bring or rent a kayak!"

    "I drove to NYC for a business trip and ended up driving 1 and a half hour to reach this place. I always carry a tent in the back of my trunk and decided to go camping."

    2. Backbone Horse Campground

    4 Reviews
    Hector, NY
    44 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "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."

    3. Charles E. Baker State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Hubbardsville, NY
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 674-4017

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-3 of 3 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Whitney Point Contest

Enter to Win

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Whitney Point, NY

18 Reviews of 3 Whitney Point 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.

  • Amber A.
    Jul. 31, 2016

    Bear Spring Mountain — DEC

    Classic catskills

    Went here with some friends who had never been outside NYC before. They were absolutely blown away. For me, it was a nice site but not exceptional. Bring or rent a kayak! There is some pretty serious hiking on site and nearby. There was a lot of horse activity but I don’t know if you can hire them here. Lots of wildlife! There are two areas for camping, check out both though one smells kind of like a barn. Site was typical of state park campgrounds, all up to expectations. Obey bear rules!

  • k
    Jun. 17, 2016

    Bear Spring Mountain — DEC

    Bear spring

    I drove to NYC for a business trip and ended up driving 1 and a half hour to reach this place. I always carry a tent in the back of my trunk and decided to go camping. This campsite isn't the best but is still good. Thee is horses so you will smell them. There is a lake, grills restrooms and showers. This is one of the more fancy campsites and is definitely worth it for only 18 dollars. You can also do short day hikes

  • 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.

  • Cameron
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Charles E. Baker State Forest

    Free Primitive Campsite

    Camped here on a Thursday night in late September. 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. 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. Highly recommended. Only giving 4 stars because the best free sites have water pumps and vault toilets, but this is a great camping experience

Guide to Whitney Point

Backbone Horse Campground provides designated camping for equestrians and their horses in the Finger Lakes National Forest near Whitney Point. The campground features large campsites specifically designed to accommodate horse trailers, camping equipment, and horses. Sites include fire pits and picnic tables, with toilet facilities available on-site. The campground operates year-round, though trail access may be limited during spring melt or inclement weather. Large campsites provide ample room for both horses and camping equipment. A permit is required to camp here, but both the permit and sites are free of charge.

The campground connects to the extensive trail system throughout the Finger Lakes National Forest, offering varied terrain suitable for different riding abilities. Riders should check with the Finger Lakes National Forest office about trail conditions before planning trips, particularly during seasonal transitions. While the campground is primarily designed for equestrians, non-horse owners may also camp here when space is available. The area offers excellent star-gazing opportunities and wildlife viewing in a quiet, natural setting. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with check-in and check-out times remaining flexible for campers. Sheriff patrols occasionally monitor the area, ensuring a safe camping environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Whitney Point, NY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Whitney Point, NY is Bear Spring Mountain — DEC with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

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

Keep Exploring