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Equestrian Camping near Athens, PA

5 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    Backbone Horse Campground in Burdett, New York provides year-round equestrian camping with standard and horse-specific campsites. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and horse trailers with ample space for equine companions. The campground maintains vault toilets and trash collection services for visitors. All roads and parking pads are well-maintained for trailer access. Sites are first-come, first-served with payment collected through an honor system. The campground is never crowded, with many visitors noting they had the entire facility to themselves during their stay, even on holiday weekends.

    Direct access to the extensive trail network of Finger Lakes National Forest begins from the campground. Both designated horse areas and non-horse sections are available, with more than half the camping area specifically designed for equestrians. Sites are particularly spacious to accommodate horse trailers and equipment. The campsite features fire pits and picnic tables at most locations. Alcohol is permitted in the camping areas. Visitors should call ahead to confirm trail conditions, as spring melt or weather may affect accessibility. Users report the campground is particularly beautiful, with large well-shaded sites and minimal crowding, making it ideal for quiet horseback riding getaways in the Finger Lakes region.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Athens (5)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Lackawanna State Park Campground

      4.5(17)50mi from Athens109 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails."

      "The sites were a little close to each other and where we were in the park was a mixed use area. So we had an RV next to us with the Genny running all day."

      from $20 - $79 / night

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      2. Tompkins

      4.3(4)34mi from Athens122 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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      3. Backbone Horse Campground

      5.0(4)40mi from Athens1 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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      4. Stony Fork Creek Campground

      4.4(5)49mi from AthensRVs, 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. World's End Equestrian Campground (Bridle Trailhead) — Loyalsock State Forest

      Be the first to review36mi from Athens17 sites

      from $10 / night

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Athens, PA

    30 Reviews of 5 Athens 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 19, 2024

      Lackawanna State Park Campground

      Something for everyone!

      This is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails. There are several campgrounds, with tremendous variety for every camping style. There are standard car camping tent sites, RV sites, and yurts and camper cabins. For those who like more rustic options, there are hike-in sites that are beautiful and not far from the parking area. The campsites are nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites (at least for me, in September in a hike-in site not far from the regular campground). It is nice to have such a fine camping and outdoor recreation opportunity within an easy drive of the city of Clarks Summit, so probably a great weekend getaway for local folks, but a wonderful stopover for anyone on a road trip through northern PA as it is not far off Interstate 81. I was there only one day, but would like to be back to explore the trails!

    • 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.

    • Guy M.
      Jul. 7, 2021

      Lackawanna State Park Campground

      Very Nice, Neat & Well Done

      We were Motorcycle camping and came in on a Holiday weekend without a reservation. But we were given a terrific tent site. The park was very neat and well manicured. Bathrooms were fairly nice, but no TP mid day. The sites were a little close to each other and where we were in the park was a mixed use area. So we had an RV next to us with the Genny running all day. The people were nice and fed us so I didn’t complain. The Lake looked nice though we didn’t use it. The roads all around were great for motorcycles and Scranton was very close for all your needs. This place gets thumbs up but only 4 stars because I’m hard to please.

    • David G.
      May. 28, 2019

      Lackawanna State Park Campground

      Real Quiet in Early Spring

      Campground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RV’s and strictly walk in tent sites. There is a beautiful lake and a very large pool. We went in early spring midweek, it was very quiet and exactly the get away we wanted.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 23, 2022

      Lackawanna State Park Campground

      Woodsy friendly comfortable state park

      We like Lackawanna State Park.   This is the place we camped when we moved to PA.     It has signts that are very wooded.   Some are a little close to each other, but others offer plenty of space, including our site (52) on this trip.    One of the biggest spots we have ever had.   The site has one potential drawback for some, no electric hookup, however most of the loop we were in and the other pet friendly loop was also electric capable.    The trails are fun for relaxing hikes, we especially like the one right along the lake.    Also their is a huge lakefront area along a different stretch of the lake that offers people a lot of ways to enjoy themselves.   It also has a huge pool area, but that was closed and that was our reason for giving the rating a 4 star.   Can't have your number 1 item closed during the middle of summer and get a 5 star.    We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house.

    Guide to Athens

    Lackawanna State Park Campground offers a range of camping options near Athens, Pennsylvania. The campground features both RV and tent sites with varying levels of privacy, plus cabins and yurts for those seeking alternative accommodations. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania's rolling hills, the area provides access to multiple waterways and trail systems throughout the region.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: Lackawanna State Park provides ideal fishing spots where families can enjoy casting while children play nearby. As one visitor notes, "One suggestion would be to bring a fishing rod and enjoy casting while the kids run around and play."

    Hiking trails: The region offers extensive trail networks for all skill levels. At Lackawanna State Park Campground, visitors appreciate "Nice hiking trails!" while another mentions, "Hiking trails are good, the lake is nice," highlighting the dual attractions of land and water activities.

    Horseback riding: Horse campgrounds near Athens, Pennsylvania provide specialized facilities for equestrian campers. At Backbone Horse Campground, sites are specifically designed with "room for all your horses and horse paraphernalia," making it convenient for those traveling with horses.

    Water recreation: Many campgrounds feature lakes or streams for swimming, boating, and fishing. Tompkins Campground includes "a beach for swimming, marina for boating," giving water enthusiasts multiple options for recreation during summer months.

    What campers like

    Quiet atmosphere: Many visitors value the peaceful settings available in the Athens area. At Tompkins, campers appreciate that "It is always clean. There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy."

    Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer generously sized camping areas. As one visitor to Stony Fork Creek Campground observed, "Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level."

    Stargazing opportunities: The rural location provides excellent night sky viewing. A camper at Backbone Horse Campground shared their experience: "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!"

    Clean facilities: Well-maintained campgrounds remain a top priority for visitors. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, guests note "The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times."

    What you should know

    Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Lackawanna State Park Campground runs "2nd Fri April to 3rd Sun October," while Tompkins operates "mid May-late Sep," requiring advance planning for visits.

    Cell service variations: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, visitors warn of "No cell service and WiFi isn't reliable if that's what you need or are looking for."

    Permit requirements: Some equestrian camping areas have specific regulations. For horse enthusiasts looking for equestrian campgrounds near Athens, Pennsylvania, note that at Backbone Horse Campground, "You need a permit to camp here but the permit and site are free."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Athens, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Athens, PA is Lackawanna State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Athens, PA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Athens, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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