Backbone Horse Campground offers equestrian camping facilities in the Finger Lakes National Forest, situated approximately 42 miles from Sayre, Pennsylvania. The campground features large camping sites specifically designed to accommodate horse trailers and temporary containment systems. Campers visiting with horses have direct access to over 30 miles of trails throughout the forest without needing to transport their horses between camping and riding locations.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Equestrian enthusiasts can explore numerous trail connections from Backbone Horse Campground. As one camper notes, "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." The trails wind through diverse forest landscapes and meadows.
Stargazing sessions: The remote nature of equestrian campgrounds provides excellent night sky viewing. According to one visitor at Backbone Horse Campground, it's the "Perfect quiet spot to star gaze and listen to the wildlife. We had perfect weather and it was a spectacular night!"
Explore nearby attractions: When camping near Sayre, Pennsylvania, visitors can use campgrounds as a base for regional exploration. One camper at Stony Fork Creek Campground shared, "We visited the PA grand canyon while we were there as well as the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA." The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon offers additional recreational opportunities within driving distance.
What campers like
Peace and solitude: Horse campgrounds near Sayre typically have fewer visitors, especially midweek. One Backbone camper reported, "We had the whole place to ourselves. This is a great little campground with fairly large sites. We seen maybe three people pass through the three days/two nights we were there."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained campground facilities enhance the camping experience. A visitor at Tompkins Campground shared, "We love this campground. We come every year. 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."
Natural surroundings: The natural environment near Sayre provides scenic camping settings. As one camper at Tompkins noted, "Amazing View And Hiking," while another at Stony Fork Creek mentioned the site was "grassy and level" with "shade and woods behind us," creating a pleasant natural setting.
What you should know
Payment systems: Many equestrian campgrounds use honor-based payment collection. At Backbone Horse Campground, "Payment of the low fee is on the honor system and check in/out is very flexible." Understanding this system helps campers prepare with exact cash amounts.
Seasonal trail closures: Weather conditions affect trail access throughout the year. One visitor advises, "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." Another important note about Stony Fork Creek Campground: "No cell service and WiFi isn't reliable if that's what you need or are looking for."
Campground policies: Some horse campgrounds welcome non-equestrian campers, but conflicts can occur. One camper recounted their experience: "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. It was actually perfect for our small popup, but the horse riders that camp here were not pleased with us."
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: When camping with children near Sayre, consider campgrounds with swimming options. A visitor at Stony Fork Creek Campground mentioned, "The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals."
Weekend planning: Family campgrounds can become noisy on weekends. One camper observed, "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."
Campsite selection: Choose sites that offer adequate space for family activities. A Tompkins Campground visitor noted, "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."
Tips from RVers
Level parking pads: RV campers appreciate properly prepared parking areas. A visitor at World's End Equestrian Campground noted the availability of electric, water, and sewer hookups, which are uncommon at many horse campgrounds but essential for larger RVs.
Campground layout: Some campgrounds have congested site arrangements. One RVer mentioned, "Nice clean place. Can get a bit crowded in some spots where the campers seem to be on top of one another. Luckily we didn't have one of those sites."
Road conditions: Paved roads improve accessibility for larger vehicles. As one camper stated, "All of the roads were paved and sites were very large." This feature makes navigation easier for RVs and horse trailers, particularly important for equestrian camping near Sayre, Pennsylvania.
