Backbone Horse Campground
3.937 reviews.
Backbone Horse Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground charges a standard recreation use fee of $15 per night for a standard non-electric campsite.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of New York's equestrian country, Backbone Horse Campground offers a unique retreat where riders and their four-legged companions can explore miles of scenic trails together. This intimate, semi-primitive campground caters specifically to horse enthusiasts seeking an authentic outdoor experience, combining the rustic charm of traditional camping with specialized amenities for equine visitors.
The Backbone Horse Campground caters to various camping types, with a focus on equestrian users. It accommodates tent camping, RVs, and horse trailers, with some sites specifically reserved for horseback riders during the peak season.
Historical SignificanceThis campground stands as a testament to New York's enduring equestrian heritage, preserving a tradition of horseback exploration that has connected riders with nature for generations. The trails that wind through the area echo with the history of countless hoofbeats, creating a living link between past and present outdoor enthusiasts.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the changing tapestry of New York's seasons at Backbone, where each time of year brings its own riding adventures. Spring arrives with vibrant wildflowers and fresh greenery, though trails close temporarily from March 15th to May 1st to protect the pathways during muddy conditions. Summer offers long, warm days perfect for extended trail rides, while autumn transforms the landscape into a breathtaking palette of golds and crimsons. Winter brings a peaceful solitude to the campground, ideal for those seeking a quieter equestrian escape.
ElevationThe campground's gentle terrain makes it accessible for riders of all skill levels, offering a comfortable base camp for exploring the surrounding trail network. The relatively level ground provides stable footing for horses and easy navigation for riders setting up camp.
Natural Features and SceneryUnlike many of New York's densely wooded campgrounds, Backbone offers an open, prairie-like setting that provides expansive views and plenty of space for horses to feel at ease. The sparse tree coverage creates an airy, spacious atmosphere where campers can enjoy unobstructed stargazing and panoramic vistas. This unique landscape allows for excellent visibility between campsites, fostering a sense of community among fellow equestrians while still maintaining the peaceful ambiance that draws visitors seeking respite from crowded, traditional campgrounds.
Geological RegionSet within New York's diverse geological landscape, the campground occupies a distinctive ecological niche that supports both open meadows and scattered woodlands, creating ideal conditions for equestrian activities and wildlife viewing.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not explicitly highlight accessibility features. Vault toilets and semi-primitive facilities may limit accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate small setups, such as tent camping, as well as horse trailers and one site long enough for a Class A RV. However, space is limited overall.
Sites PrivacySites have limited coverage and are not very forested, reducing privacy between them. This is noted as a drawback by some reviewers.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose a site based on privacy and accessibility to trails, especially during off-season for horse users.
Best CampsitesSites #5-9 are reserved for horseback users from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
.
Check-out
2PM
Stay Limit
14 days in a 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has a total of 10 sites, with some designated for horse trailers during specific seasons.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round for hiking; however, the campground is accessible from Memorial Day through November.
Reservation Platforms.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable from June 21st to December 31st on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, cancellations, or other fee changes allowed with Scan and Pay transactions.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Backbone Horse Campground is primarily geared toward horseback riding, with designated trails and sites for equestrian users. Additionally, hiking opportunities are available year-round, and the tranquil setting provides a suitable environment for wildlife viewing. The campground offers direct access to trails, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
The campground provides year-round hiking opportunities. However, trails are closed to horseback riding from March 15th to May 1st to prevent erosion during muddy conditions.Wildlife viewing
Quiet surroundings and the semi-primitive nature of the campground enhance opportunities for wildlife viewing, though specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
Hiking remains available even in winter, though specific winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- .
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsHorse droppings mentioned in user reviews may require attention when selecting campsites.
Active alerts.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 53%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 11 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
.
Good to know
Peak season dates.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling containers are available at the campground. This was positively noted by at least one reviewer.
Proximity to water featuresA non-potable hydrant along the trail north of the campground for watering livestock only.
Common complaintsLimited separation between sites and minimal forest coverage; inconvenience of payment system requiring one-day transactions.
Host.
Campground Map
.
Driving directions.
.Nearby places
.
Nearby supplies
.
Camper Reviews
3.9
7 reviews
Backbone Horse Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the quiet and peaceful environment at Backbone Horse Campground, emphasizing its value for equestrian users. While the limited privacy and lack of amenities like showers are noted as drawbacks, many appreciate the cleanliness of the vault toilets and the reasonable $15 nightly fee.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, quiet and less-crowded environment, affordable nightly fee, access to trails, and availability of trash and recycling facilities.
Based on 7 reviewsCommon Concerns
Limited privacy between sites, no showers, some inconvenience for non-equestrian users, lack of forested areas, and a 'pay one day at a time' system noted as inconvenient.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
The campground is better suited for equestrian users. Non-equestrian visitors might find weekdays or off-season visits more enjoyable due to fewer crowds. Consider bringing drinking water as there is...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is open year-round for hiking but is particularly active from Memorial Day to Columbus Day when equestrian trails are open. Off-seasons offer more solitude, and weekdays are quieter....
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Vault toilets were spotlessly clean and odor-free.' (Mark)
2. 'I love this camp. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. There are garbage cans and recycling containers.' (Ashley E)
3. 'It is...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites #5-9 are reserved for horseback riders during the primary season (Memorial Day to Columbus Day). One site can accommodate a Class A RV, though space is limited overall.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground but must be leashed at all times.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025