How much does camping cost at Backbone Horse Campground?

Camping fees at Backbone Horse Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Backbone Horse Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Backbone Horse Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Backbone Horse Campground before I book?

Yes! Backbone Horse Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Backbone Horse Campground?

Backbone Horse Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Backbone Horse Campground?

Backbone Horse Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Backbone Horse Campground?

Cell phone service at Backbone Horse Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Backbone Horse Campground have?

Backbone Horse Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Backbone Horse Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Backbone Horse Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Backbone Horse Campground?

Backbone Horse Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Backbone Horse Campground

3.34

19 reviews

Featured in:RV Camping

Quick Facts

1,677 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on .Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,677 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on .Official Website

Get Directions

Backbone Horse Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

S&P Standard Nonelectric: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Backbone Horse Campground

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Weather at Backbone Horse Campground

Best Time to Camp at Backbone Horse Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable riding weather and the longest days for exploring Backbone's open meadows and trail network — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 50s–60s. Trails are dry and well-packed for horses, wildflowers and abundant wildlife viewing are at their peak, and campground facilities are fully accessible. Weekends can be busier with equestrian groups, but overall crowds remain moderate compared with larger vehicle-oriented parks. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best season: reliable riding weather, long days, wildflowers and active trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Backbone Horse Campground

Backbone Horse Campground sits in the Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests foothills, designed specifically for equestrian camping with direct trail access. This budget-friendly spot offers primitive sites for tents and RVs alongside horses, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Reviewers appreciate the quiet atmosphere and clean facilities, though sites have minimal separation and limited tree cover.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable riding weather and the longest days for exploring Backbone's open meadows and trail network — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the 50s–60s. Trails are dry and well-packed for horses, wildflowers and abundant wildlife viewing are at their peak, and campground facilities are fully accessible. Weekends can be busier with equestrian groups, but overall crowds remain moderate compared with larger vehicle-oriented parks. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation1677 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies open meadows with scattered woodlands rather than dense forest. This sparse tree coverage creates expansive views and ample space for horses, but it also means limited shade and minimal privacy between sites. The open terrain supports wildflowers in summer and offers unobstructed stargazing. The mix of meadow and scattered trees makes for good wildlife viewing, though some campers find the lack of forest coverage a downside compared to more secluded campgrounds.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no lodging or hotel-style accommodations available at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation Platforms.

AccessibilityThe campground does not explicitly highlight accessibility features. Vault toilets and semi-primitive facilities may limit accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Site 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.

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 SitesChoose 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. Reviews don't specify which sites offer better spacing or terrain, but campers note that one site is long enough to accommodate a Class A RV.

Need help booking Backbone Horse Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Sites #5-9 are reserved for horseback users from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. -Remaining sites can be used by both non-horse users and horse users.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at the campground; only vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.3

19 reviews

Mixed 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 19 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 19 reviews

Common 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 19 reviews

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 19 reviews

Pro 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 19 reviews

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 19 reviews

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 19 reviews