New York / Schuyler County / Finger Lakes National Forest

Backbone Horse Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from Memorial Day through November. After the summer season, facilities are no longer actively maintained and amenities such as restrooms and water may not be available.

About

Backbone Horse Campground is a small, semi-primitive campground nestled within the Finger Lakes National Forest, specifically designed for campers and picnickers who bring horses. The facility caters to equestrians with spacious sites large enough to accommodate horse trailers, tie posts at each site, and a corral in the camping area. The Backbone Trail begins at the campground and traverses the forest through shrublands, pastures, old roads, and historic homestead sites, offering riders scenic routes through the landscape. The campground features basic amenities appropriate for its semi-primitive classification, including vault toilets, trash service, picnic tables, and fire rings at select sites. Water is available for animals and stock but is not suitable for drinking, so campers must bring their own potable water. Sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis at $15 per night, with a day use fee of $5 per vehicle for those only using the trails. A maximum stay of 14 days within any 30-day period applies. Located in the Hector District of Finger Lakes National Forest, the campground provides access to nearly 20 miles of equestrian trails across the forest. Trail users should note that all trails designated for horses are closed to horseback riding from March 15 through May 1 due to muddy conditions and increased potential for erosion and trail damage. The campground is open from Memorial Day through November, though designated facilities are no longer actively maintained after the summer recreation season.

Directions

From the South: Take State Route 14 North (Exit 52 off State Route 17) to Watkins Glen. In Watkins Glen, turn right at the Fourth St intersection onto State Route 414 North. Go approximately 9 miles north, past the Hector Ranger Station. 0.5 miles past the Ranger Station, turn right on Schuyler County Route 2. Travel for 3.5 miles east. Backbone Campground is on the left, opposite the intersection with Burnt Hill Road. From the North: Take State Route 414 South to Hector (Exit 41 off I-90). In Hector, 1 mile past the Dandy Mini Mart, turn left onto County Route 2. Travel for 3.5 miles east. Backbone Campground is on the left, opposite the intersection with Burnt Hill Road.

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