Backbone Horse Camp, Burdett, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New York residents seeking a true escape into the wild heart of the Finger Lakes region, Backbone Horse Camp offers an exceptional, semi-primitive camping experience unlike the more developed State Parks. Nestled within the vast and beautiful expanse of the Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF), this small, intimate campground is fundamentally designed to cater to outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate a "no-frills, all-nature" approach. While the name highlights its primary function—a haven for campers with horses—it serves as a fantastic boondocking location and peaceful retreat for all visitors, especially during the off-season.

Backbone Horse Camp embodies the spirit of traditional, relaxed camping. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing simplicity and a deep connection to the outdoors. The atmosphere is consistently described as quiet and peaceful, making it a perfect spot for stargazing, wildlife viewing, and unwinding away from city noise. Local users appreciate that this camp provides the basic, essential amenities for a comfortable stay—a fire pit, a picnic table, and clean facilities—without the cost and crowding of high-density commercial parks. For those looking to explore the FLNF’s extensive trail system, this camp serves as a perfect, centralized gateway.

The site offers a handful of spots, creating a close-knit and sparsely populated feel. Visitors with larger RVs, though the site is primarily primitive, have successfully secured spots, noting the need to scout ahead due to the limited number of long sites. This adaptability, combined with its seclusion, makes Backbone Horse Camp a highly valued, hidden gem within the Finger Lakes National Forest.

Location and Accessibility

Backbone Horse Camp is strategically situated in the Finger Lakes National Forest, offering direct access to one of the most cherished natural assets in New York State.

The official address is:

Address: Picnic Area Rd, Burdett, NY 14818, USA

The camp is located near the town of Burdett, in Schuyler County. The location provides an excellent balance of forest immersion and proximity to major regional attractions:

Finger Lakes National Forest (FLNF): The campground is directly on the FLNF's trail system, including the renowned Backbone Trail, offering nearly 20 miles of managed equestrian trails and access to hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
Regional Access: Its central location in the Finger Lakes region places it conveniently near both Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. It is a reasonable drive to the famous Seneca Wine Trail, the stunning waterfalls of Watkins Glen State Park, and the hiking trails of Hector.
Access Road: The camp is located off Picnic Area Road (County Route 2). The access is generally straightforward, though as a primitive location within a National Forest, unpaved or unimproved sections may be present.
Accessibility for Larger Rigs: While primitive and small (approximately 11 sites total), the sites are generally spacious and some can accommodate longer RVs and horse trailers. Visitors with Class A motorhomes have confirmed the possibility of staying here, though site availability for large vehicles is very limited and sites are first-come, first-served.

Services Offered

True to its semi-primitive designation, Backbone Horse Camp provides essential amenities designed to support a rustic, comfortable, and self-sufficient camping experience:

Campsite Furnishings: Each of the roughly 11 available sites includes a durable picnic table and a dedicated fire pit for cooking and campfires. Some sites may also include grills.
Equestrian Facilities: Specialized services for horse owners include individual tie posts at each site and a central corral area.
Restroom Facilities: The campground provides three clean vault toilets (pit toilets) for public use.
Refuse Disposal: Garbage cans and recycling containers are provided and maintained, simplifying waste management for campers.
Water Availability: This is a boondocking (dry camping) location; there are no electric or water hookups for RVs, and no potable (drinking) water is available on-site. A non-potable pond is available for watering livestock. Campers must bring their own water supply.
Permitting and Fees: There is generally a low camping fee (often $10, though subject to change) collected via an honor system. A free use permit is required and must be completed upon entry.
Campground Use: During the primary season (Memorial Day to Columbus Day), sites #5-9 are exclusively reserved for horse users. The remaining sites are available to all campers. During the off-season, all sites are available to non-equestrian campers.

Features / Highlights

Backbone Horse Camp is highlighted by its unique features that draw a particular type of outdoor enthusiast:

Direct Trail Access: The campground sits at the entrance to the Backbone Trail, offering immediate access to the extensive, multi-use trail network (hiking, horse riding, and some sections for mountain biking) of the Finger Lakes National Forest.
Primitive & Quiet Atmosphere: It offers a genuinely quiet, tranquil setting far removed from highway noise and the density of commercial campgrounds, making it ideal for deep relaxation and wildlife observation.
Boondocking/Dry Camping Flexibility: The nature of the camp makes it a fantastic, low-cost option for experienced RV and van campers who are set up for boondocking (self-sufficient camping without hookups).
Star-Gazing Potential: Due to the remote location within the National Forest and lack of light pollution, the camp is highly recommended by reviewers as a perfect quiet spot for astronomy and stargazing.
Year-Round Access (with Caveats): While generally open year-round for hiking, the main campground gates are typically only open from Memorial Day through November, and the trail system has seasonal closures (March 15 to May 1) to prevent erosion.

Contact Information

For the most current information on conditions, fees, and trail closures within the Finger Lakes National Forest, visitors should contact the local Ranger Station or the number provided below:

Address: Picnic Area Rd, Burdett, NY 14818, USA

Phone: (607) 546-4470

Mobile Phone: +1 607-546-4470

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Backbone Horse Camp is an invaluable resource for New York residents who crave an authentic, primitive wilderness experience without having to travel hundreds of miles out of state. It provides the most accessible, low-impact camping option within the only National Forest in the state. For local equestrian enthusiasts, it is simply the best base camp for exploring the magnificent trails of the FLNF with their horses.

For hikers, RVers, and tent campers, the site offers the quietude of dispersed camping with the convenience of basic infrastructure, such as clean toilets, fire pits, and trash disposal. It’s an ideal spot for a weekend warrior getaway—a place where the focus shifts from finding electrical outlets to connecting with nature. The low cost and first-come, first-served system also appeal to spontaneous campers and those seeking an affordable alternative to packed State Parks. If you live in New York and value peace, direct trail access, and a rustic camping experience, Backbone Horse Camp is your perfect domestic escape into the Finger Lakes backcountry.