Buttermilk Falls State Park, managed by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, sits just southwest of Ithaca and divides into two distinct sections: a lower park with the campground, a swimming area, and open fields, and an upper park with a small lake, hiking trails, and picnic facilities. The campground itself is drive-in access, but the gravel road climbing to the sites is potholed and rough enough that at least one reviewer cut a stay short partly because of it. RVs are limited to 20 feet.
Sites are close together with limited privacy between them, a pattern that comes up consistently across reviews. That said, the sites are described as reasonably spacious, shaded, and equipped with tables and fire rings. Bathrooms with showers are on-site, and full hookups including electric, water, and sewer are available for RVs. Road noise from Route 13 below the campground is audible at night, and the bathroom door slamming was flagged by at least one camper as a sleep disruption. Wildlife sightings, including deer, are reported by multiple visitors.
The park itself is the main draw. As Matt G. puts it, "it is the mix of constant small waterfalls that really show in this park." The Gorge Trail and Rim Trail connect into a loop that covers most of what the park has to offer, including gorge overlooks and sections where wading is possible in summer. The swimming area has certified lifeguards on duty. Guided tours through the Buttermilk gorge are sometimes available. Sara S. notes that "walking along the water from the upper and lower entrances is great," though she recommends visiting the falls early or near dusk to avoid crowds. The swimming hole and parking near the falls can get congested on summer weekends.
Tent sites do not have direct views of the gorge, and some campers report they could not hear the water from their sites at night. The campground runs from late May through early October, with fall foliage drawing visitors in September and October. Reservations are available online and are worth booking several weeks out for summer weekends. Those considering nearby alternatives can browse campgrounds around Buttermilk Falls State Park, including Robert H. Treman State Park Campground roughly two miles to the southwest. Stock up on supplies before arriving, as there are no stores within the park, and Wegmans in Ithaca is a commonly used stop.
Description
Just a few miles southwest of downtown Ithaca, NY, Buttermilk Falls State Park is 811 acres of shady woods, wetland meadows, and no less than 10 waterfalls cascading down a narrow gorge toward Cayuga Lake. It also makes a great place for camping near New York. The park was designated in 1924, yet its namesake cascade, Buttermilk Falls, was named as early as 1866, as it was likened to “a mass of thick, frothy foam” as it tumbles down a 165-foot slab of layered stone. This makes Buttermilk Falls the park’s main attraction, and the wide pool beneath the falls is a popular swimming hole for cooling off in the summer months. The park’s many other falls, ranging in height from 5 to 35 feet, are viewable from some of the 5.5 miles of hiking trails along the Buttermilk Creek gorge. The park offers free guided gorge tours and interpretive programs.
The campground at Buttermilk Falls is small, offering only 25 tent and RV sites and 18 rental cabins. Campsites are mostly back-in, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers only to a maximum of 20 feet. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits; hookups are not available. Of the cabins available, visitors can choose from historic cabins with electricity and modern cabins sans electricity. There is one ADA accessible campsite and cabin available. Campground amenities include a bathhouse with showers, a picnic shelter, and a trash/recycling station. A trailhead in the campground provides walking access to the park’s trail network, viewpoints, playground and ball fields. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed, and only in pet-friendly areas. Campsite rates are $15–$24/night; cabins are $52–$60/night with two-night minimum. The park also charges an entry fee.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
New York State Park Campgrounds: Same-day reservations are allowed until 3 p.m. on day of arrival; this applies to campsites only. Reservations can be made online or through the ReserveAmerica Call Center: 1-800-456-2267. Walk-ins are permitted on campsites only.
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsButtermilk Falls State Park Campground is located in New York near Ithaca
Directions
The park is located on Route 13, south of Ithaca. Park Office: 607-273-5761
Address
105 Enfield Falls Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Coordinates
42.41600088 N
76.52100082 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/15/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/15/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/15/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 4 min from Ithaca, NY
- 30 min from Elmira, NY
- 59 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 1 min from Syracuse, NY
