Welcome to Firelight Camps where we create a revitalizing, comfortable, and stylish camping experience. Pitched on the grounds of La Tourelle Resort and Spa in Ithaca, New York, these platform tents are furnished with hardwood floors, a king or queen bed with plush linens and safari-inspired furniture. Each tent includes a private balcony for soaking in the natural beauty with a good book, mug of coffee or a cocktail. You are greeted in the morning with a complimentary, locally-sourced continental breakfast served in the tented lobby. The camp store carries homemade s'mores kits. Otherwise, guests dine out or at The Bistro at La Tourelle or John Thomas Steakhouse, both on the grounds. During the day, you are invited to unwind on the surrounding trails of Buttermilk Falls State Park, in a hammock under the forest canopy or with a treatment at August Moon Spa (a short walk from your tent). For the adventurous, you can explore the Finger Lakes' famed vineyards, waterfalls and restaurants- or stay on the grounds for dinner at John Thomas Steakhouse. We spark the campfire at sundown, while a complimentary tasting awaits you at the bar. And as always, a homemade s'mores promise to sweeten the company of friends, family and new faces. Their newly renovated bath house is located just 400 ft from your tent. You'll find hot showers with changing rooms and full-length mirrors, flushing toilets and ample space to make yourself feel refreshed. Showers and bathrooms stalls are unisex, though there are two full, private bathrooms for those seeking more comfort. For your convenience, we provide local eco-friendly shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion and laundered towels.

Firelight Camps

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.



Buttermilk Falls State Park

Robert H Treman State Park

Pinecreek Campground

Spruce Row Campsite

Camp Earth Connection

Taughannock Falls State Park

A wonderful rustic, private, off-grid get-away, perfect for couples, families, and pups who enjoy camping (log cabin with wood furniture available, you may pitch your tent anywhere on the property, if you prefer - leave no trace). It is a quiet, rural, forest and field area. Once at the cabin there are only two to three houses within a half mile (through the woods), so you will have a private space all your own. Onsite: water pump, outhouse, wood stove, campfire ring, wood & propane grill. Exclusive access for nature hikes, streams, forest, pond, swimming, bird watching, star gazing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, etc. When you book, you are confirming your understanding of the following: there is no electricity, running water, or  bed/mattresses. You bring own air mattress, bedding, and gear you will need. All-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. To check dates available, calendar is available via airbnb or hipcamp. Note for winter guests: We do not plow the driveway in winter, you need to be ready to shovel an off-road parking spot, and transport gear to cabin(e.g. by sled, snowshoes) Here's a brief list of the basics to bring: Light source: Lantern propane or battery(there are flashlights on site, but the batteries may be low or gone). Air mattress or cot and whatever bedding you need. Paper products(cups, plates, utensils, toilet paper, etc.) Matches/fire starter(there is wood and newspaper on-site, and a propane grill for cooking that has a self-starter) Bug spray Cooler and ice Lawn chairs There are a few tables, several chairs and benches. There are 2 picnic tables(one outside and one inside). The benches can be moved outside if you'd like, just move them back inside before you leave. The propane grill should also be moved outside if you plan to use it. There is a hand axe in the cabin to shave kindling, and the wood is already split to be the length for the wood stove, as needed. Gas: 5 miles away. If you plan to grocery shop when you get to the area, the closest store is at East Hill Plaza in Ithaca, about 9 miles past where the cabin is(I can give you all that info if you like). There is lots to explore/see/do in the Ithaca area if you decide to come down off the hill one of the days. I'll have some brochures and things in the cabin, and can answer questions(aka where is the best ice cream, dinner, etc.).

Round Top Retreat

89 wooded acres nestled between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes! Off grid property with no light solution and incredible star gazing! Walking distance to the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) and Texas Hollow State Forest. A short drive and you can be wine tasting along the lakes. Plenty of activities nearby kayaking, biking and waterfall hikes. Only a few very spread out sites on this acreage. Veteran owned and operated. No fireworks allowed. Well behaved kids and dogs welcome.

Harpy Hollow

Park Station Campground

## Overview

Potomac Group Campground and Day Use Area provides a primitive camping experience for groups of 8-40 people. It is an excellent site for family events and youth group activities. The facility is situated in a scenic area of New York, which makes for an exciting place to explore. A variety of recreational activities are available. Parking for the campground is located approximately 500 feet from the campground itself and all gear must be carried in and out. Recycling cans are available on site but trash must be packed out.

## Recreation

A variety of trails exist in the area, including the Potomac Trail, which extends about 5 miles round-trip. It is a moderately difficult trail that travels through a variety of forest types and follows the edges of quite a few ponds in the area. It is a nice loop on which to learn cross-country skiing and is also a popular game bird hunting area. The Potomac Trail connects with the Interloken Trail and the campground. Fishing is allowed in the ponds, pertaining to state fishing regulations.

## Facilities

Many primitive, group, tent-only campsites, and a group picnic shelter are available for reservation and equipped with at least 4 tables. A campfire circle and grills are also provided and vault toilets are located nearby. The shelter can accommodate up to 40 people and an adjacent parking lot can hold up to 10 vehicles. There is no electricity at the shelter. Drinking water is not available at the campground or picnic shelter, nor is trash collection.

## Natural Features

The lush, green campground is located in Finger Lakes National Forest, between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes in southwestern New York. It is New York's only National Forest. The Forest has over 30 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, ravines, pastures, and woodlands.

Potomac Group Campground

Private

Stayed 2 nights for my birthday and loved it. One of the first places to open after COVID shutdown. Normally they have a large gathering area for cooking, games and a bar tent. Even with the restrictions we had a great visit and felt safely distanced from other campers and staff. Great hiking trails because it is attached to Buttermilk Falls State Park. Also close to Cornell University which is a beautiful campus.

I loved sleeping in the huge canvas tent and listening to the rain safe and warm under many quilts. The breakfast baskets the made for us each day were so nice to wake up to. And the bar and fire pits were maintained for you by the staff -  such luxury. I loved it.

Firelight Camps

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Such a unique Glamping experience!

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