How much does camping cost at Buttermilk Falls State Park?

Camping fees at Buttermilk Falls State Park range from $9-$10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Buttermilk Falls State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Buttermilk Falls State Park 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 Buttermilk Falls State Park before I book?

Yes! Buttermilk Falls State Park has 8 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 Buttermilk Falls State Park?

Buttermilk Falls State Park is open July 4th through Labor Day. 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 Buttermilk Falls State Park?

Yes, Buttermilk Falls State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Buttermilk Falls State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Buttermilk Falls State Park. 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 Buttermilk Falls State Park?

Buttermilk Falls State Park offers: Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Buttermilk Falls State Park?

Popular activities at Buttermilk Falls State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Buttermilk Falls State Park?

Fire policies at Buttermilk Falls State Park: Campfires are allowed, but fireworks are prohibited. "On 4th of July we had mini fireworks...and they threatened to kick us out for it.". Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.52

27 reviews

105 Enfield Falls Rd, ITHACA, New York, 14850, United States

Pet FriendlyScenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping New York Mountain Camping New York Winter Camping New York

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

420 ft

Price

$9 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Cabins have seasonal...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 4% in state

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

420 ft

Price

$9 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Cabins have seasonal...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 4% in state

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Regional Programs and Services - Camping Unit Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Buttermilk Falls State Park

$9.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Parking fee is $9 per vehicle, entry ticket is $10. No additional fee information is available.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.52

Top-Rated

Based on 27 reviews

4852 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingwaterwell-maintained

"User reviews are polarized, with many praising the natural beauty, well-maintained trails, and family-friendly environment, while others criticized the cramped campsites and overly strict staff."

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Campground Map

105 Enfield Falls Rd, ITHACA, New York, 14850, United States

Buttermilk Falls State Park

105 Enfield Falls Rd, ITHACA, New York, 14850, United States

Nearby places

Ithaca (approximately 2 miles)

Nearby supplies

Fuel, groceries, and camping supplies can be found in Ithaca, approximately 2 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Buttermilk Falls State Park

Summer brings the best conditions for visiting. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, and the shaded gorge stays cooler during long hikes. The creek's swimming areas are most inviting then, and fishing access is easiest. Weekends and holidays get crowded. Cabins require 7-14 night minimums during peak season, so reserve early and plan to arrive early for parking. Spring runoff makes the waterfalls more dramatic but trails can be slippery.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in NY

Summer offers best conditions: swimming, lifeguards, peak hiking, though it's busiest.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: July 4th through Labor Day. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Cabins have seasonal booking requirements: peak season, 7 to 14-night minimum stay. Cabins run Friday-Friday or Sunday-Sunday in peak season, 2-night minimum stay in non-peak season.
Current Alerts: Swimming activities may be prohibited due to lifeguard availability or water quality issues. Trout spawning may lead to swimming closures.

About Buttermilk Falls State Park

Buttermilk Falls State Park sits in New York's Finger Lakes region near Ithaca, where Buttermilk Creek has carved a gorge through layers of shale and sandstone. The campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and cabin lodging for $9-10/night. Sites are small and close together. Reviews frequently mention you can hear neighbors clearly.

The campground offers a variety of accommodations, including campsites and rustic cabins. Tent and RV camping is supported, but the campsites are described as small and close together.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions for visiting. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, and the shaded gorge stays cooler during long hikes. The creek's swimming areas are most inviting then, and fishing access is easiest. Weekends and holidays get crowded. Cabins require 7-14 night minimums during peak season, so reserve early and plan to arrive early for parking. Spring runoff makes the waterfalls more dramatic but trails can be slippery.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and Scenery811 acres featuring shady woods, wetland meadows like Larch Meadows, a narrow gorge with 10 waterfalls including the namesake 165-foot Buttermilk Falls cascading toward Cayuga Lake, a small upper lake, and a foaming cascade down a steep valley.[3][4][6]

Geological RegionCarved by millennia of rushing water, Buttermilk Falls showcases the raw geological power of the Finger Lakes region. Here, Buttermilk Creek has sculpted a magnificent gorge through layers of shale and sandstone, creating a natural staircase of waterfalls that tells the story of ancient glaciers and patient erosion. This dramatic landscape stands as a testament to the forces that shaped New York's most stunning natural playground.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Check-out

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Stay Limit

Acamping party and their equipment may occupy a site for a maximum of 14 continuous nights. After which, the camping party and equipment must leave the site and facility for 48 hours before registering again for another site.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of 2 sleeping tents or 1 camping unit and 1 small tent is permitted per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Reserve America platform.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned, however, pre-registration is encouraged.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled in accordance with OPRHP General Camping Rules and Information. Any reservation with departure dates outside the 9-month Maximum Window cannot be changed or canceled until 18 days after the reservation was made.

AccessibilityThe park is accessible to visitors, with waterfalls and other features designed to accommodate all guests.

Site SizeThe campsites are reportedly small and cramped, offering limited privacy. One user noted that the campsites 'feel like apartments,' while others described the sites as 'a bit cramped' with 'not much privacy.

PrivacyCampsites offer limited privacy, with some reviews noting that neighbors can be heard easily. One review stated, 'You can hear your neighbor whisper.

Recommended SitesMultiple reviews suggest selecting campsites away from crowded areas to ensure privacy.

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Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Dump station

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Buttermilk Falls State Park include hiking, fishing, swimming, bird watching, and interpretive programs. The park is known for its scenic trails, including the Gorge Trail and Rim Trail, and the opportunity to swim at the base of the falls.

Hiking

The park features several trails, including the Gorge Trail (.65 miles long) and the Rim Trail. These trails vary in difficulty, with the Gorge Trail described as moderately steep with many stairs. Reviews highlight the beautiful scenery and lush environment. One user stated, 'The Gorge Trail is .65 miles long. However, don't let the short length fool you. It is a moderately steep hike with many stairs.'

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include steep terrain, rocky ground, and stairs along the gorge trail.

Active AlertsSwimming activities may be prohibited due to lifeguard availability or water quality issues. Trout spawning may lead to swimming closures.

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).

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but fireworks are prohibited. "On 4th of July we had mini fireworks...and they threatened to kick us out for it."

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency Services, Ithaca City Fire Department (approximately 2 miles), Cayuga Medical Center (approximately 3 miles)

Trash & RecyclingDumpsters and recycling stations are available within the park. One user noted that recycling facilities are conveniently located on-site.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near the waterfall and stream-fed swimming area.

Camp Hostnull

Weather at Buttermilk Falls State Park

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

27 reviews

Top-Rated

Buttermilk Falls State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are polarized, with many praising the natural beauty, well-maintained trails, and family-friendly environment, while others criticized the cramped campsites and overly strict staff.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Proximity to stunning hiking trails and waterfalls; clean, well-maintained; scenic Gorge and Rim trails not too challenging; natural swimming pool at falls base; great for nature lovers.[3]

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

Cramped campsite layouts, lack of privacy, and overbearing enforcement of park rules were frequent complaints. One reviewer noted, 'Campsites feel like apartments really small...you can hear your...

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Dogs permitted on leash in pet-friendly areas; reservations up to 9 months in advance; back-in sites only; cabins have 2-7 night minimums depending on season.[3][4]

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with positive reviews highlighting the gorge trails and swimming opportunities. However, summer weekends can be crowded. The park is closed during winter, and some...

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The beauty of the hike cannot be underrated. There are 10 waterfalls total on the hike. Some are small, some are tall, all have water that falls!' 2. 'The cabins are so perfect. Swimming area was...

Based on 27 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight that the campsites are small and offer limited privacy. Users recommend checking availability and reserving in advance due to the high demand during peak season.

Based on 27 reviews

Accessibility Features

The park is described as accessible for all visitors, with accessible trails and facilities. However, detailed reviews specific to accessibility features are limited.

Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but they must be leashed and under control. They are not permitted in swimming areas, and proof of rabies vaccination is required. One reviewer stated, 'Loved that...

Based on 27 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

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4.5

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Robert H Treman State Park

105 Enfield Falls Rd, ITHACA, New York, 14850, United States

Robert H. Treman State Park sits in Tompkins County near Ithaca, where Enfield Glen's 12 waterfalls draw hikers and swimmers year-round. The 115-foot Lucifer Falls anchors the gorge trail system, which winds through wooded glens and past natural swimming holes. Sites cost $18-35/night and include tent spots, RV sites, and cabins. Reservations are recommended, especially for fall foliage season.