Buttermilk Falls State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Situated in south-central New York just south of Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls State Park spans 811 acres of stunning rock formations and landscapes. The fascinating formations were created over the last 20,000 to 30,000 years as Buttermilk Creek gradually eroded the sandstone and shale. Through erosion, horizontal rock layers were formed, creating a stunning gorge and many spectacular waterfalls. Among the ten waterfalls on park grounds, you will find the park's 165-foot tall namesake, Buttermilk Falls. Nearby Cities: • Ithaca, NY • Dryden, NY • Lansing, NY • South Hill, NY
Spring 21-67 F
Summer 53-79 F
Fall 30-71 F
Winter 14-36 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls Campground • Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: No • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: Up to 20 feet • Other amenities: Grills, restrooms with showers, picnic tables, fire rings
Spruce Row Campground & RV Park
This campground is above Cayuga Lake and near the Finger Lakes. It’s just a short drive from Ithaca, and is near Watkins Glen race track, Cornell University, and the Cayuga Wine Trail.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: n/a
Other amenities: pool, fishing pond, playground, mini golf
Pinecreek Campground
Another campground in the rolling hills of upstate New York, in the beautiful Finger Lakes area near Ithaca.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: yes
Other amenities: showers, laundry, pool, playground, fishing pond
What to Do at
Buttermilk Falls State Park
When you first arrive at Buttermilk Falls State Park for a camping adventure, you will undoubtedly be taken aback by the breathtaking landscape surrounding you. In addition to sightseeing and simply appreciating the area's natural beauty, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, bow hunting, playing sports on ball fields, and even watching the little ones run around on the children's playground. The park is open year-round, but most of the trails are not accessible from November through the winter months.
Inside Buttermilk Falls State Park
There are a number of things to do at Buttermilk Falls State Park.
Fishing: With a pond, a creek, and a pool lower down, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing at the park.
Hiking: There are hiking trails throughout the park that wind through the woodlands, along the lake and waterfalls, and along the gorge.
Hunting: Deer hunting is permitted in season in certain areas of the park. A valid hunting license is required.
Fishing
Fishing is popular at Buttermilk Falls State Park, with many great fishing holes along Buttermilk Creek. More fishing opportunities await at the park's southern end along the shore of scenic Lake Treman. You could catch trout and bass when you cast your line in these areas.
Geocaching
An earth cache is located on the park's grounds, meaning the treasure is not in a physical container like other geocaches. The detailed GPS instructions for this unique cache are available on your geocaching app.
Nature Watching
During the evening, you may see several bat species flying overhead and hear owls and wolves nearby. As you explore the grounds in the daytime, keep your eyes open for wild turkeys, skunks, rabbits, beavers, opossums, squirrels, grouse, woodpeckers, herons, and hawks. The most common places to spot wildlife are in the gorge, along the streams, in the wetlands, in the forest, and in the park's many natural potholes.
Stargazing
The park is located far from city lights, making it an excellent place to gaze at the heavens. You can head to the swimming area to watch the stars above and reflected in the water below. Or, bring along an evening snack and set up a telescope at one of the tables in the nearby picnic area.
Hiking
The trails that weave through the park cover a distance of 5.86 miles and are rated for easy, moderate, and challenging hikes to suit all visitors. The 0.65-mile Gorge Trail is the most popular in the park as it leads to Buttermilk Falls. Some other popular trails you can explore during your visit are the Lake Treman Loop and the Owl Creek Trail.
Swimming
A designated swimming area is located at the southern end of the park at Lake Treman. You can also swim in the deep pools that have naturally formed along the creek and near the falls, including at the base of Buttermilk Falls.
How to Get to
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Buttermilk Falls State Park is just off Highway 13, between Ithaca and Elmira. From Highway 13, turn southeast on East Buttermilk Falls Road. This road takes you directly to the park entrance, and the camping area is just beyond the door on the left.
Entering Buttermilk Falls State Park
Parking is available near the park entrance, the upper park entrance, the camping area, the ball fields, and the trailhead for Lake Treman Trail.
Buttermilk Falls State Park Per Vehicle : $9.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Buttermilk Falls State Park
Because many trails are inaccessible after November each year, the best time to visit Buttermilk Falls State Park is spring, summer, and early fall. Visitors should contact the park to learn about trail accessibility when planning a trip for the spring and fall seasons.
Buttermilk Falls State Park is teeming with wildlife, including wild turkeys, grouse, hawks, blue herons, owls, and woodpeckers. While exploring the park, you may also see squirrels, woodchucks, beavers, bats, coyotes, rabbits, skunks, and opossums.
There are 25 campsites at Buttermilk Falls State Park, and all sites are suitable for tents and RVs up to 20 feet long. All of the campsites have full hookups, a picnic table, a fire ring, and nearby restrooms.
Reservations are recommended to camp at Buttermilk Falls State Park but are not required. On top of the $15 to $19 nightly camping fee, an $8 non-refundable reservation fee applies.
Guests may bring a maximum of two pets and must provide proof of vaccinations to park staff upon request. Pets must always remain crated or on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are prohibited in swimming and spray areas, beaches, boardwalks, golf courses, buildings, and playgrounds.