The best glamping pod rentals near Ithaca, New York

This college town in the Finger Lakes region offers gorgeous scenery and some of the liveliest culture in upstate New York. Located on Cayuga Lake, Ithaca's natural beauty is built into the town. Hills rise above the historic downtown, and the Cascadilla Gorge winds through with century-old stone stairs leading down.

Campers don't have to go far to pitch a tent. Right in Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls State Park has stunning views and well-maintained tent sites and cabins. The park's namesake waterfall greets visitors at the entrance, and hiking trails loop the gorge.

For lakeside camping, head to Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg. Located on Cayuga Lake, the campsites and cabins overlook the water. A sandy beach and boat launch provides easy access to the lake. Hiking trails lead the way to Taughannock Falls, a waterfall that drops 215 feet into the gorge below.

To swim under a waterfall, make a beeline for Robert H. Treman State Park. The town's most-loved swimming hole is here at the lower falls, with stone steps leading down to the water. Campsites and cabins are close by, offering an especially scenic camping experience.

Summer is undoubtedly the favorite time for camping. Festival season kicks off in May with the Ithaca Festival and parade. Also, Ithaca College and Cornell both host free concerts throughout the summer. The town's colleges are a significant boost to the local music and arts scene, not to mention great bars and restaurants.

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Top-rated campgrounds

This college town in the Finger Lakes region offers gorgeous scenery and some of the liveliest culture in upstate New York. Located on Cayuga Lake, Ithaca's natural beauty is built into the town. Hills rise above the historic downtown, and the Cascadilla Gorge winds through with century-old stone stairs leading down.

Campers don't have to go far to pitch a tent. Right in Ithaca, Buttermilk Falls State Park has stunning views and well-maintained tent sites and cabins. The park's namesake waterfall greets visitors at the entrance, and hiking trails loop the gorge.

For lakeside camping, head to Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg. Located on Cayuga Lake, the campsites and cabins overlook the water. A sandy beach and boat launch provides easy access to the lake. Hiking trails lead the way to Taughannock Falls, a waterfall that drops 215 feet into the gorge below.

To swim under a waterfall, make a beeline for Robert H. Treman State Park. The town's most-loved swimming hole is here at the lower falls, with stone steps leading down to the water. Campsites and cabins are close by, offering an especially scenic camping experience.

Summer is undoubtedly the favorite time for camping. Festival season kicks off in May with the Ithaca Festival and parade. Also, Ithaca College and Cornell both host free concerts throughout the summer. The town's colleges are a significant boost to the local music and arts scene, not to mention great bars and restaurants.

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Top-rated campgrounds

1. Karenville

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(14)

9.3mi from Ithaca · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · South Hill, NY

Karenville is an adventure. It’s a tiny whimsical village with a Victorian influence. I built it one building at a time just for fun. I have been living here in Karenville for over 20 years totally electric free. Yes that’s right there is no electric or running water. No worries it’s all very civilized.

2. Camp Earth Connection

99%

(94)

10mi from Ithaca · 26 sites · Tents, Lodging · Freeville, NY

Camp Earth Connection is located in the town of Dryden, NY just 12 miles from Ithaca, NY. Camp Earth Connection offers a relaxing stay with a variety of camping options including Log Cabins, Rustic Cabins and Tent-Sites. Camp Earth Connection is an alcohol and drug free facility, offering guests the opportunity to connect with nature and each other in a serene and beautiful natural setting. The Hammond Hill trail system, which offers hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing connects to the 950 mileFinger Lakes Trail system. Wildlife is abundant in the area. It is common to hear the Coyotes and Owls throughout the day. In addition,Mink, Fishers, Bald Eagles, Turkey Buzzards, Porcupines, Raccoons, Skunks, Wild Turkeys, Ravens, Grouse, Red and Grey Fox and an occasional Black Bear are some of the inhabitants of the local forest. Guests can choose to have some peaceful alone time or be more engaged in our small community during scheduled community campfires, campfire pancake breakfasts or workshops. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Camp Earth Connection offers a Community Saturday Morning Campfire Pancake Breakfast. Camp Earth Connection values Diversity, Acceptance and Community. It is more than just a campground, it is an experience that can be life-changing. Guests enjoy making meaningful connections with hosts, guests, family and friends. In addition they experience the beauty and healing that is provided by this sacred natural environment. Camp Earth Connection is open to everyone and provides an accepting and safe space for folks who can't always count on that, including the the LGBTQ +, BIPOC and Recovery communities as well as other culturally diverse individuals, families and groups.

3. Tempest Ranch camp

98%

(262)

28mi from Ithaca · 12 sites · Lodging · Watkins Glen, NY

40 secluded acres with 1850 feet of clear stream with a great swimming hole.mature pine tree grove Our fenced fields with sheds boarders 9100 acres Sugar Hill State Forest, hiking trails and a dirt seasonal road that connects to other dirt roads. We have a mature pine forest grove that you can pick a spot to camp next to,or walk our creek and find a cleared spot to tent or just sleep next to campfire. We have been here 20 years improving what was run down, and continue to add a few pines and special private site for great memories! Our sites sit along meads creek which is nice to sit and relax in. At the bridge along maple lane is a very fun swimming hole ,which has been so nice all summer let your dog swim with you and have a nice float .we have a picnic tabel and fire ring at most sites . We are constantly making new fun sites to enjoy . fire-ring and outhouse! We have a pond to feed fish and explore on a canoe or bring tubes .always horses and donkeys to see . I have 1850 foot of stream to hike along and explore wildlife.turkey,deer,fox the occasional coyotes howling . We have been getting eagles.few bear sightings. ..we have .some pretty private spots along the creek . And under the pine tree grove.we border 9100 acres of sugar hill state Forrest. Trails everywhere. Twelve miles of back dirt roads to get to Watkins Glen state park. 7 miles to the Glen race track .twelve miles to a great dirt track to see racing.we can accommodate horse camping ,either by ride ins or trailers with pASTURES TO PULL INTO. ! This site borders sugar hill state Forrest! Twelve miles to Watkins glen

Stories from the community

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Andy

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

Awesome area. Huge choice of camping locations and beautiful scenery all around.

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Mallory

October 2025

1 night at Tempest Ranch camp

I loved tent camping here, they had adorable farm animals and were extremely friendly.

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Schyler

September 2025

3 nights at Camp Earth Connection

Great place to stay! The little cabin we stayed in was perfect and the campsite was simple and quiet. The showers and bathrooms were very clean and well maintained. We had a great time and would definitely come again.

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Lin

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

For 10 dollars, I bought a lot of firewood. The landlord was very kind and helped light a campfire. The night was very quiet and I could hear the calls of small animals. It is very suitable for observing the stars. The night sky on a clear day is so beautiful. When it comes to choosing a campsite later, this one is still the best option. It's very close to the Finger Lakes.

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Matthew

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

My son and I stayed at “my happy place” site this past weekend. I booked strictly based on reviews. Reviewers and Tempest ranch did not disappoint. Property was clean and organized, we could not explore it all in a weekend. Host Dwayne was an easy going guy that wants you to enjoy his land. There’s enough trails nearby to hike for days with great views all around. Would stay again.

charles

September 2025

With pets

4 nights at Tempest Ranch camp

This campsite was exactly what we were hoping for—secluded, beautifully maintained, and packed with thoughtful amenities. The hosts were incredible: genuinely kind, down-to-earth, and full of helpful local tips. From the moment we arrived, they showered us with recommendations that truly elevated our Labor Day weekend. We couldn’t be more grateful for their hospitality and the unforgettable experience they helped create.

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Ángela

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

Beautiful location and great host. The set up was nice with a picnic table and a fire pit! Very nice to watch a starry night.

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emma

September 2025

1 night at Tempest Ranch camp

The property was beautiful, the swimming hole looked super fun, the woods were really well taken care of, we enjoyed walking around the corrals and watching the animals from afar. Night sky was an absolute 10/10, the stars were so clear and beautiful.

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wangfang

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

Dwayne was super friendly and kind. The campsite has a nice location with great views. Would love to come back again!

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Alexis

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

The space felt freeing and there was clearly time and energy put into making each camp site its own! I’ll be back to check the rest of the property out!

Amy

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

Loved tent camping here. Private and peaceful. Would stay again!

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Shirley

August 2025

1 night at Karenville

It was a very lovely place. The little houses were so cute and there were many amenities to wonder at/around. Karen was extremely nice and welcoming as well. Would 100% recommend for someone who wants to experience something very cute and cozy!

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kalmia

August 2025

2 nights at Camp Earth Connection

We loved camping here! A welcoming and beautiful place with spacious sites. All the instructions were clear and the pod cabin we stayed in in the woods was lovely. A short drive from Ithaca and lots of places to hike and explore. Highly recommend!

Ashley

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

I really loved staying at Dwayne’s property. All of the sites are gorgeous in their own way. The property is so peaceful, and Dwayne’s hospitality made me feel safe and welcome. I can’t wait to go back!

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Jonathan

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

Dwayne is an excellent host and his property is wonderful. This is my second stay; more to follow!

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Laure

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

Dwayne was very friendly to us even when we arrived later than expected (11:30pm). He set out firewood and let us pick out a spot. The property itself was gorgeous. It was buggy, but that’s to be expected, so bring your bug spray!

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Ken

July 2025

With kids

2 nights at Tempest Ranch camp

The ranch was big and beautiful The kids loved walking around the ranch, walking through the stream and feeding horses The campsite was quiet and peaceful. Owner was very friendly and accommodating to our needs. There is a lot to see within 30 minutes which was nice. Would come back again.

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Iskra

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

Dwayne’s property is beautiful and spacious. The kids had a lot of fun with the animals and the creek. We are definitely coming back!

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Margaret

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

This campsite was the best campsite ever. It had everything you could want! Lovely scenery, hiking, quiet stream to swim in, even a few friendly donkeys and horses. Dwayne was so welcoming and did everything to make us comfortable. 100% will book again!

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Merielle

July 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tempest Ranch camp

Tempest Ranch was a stunning and huge piece of property, and Dwayne was so welcoming and helpful - he showed us around and helped us pick the best possible spot to camp. He is making a ton of improvements and has many projects in progress to make the camp even better, from a communal swimming hole and fire ring to convenient outhouses. The property backs right up to a state park and Dwayne provided maps and trail recommendations as well. We ended up staying at the "Peaceful Moon" site right next to the creek and it was perfect. Our dog loved being able to jump in and out of the water and the site was spacious. I cannot say enough how great Tempest Ranch is! The only drawback - and this may have been a one-time thing - is that a bar/live music venue across the street from the property was blasting music long into the night (around 1 AM) and it definitely hurt the serene feel of the campsite. I'm not sure if this was a special event but definitely check the music venue's website ahead of time so you are aware of what to expect.