Orchard and Gorge At South Hill

We had a great stay. The tents are right on a trail that goes along a gorge and waterfalls. It's also right near buttermilk falls state park and Robert h Treman state park.

Yaquen B.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2025

Great stay

Great stay no one bothered us the site was clean and prepped for us when we arrived and there was extra toilet supplies in the pop up potty tent. There is another tent site maybe 50 ft away. It poured the second night and everything stayed dry within the tent. We didn’t get any super amazing views from the lick brook falls trail and the lake Treman loop but it’s been very dry so the falls/lake were very low

Barbara F.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2025

Tent ·

I was in camper site 1 but I was in a tent. It was a nice spot, however, be aware that you are right next to a trail that goes through a nature preserve. I had people occasionally walking by which was not an issue for me.

Timothy K.

7 reviews

Mixed feelings

· October 2025

Nice private place for a night

12 ft travel trailer · With kids ·

Camper site 1 at Orchard and Gorge At South Hill Our experience at this camp site was mixed. Finding the site was a bit challenging; clearer signage would have been helpful. The site itself is quite basic—just a peaceful spot nestled in the woods. There’s a large hill that obstructs the view of the field, but it did provide us with a private area to rest for the night. We appreciated being allowed to check in early since there were no other guests before us. During our stay, we decided to visit the cidery for dinner. Unfortunately, the sandwiches we ordered were rather bland and on the pricey side. The only side available was a potato salad, I requested my sandwich without onions due to an allergy. However, they didn’t inform me that the potato salad was also loaded with onions. Thankfully, I noticed it, but it could have ruined the beginning of our vacation. Despite these hiccups, the environment was peaceful, and the convenience of dining at the cidery after a long day of hiking was a plus. If we return to this camp site, we might still choose to eat there for its location, but with a cautious approach regarding our meal choices. Overall, it's a simple site that serves its purpose for a night’s stay.

Stephen S.

8 reviews

Mixed feelings

· October 2025

With pets ·

The location is a very interesting place. Walk a few feet from the tent, and you are met with a wildflower field on one side, and an enclosed pasture with sheep on the other. The tent is located right along a trail that will take you to Buttermilk Falls, a popular hiking destination in Ithaca. The tent is also around a 10 minute drive to downtown Ithaca, so it is very convenient in case you need to run to the store. However, there are a few cons. The tent is only a few feet away from the other tent on the property. If you care about a secluded camping experience, this place might not be for you. As advertised, the property is on the back end of a cider house. On weekends you can clearly hear the music and crowds. My biggest complaint was the maintenance of the camp site. As expected, the tent was covered in mildew and the interior has a rather damp, musky smell. The “toilet” is essentially a small, pop-up tent and it is clear the toilet hasn’t been emptied in a long time (if you know what I mean). There was trash also in the trash bin upon arrival which makes it uncertain how often the site is cleaned between bookings. Overall, we had a nice weekend, but there were some shortcomings that make it questionable whether it is worth spending over $100 to camp at this location.

Tanner B.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2025

Trailside canvas cabin.

Camping at the cider orchard was a relaxing experience. The bed and raised platform canvas tent offered some comforts of home, but otherwise the site was a typical campsite with a fire pit, picnic table, and chemical toilet. You can see the other site from here if you’re curious. The price was a bit more than other hip camp sites we’ve stayed at for the amenities offered, but the location is convenient near Ithaca which made it worth the price for the weekend. The light that shines through the canvas tent was quite nice, diffused by the white cloth, pretty views of the field from the front door, and it felt safe at night. The nature preserve is literally steps from the site with beautiful trails, which adds to the value of the site, and there were a few finger lakes trail hikers passing by.

Alex V.

6 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

We loved this campsite! Everything was set up when we arrived, and it was easy to find with Steve’s instructions. Loved waking up to beautiful birds (hello American Kestrel!) and some sweet sheep friends. Having the FLX trail right outside of the site was perfect- did a great 8 mile loop through Buttermilk falls state park. The cider at South Hill was delicious- being able to walk right down was another bonus. All in all a great stay and we’ll likely return.

Edie F.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent ·

Super convenient to Ithaca, pretty little spot! Bonus was hearing the live jazz music being played at the nearby cidery

Berkley N.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Perfect for a quick visit to see my college kid! Got peace & nature and music, good food & drink!

Betho W.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

will be coming back.

With pets ·

The site was great. Even in pouring rain, the inside of the tent stayed dry! Facilities were as advertised. It was so convenient. The bed was also comfortable. Already thinking of planning our next trip back!

Amy R.

7 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Dreamy Cider Tent

Dreamy but simple tent setup on the grounds of a lovely cidery. You've got privacy right next to the nature preserve that saddles up to the cidery but can drive 15 minutes into town as well or just walk over to the cidery for lunch and firewood (on sale at the cidery). Be prepared to relocate some (non-poisonous) spider friends from your tent. Experience could be improved by the addition of some simple hooks in the tent but other than that, a nice vibe.

Billie C.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2025

Tent · With pets ·

This was a great camping experience. The property is beautiful, quiet, and a short walk away from the cider house. I was fortunate to be there when they had live music. I hiked the trails with my pup and planned to drive into Ithaca, but I was content just to hang out at the property. Highly recommend!

Cathi G.

14 reviews

Recommends

· September 2025

Beautiful location! Very clean camping space. Easy set up and clean up. Quiet and very peaceful.

Rebecca S.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Great little spot near Ithaca. Gorgeous field in the late summer. Good cider at South Hill!

Amina R.

8 months on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· August 2025

Beautiful spot, limited amenties

Overall, a great spot. The property is beautiful, you get a nice view out onto meadow of wildflowers. The cidery is nearby, but not too nearby. (The affiliation between the sites and cidery is unclear.) And the tent is a solid structure: We went through some rain on both nights we were there and were kept perfectly dry and comfortable. On the less than ideal side: the provided mattress was pretty gnarly. We used an inflatable queen size mattress from REI (best car-camping mattress ever) that fit perfectly on top, and were able to make ourselves very comfortable with our own sheets and pillows. (There was an absolutely disgusting pillow on the bed when we arrived. Not sure what the point was, but we stashed it under the bed.) The mattress (and the tent in general) were not filthy, but they did not seem to be cleaned regularly. It's fine, it's camping - but it's such a nice tent, it's kind of a shame because it feels like a little bit of upkeep would go a long way. The only other thing to note is that the toilet is a bucket with a toilet lid in a tiny zip-up tent located behind the main tent. I'm 6'3", and the thought of trying to get into that tent to do my business was really unpleasant. Just know that when they say "portable toilet", they don't mean a port-o-potty. Fortunately, there is a 24 hour gas station with bathrooms a 6 minute drive away, so if you run into a real need, you have that option. Would stay again, but I think some things could be improved.

Sam S.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2025

Great experience!

We had a great time at Orchard and Gorge at South Hill! The tent was amazing, mattress was very comfy. It felt like the perfect mix between camping and glamping. Great place to see the stars if you walk out of the trees and into the field right out front of the tent. The cidery next door has very friendly people if you need fire wood or water etc. there was live music one night and the sounds carried over very nicely to our campsite! I hope to be back one day

Muriel R.

4 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent ·

Such a beautiful spot! We loved staying here. Directions were helpful and host communicated quickly.

Andrea P.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2025

Convenient Camping for Nature Lover

With kids ·

We had an amazing time staying in Tent2!! We live four hours away and only were able to camp for 2 days so having a site where sleeping arrangements were already set up was a game changer. The property is beautiful, the sheep are adorable, it was so nice being able to walk over to the Cidery for a bite to eat and a cold glass of cider after a day of hiking, and we could hear the live music from our camp site for hours! And lightning bugs are thriving here!! Being so close to buttermilk falls and having the entrance to finger lake trail right next to our camp site was so convenient too. Some things to consider when choosing this camping option: Please take the bugs in tent comment very literally. Rather than a full on glamping experience, this canvas tent is on top of a wooden platform that has gaps that lead right outside and there are two large holes in the back corner of the tent where the canvas does not cover so you need to be comfy sleeping with bugs and potentially critters. There was the biggest spider we’ve ever seen in our life hanging out in our tent with us for a full day before it disappeared but he didn’t bother us. The pop up potty tent is left unzipped too so there are lots of brush, bugs, and rain water inside. Also, the trail next to the camp site is not well maintained with lots of fallen trees and brush to climb through. This experience is great for those who are more than comfortable with Mother Nature and those who love a hiking challenge. Enjoy it:)

Natalie O.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2025

Tent Camping Spot 1

Tent ·

I loved tent camping on spot 1. It’s tucked in the back of a field that is shielded from the road with a beautiful grass and wildflower meadow. It also backs up to the Thayer Nature Reserve trail which is a wonderful trail that I took my dog on a few times. Theres 2 trails, one 1.5 miles and one 2.5 with plenty of waterfalls and shallow water crossings where your feet don’t even need to get wet and the dog can get a drink of water. The tent spot was easily accessible and was super convenient being within walking distance of South Hill Cider who had live music and great cider. Buttermilk Falls is a quick drive (or longer walk) down the road, with Robert H. Treman not too far either. The only thing I would recommend to people is to bring bug repellent of some sort. Between the nature preserve and the natural meadow, bugs of all kind were plentiful.

Jerome R.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

No frills camping, as it should be.

Tent ·

Great spot, exactly as advertised. We had a good amount of space on the edge of a field with direct connection to beautiful trails. The host, Steve, was communicative and helpful. Nothing fancy but gets the job done with great views and nature.

Quinn ..

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

Beautiful site

With kids ·

The site was great and exactly as described. We had a fun stay - loved the direct access to beautiful trails and dinner at the cidery!

Leah B.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2025

Group trip ·

We had a great time at this site! Well kept and in a good location near trails and the cidery

Andrew H.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2025

Would do again!

With pets ·

Great location for waterfall chasers. Clean and close to amenities. If it rains go through the tree line from your car to the hiking trail which goes right to the tents. You’ll avoid mud.

Fallon W.

4 years on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· May 2025

Stuck in the mud.

19 ft campervan ·

This place is nice and close to Ithaca and in a beautiful area! Driveway needs gravel. It’s just a grassy path and after a little rain it turns to mud. We got stuck.

Michael B.

3 reviews

Recommends

· November 2024

Beautiful spot in the orchard!

22 ft campervan ·

We had a wonderful time at South Hill Cider! The spot was nestled along the tree line in the back of the property. It was isolated and quiet for the most part. There is a hiking trail at the edge of the property so there occasionally were people walking by, but was also convenient to go for a quick hike!

Kaileigh J.

2 reviews

Recommends

· November 2024

Relax and listen to nature at night

Excellent site. The location couldn’t be better as the farm is quiet and dark at night. The many animals to listen to at night was amazing!

Robert L.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

Perfect Cool Fall Night

20 ft campervan ·

A nice quiet spot right next to a line of trees along side an apple orchard. Very quiet and relaxing location. Our campervan (2WD) had no issues in or out. Would definitely stay again and longer to explore more!

Kevin C.

5 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Great site! South hill cider was really beautiful too, with some great cider options.

Mahee M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

With pets ·

Beautiful place! It was a magical experience!! I totally recommend

Rivka K.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

Camping by South Hill Cider