The hype
Travelers adore the magical forest vibes, comfy mattresses, and social fire pits, but many are shocked by the lack of outlets in standard tents.
Firelight Camps
$189-320/ night
Book this if You want the romance of a safari and the comfort of a King bed, but don't mind communal bathrooms or hearing your neighbors unzip their tent.
Why People Love It
- Direct access to Buttermilk Falls hiking trails right from the property
- The 'Lobby Tent' bar serving local Finger Lakes wine and cider
- Complimentary s'mores kits and tended communal campfires every night
Quick Take: It’s a beautifully styled campground where you pay hotel prices to sleep under canvas and walk to a shared bathroom.
Reviewed by @Comejoinmyjourney: I stayed in this glamping tent and it was the perfect escape. Waking up in a real bed with the forest right outside my screen door was unforgettable. It’s rustic but so cozy—definitely the best way to experience Ithaca if you love nature but need comfort.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Noise travels through canvas walls—you will hear wind flapping, bullfrogs, and your neighbor's conversations.
- You love nature but hate sleeping on the ground
- You enjoy a communal, social atmosphere with other guests
- You want to hike Buttermilk Falls without driving to a trailhead
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Daily refresh is generally good, but missed spots (spider webs, dust) are common in canvas corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathhouse is cleaned regularly and reviewed as 'modern' and 'awesome,' though peak times can see some mess.
- Maintenance: Tents are sturdy, but wear and tear (zipper issues, minor mold on canvas exterior) is occasionally reported.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, plush linens that feel like a real hotel, not a sleeping bag.
- Odors & scents: Fresh forest air, occasionally mixed with campfire smoke or mustiness after rain.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Wind flapping the tent canvas (can be loud)
- Neighbors talking or unzipping tents
- Bullfrogs and birds (loud in early morning)
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is complimentary continental (pastries, yogurt, eggs) but check your booking source—some OTAs list a surcharge.
- There is no restaurant for dinner on-site, but they sell hot dogs/sausages to roast over the fire.
- WiFi is only reliable in the Lobby Tent, not in the sleeping tents.
What to pack
- Headlamp or flashlight for walking to the bathhouse at night
- Slip-on shoes/Crocs for shower runs
- Portable power bank (if you aren't in an electric tent)
- Earplugs for wind and neighbor noise
- Warm layers—nights get chilly even in summer
Room Genie
Best picks
- Tents 16, 17, 18, 19 (Electric Tents) for heaters, fans, and charging outlets
- Tents further from the lobby for less foot traffic noise
Rooms to avoid
- Tents 3 & 4 if you want privacy (located near the busy trailhead entrance)
- Non-electric tents if you need a CPAP machine or can't sleep without a fan in July
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request one of the Electric Tents (16-19) if available. If not, please assign a tent as far from the lobby and trailhead as possible for a quieter experience.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there AC or heat?
Only in the 4 'Electric Tents' (heaters and fans). Standard tents have no climate control, just extra blankets and hot water bottles.
How are the bathrooms?
Clean, modern shared bathhouse with hot showers, flushing toilets, and hair dryers. It's a 2-5 minute walk from most tents.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, for a $50 fee/stay, but only in specific non-electric tents. Dogs cannot be left unattended.
Is there food on site?
Complimentary continental breakfast and a bar with snacks/s'mores. For dinner, you can roast hot dogs or walk/drive to nearby restaurants.
Can I charge my phone?
If you don't have an electric tent, you must use the communal charging station in the Lobby Tent.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, families love the freedom, bocce ball, and s'mores, but remember sound travels—crying babies will be heard by the whole camp.
Insider Tips
- ✨
You can access the August Moon Spa at the neighboring La Tourelle hotel (extra cost), which has a sauna and steam room.
- ✨
The 'Campfire Margarita' with burnt sage at the lobby bar is a local favorite.
- ✨
Tents 3 and 4 are closest to the Buttermilk Falls trailhead, making them convenient for hikers but less private.
5 things to know before you go
💡The wind noise during a storm can be deafening inside the canvas tents.
💡You might find a spider or two in your tent—it is literally in the woods.
💡The 'walls' offer zero privacy; whisper if you don't want your neighbors to know your business.
💡The walk to the bathroom feels much longer when it's raining sideways.
💡There is a strict cancellation policy ($25 fee minimum) that catches many people off guard.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Firelight Camps is located and what's nearby.