Buttermilk Falls State Park, NY RV Rentals and Motorhome Rentals

Buttermilk Falls State Park showcases the natural beauty and serenity of the Finger Lakes region. The park is named after a picturesque waterfall formed by Buttermilk Creek, which cascades 600 feet down a rocky valley and whips up cream-colored froth and foam. Scenic hiking trails make it easy to explore the park on foot, with fishing, birdwatching, and nature photography also popular activities.

Planning a road trip in the Finger Lakes region? Book an RV in Tompkins County and you can enjoy a relaxing RV camping trip at Buttermilk Falls State Park. You'll love chasing waterfalls by day and falling asleep under a canopy of twinkling stars. With a home on wheels, you're all set to explore other Empire State gems like Niagara Falls, Thousand Islands, and the Adirondacks.

Getting Outdoors

Cascading more than 500 feet down a rocky gorge, Buttermilk Falls is the main attraction at this state park. At the base of Buttermilk Falls is a crystalline swimming hole that's great for cooling off in the summer. A sun-drenched grassy area overlooks the falls and is dotted with picnic tables. Be sure to fill your basket with Finger Lakes specialties such as artisan cheese, cherries, and homemade grape pie. Wash it down with fresh apple cider.

If you feel like stretching your legs, several trails wind through Buttermilk Falls State Park and showcase the scenery. The Lake Treman Trail hugs the banks of Buttermilk Creek for a mile and a half and takes you up to a glassy lake. For a glimpse of the park's wetland ecosystem, explore the Larch Meadows nature trail. For a more strenuous hike, lace up your boots and hit the waterfall-strewn Rim or Gorge Trails. Expect steep steps and slippery rocks.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Buttermilk Falls State Park offers fantastic public programs, ranging from guided birdwatching walks to tours through Buttermilk Gorge. Anglers can cast a line for bass and trout. As you explore the park, keep your eyes peeled for the beautiful Grey Petaltail Dragonfly, an ancient species that traces its history to the Jurassic Period.

Camping at Buttermilk Falls State Park

The Buttermilk Falls State Park RV campground features 25 sites set among mature maples and hemlocks. Sites are compact and surrounded by trees, making them suitable for smaller campervan rentals and trailers, as well as tents. No hookups are provided, which makes Buttermilk Falls State Park a fantastic place to enjoy a back-to-nature getaway. Private firepits make it easy to cook up American-style breakfasts and roast s'mores around the fire pit.

While the campground at Buttermilk Falls State Park is basic, you'll have access to centrally located modern bathroom blocks with toilets and hot showers. Generators are also allowed during designated hours. In addition to campsites, Buttermilk Falls State Park maintains a handful of basic wooden cabins. Pets are also welcome to camp at Buttermilk Falls State Park, so why not rent a motorhome that's pet-friendly and bring along Fido? If you're driving a larger rig, consider staying at one of the private campgrounds in Tomkins County. You'll also find fantastic RV camping options at nearby Finger Lakes state parks like Robert H. Treman, Stony Brook, and Fillmore Glen.

Exploring the Area

Camping in an RV at Buttermilk Falls State Park is a fantastic opportunity to explore the postcard-perfect Finger Lakes region. This captivating corner of the Empire State is famous for tumbling waterfalls, dramatic gorges, and rugged canyons. Don't miss Robert H. Treman State Park, where you'll find a dozen multi-tiered waterfalls, as well as scenic hiking trails and a gorgeous swimming hole.

Foodies will savor the bounty of boutique wineries, creameries, and roadside stands selling farm-fresh produce. Finger Lakes also cradles its fair share of craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries. A one-hour drive up scenic Route 89 will take you to Seneca Falls, a historic town known as the birthplace of the women's rights movement. Learn more about the milestone era at the Women's Rights National Historical Park.

Provisions and motorhome camping essentials can be found in Ithaca, a two-mile drive north of Buttermilk Falls State Park. The lively college town is set on Cayuga Lake and is anchored by historic Cornell University. Catch a film at the art-house cinema, eat your way through farm-to-table cafes, and soak up the lively student atmosphere. As the largest city in the Finger Lakes region, Ithaca offers a great selection of camper rentals near Buttermilk Falls State Park. A four-hour drive southeast, New York City is a natural base for kickstarting an Empire State road trip.