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Pine Forest Sanctuary

100%
·
· South Hill, Tompkins, New York
10 acres hosted by Meghan A.
1 tent pitch
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Discover this hidden gem in the heart of a secluded 10-acre pine forest just outside of Ithaca. Find refuge as you camp in the wild, tucked away among the ferns, old growth apple trees, seasonal streams, and local wildlife. Experience serenity and seclusion just 15 minutes from downtown Ithaca, the Farmer’s Market, Stewart Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park. After parking your car at the trailhead and hiking a quick five minutes along the gorgeous nature trails, you’ll emerge into an opening in the pine forest where you’ll find a raised platform to pitch your tent, nestled within a forest sanctuary (we offer tents upon request). Spend your time forest bathing amidst the trees, digging in our family-size sand pit, hanging in the hammock, hiking along the trails, birdwatching, enjoying a bonfire around the fire ring, and gazing at the night sky. Experience the diverse flora and fauna of the region as you discover toads, salamanders, [fluffy animal], [bird], and an abundance of lush plant life. We are a sustainable and regenerative habitat. We ask that you pack-in and pack-out all your garbage, take only memories, and leave only footprints. Details: - Parking located on the side of the road (at trailhead) - This is a hike-in, hike-out site (short walk) - Terrain can be uneven in areas, watch your step! - Composting toilet guidance is posted at outhouse - Firewood and starters are provided (please maintain controlled fire) *The main house is currently under construction. We kindly ask that you DO NOT enter any construction sites on the property.Discover this hidden gem in the heart of a secluded 10-acre pine forest just outside of Ithaca. Find refuge as you camp in the wild, tucked away among the ferns, old growth apple trees, seasonal streams, and local wildlife. Experience serenity and seclusion just 15 minutes from downtown Ithaca, the Farmer’s Market, Stewart Park and Buttermilk Falls State Park. After parking your car at the trailhead and hiking a quick five minutes along the gorgeous nature trails, you’ll emerge into an opening in the pine forest where you’ll find a raised platform to pitch your tent, nestled within a forest sanctuary (we offer tents upon request). Spend your time forest bathing amidst the trees, digging in our family-size sand pit, hanging in the hammock, hiking along the trails, birdwatching, enjoying a bonfire around the fire ring, and gazing at the night sky. Experience the diverse flora and fauna of the region as you discover toads, salamanders, rabbits, woodpeckers, and an abundance of lush plant life. We are a sustainable and regenerative habitat. We ask that you pack-in and pack-out all your garbage, take only memories, and leave only footprints. Details: - Parking located on the side of the road (at trailhead) - This is a hike-in, hike-out site (short walk) - Terrain can be uneven in areas, watch your step! - Composting toilet guidance is posted at outhouse  - Firewood and starters are provided (please maintain controlled fire) -DO NOT leave fire unattended, burning or smoldering upon departure from campsite/check-out -Do not put anything other than wood in the fire -5 gallons of non potable water on site for your use. Bring your own drinking water. -Solar camping showers now available for Summer 2023. -Owners live onsite. Campsite offers privacy. It means so much to us that you have a wonderful stay at our forest sanctuary and in Ithaca and the surrounding areas. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, need anything on site, or would like local recommendations for dining, swimming, or places to explore + play throughout your stay. Blessings!
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Snow sports
Swimming
Natural features
Forest
River, stream, or creek
100%
8 Ratings · 7 reviews
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Adèle D.recommends
September 3, 2024
Campsite Nestled in Pine Forest
Meghan’s campsite is so serene and feels really secluded , even though it’s only a 2 minute walk from the house/driveway. The compost toilet was clean and there was even a little bouquet of wildflowers near the toilet :) I hope to return in the future <3
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Alan L.recommends
April 21, 2024
Campsite Nestled in Pine Forest
Very nice property. The campsite is very nice, good distance from rhe house to be private but still convenient to walk to from parking. Meghan was very responsive and helpful. An awesome tent or hammocking site. Very convenient to Ithaca and all of the wonderful hiking trails and waterfalls the area has to offer!
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Seren V.recommends
August 27, 2023
Campsite Nestled in Pine Forest
What a magical place to spend a night in the woods! This seemed like it would be a great place to take kids or the young at heart, as the setup encouraged play in nature with the sandbox and little stick and rock art around. The compost toilet was very clean and had no odor. I didn’t make a fire but it looked like it was well-stocked with supplies like matches and firewood. We could hear the main road and see the house from the tent site, so keep that in mind whether you like the comfort of civilization close by or like to feel like you’re in the wilderness. I really enjoyed laying out in the hammock. The bugs weren’t bad there (at least in late August when I visited).
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Katie M.recommends
May 30, 2023
Campsite Nestled in Pine Forest
beautiful and family friendly!
Beautiful, peaceful, well maintained and well appointed camp site. We've hipcamped across the country and back and this is easily in the top 5 places we've stayed. We heard owls in the woods, and woke to a chorus of birdsong. The tent platform was sound and level, the composting outhouse is exceptionally clean and well kept, the fire pit is wide and the trails are very well maintained, there was firewood, a hammock, a new picnic table. It has everything you could want. Literally the only thing lacking is an outdoor shower. We camped there with our two young kids and there are a variety of sections off the main trail where kids can play (sandbox, hammocks, etc). Very family friendly and welcoming. We will absolutely be staying here again!
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Florence B.recommends
September 12, 2022
Campsite Nestled in Pine Forest
Loved it!
A well organized and thoughtful site -- would recommend highly to anyone!
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Alix V.recommends
September 6, 2022
Campsite Nestled in Pine Forest
We loved it here and didn’t wanna leave! So actually ended up staying another night from the planned one. The location is very central to many trails and state parks. The host is uber responsive and very friendly. If pitching more than 2 tents it could be tricky to find level ground, but the platform they provide sufficed for our group of three. Everything provided from the composting bathroom, to the clear trails, and even fire starter was very appreciated. Thank you for everything Meghan. I’d like to come back next summer just to see what unfolds in the sanctuary. You can tell it’s becoming a really special place for a number of uses. Notes to keep in mind for more sensitive campers- it is closer to the roads and we often heard cars zooming in the night. Given it was a holiday weekend I assume more active than usual… If you plan on packing multiple loads in your car, the campsite itself is a mild walk with some steepness at the end. Our second night we had many hours of rain and still managed to safely pack it out upon departure.
Location
South Hill, Tompkins, New York, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Odǫhwęja:deˀ (Cayuga) and Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Meghan A.

Joined in June 2020
Response rate: 100%
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