Camp Ervay

For New Yorkers seeking a truly immersive and rejuvenating escape into nature, Camp Ervay in Newfield offers an experience unlike any other. More than a typical campground, Camp Ervay provides a unique off-grid cabin stay that seamlessly blends Scandinavian-inspired simplicity with the raw beauty of the Finger Lakes region. If you're looking to disconnect from the daily grind and immerse yourself in the wonders of upstate New York's outdoors, all while enjoying the charm of nearby Ithaca, Camp Ervay could very well become your annual summer highlight.

Described by a real customer as "Absolutely amazing. This place makes my entire summer every summer," Camp Ervay cultivates a deeply personal and enriching experience. It's lauded for its ability to combine "nature hikes and bird watching" with access to the vibrant "food and entertainment" of Ithaca, including a lively "Farmers Market." This harmonious blend of serene wilderness and cultural exploration truly offers "something for everyone." The cabin itself is a thoughtfully designed 12x16 off-grid structure, complete with a second-story observation deck, allowing guests to truly soak in the surrounding natural beauty. Its location, bordering a vast 11,000 acres of state land known as the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area, promises endless opportunities for exploration and a genuine feeling of seclusion. Camp Ervay is not just a place to stay; it's a destination that promises to refresh your spirit and create unforgettable memories every season.

Camp Ervay is uniquely situated at 101 Tower Rd, Newfield, NY 14867, USA. This address places it in the town of Newfield, which is located in Tompkins County, just a short drive from the vibrant city of Ithaca. This geographical positioning offers a fantastic advantage for New Yorkers looking for a balanced getaway.

The core of Camp Ervay's allure lies in its immediate surroundings: it's nestled on a 5-acre private site that directly borders an expansive 11,000 acres of state land, specifically the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area. This makes it an ideal launchpad for extensive hiking, bird watching, and other nature-based activities right from your doorstep. The wilderness experience is truly at your fingertips, providing a deep sense of immersion in the New York landscape.

Despite its secluded, off-grid nature, Camp Ervay boasts excellent accessibility to urban conveniences and renowned natural attractions. It's approximately a 30-minute drive from downtown Ithaca, a lively college town famous for Cornell University, Ithaca College, a diverse culinary scene, and a strong cultural pulse. Furthermore, the location offers "easy drive of the many towns, wineries, and waterfalls along Cayuga and Seneca Lakes," placing it centrally within the famed Finger Lakes region. This means that New Yorkers can effortlessly combine peaceful forest retreats with visits to stunning waterfalls at nearby NY State Parks like Robert H. Treman, Buttermilk, Taughannock, and Watkins Glen, as well as exploring the region's renowned wineries, breweries, and cideries. Access to Newfield is typically via well-maintained state and local roads, making the journey smooth for those traveling from various parts of New York, whether by personal vehicle.

• Off-Grid Cabin Accommodations: Camp Ervay offers unique off-grid cabin stays. The main cabin, "The Lodge," is a two-bedroom unit, and there is an additional one-bedroom cabin available for rent separately on the property. These cabins are designed for comfort in a rustic setting.
• Solar Power: Power for lights, cooking, and charging phones/laptops is provided by Goal Zero Yeti units, recharged via solar panels, ensuring a sustainable energy source.
• Seasonal Running Water: Cabins have a sink with seasonal running water circulated via a 12v solar-powered pump. A backup brown jug is provided if the pump is not working. (Note: Running water is typically turned off in late September or early October due to freezing risk).
• Composting Toilets: Waterless composting toilets (Separett brand) are provided in quarter bathrooms within the cabins.
• Outdoor Shower with Hot Water: An outdoor cedar shower with hot water is available (seasonally, turned off when there is a risk of freezing). Day passes to shower at Island Fitness in Ithaca can be purchased if running water is off-season.
• Wood Stove for Heat: For cooler months, a Jotul 602 wood stove provides heat in the cabins, creating a cozy atmosphere.
• Equipped Kitchenette: Cabins include a kitchen area with a 2-burner induction stove, under-counter fridge, sink, and a full set of utensils, pots, pans, and dishes. A propane-powered cooktop and refrigerator are also mentioned for the smaller cabin.
• Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements: Cabins offer queen-sized beds with comfortable mattresses. The Lodge also has a couch that converts to a child's bed.
• Wi-Fi/Internet: The Lodge has fiber internet available, a significant amenity for an off-grid cabin.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Dogs are allowed, though guests are requested to keep them off the furniture.
• Access to Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area: The 5-acre property directly borders 11,000 acres of state land, providing immediate access to extensive hiking trails (e.g., the 2.8-mile Bob Cameron Loop trail).
• Furnished Deck/Outdoor Space: Cabins feature a deck with chairs for relaxing outdoors. The property also has woods, wide mowed paths, and a small wildlife pond.

• Truly Off-Grid Experience: This is the most defining feature of Camp Ervay. It offers a genuine opportunity to disconnect from conventional utilities and embrace sustainable living, powered by solar energy and utilizing composting toilets, while still providing comfort and modern amenities like fiber internet.
• Immediate Access to Vast State Land: Bordering the 11,000-acre Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area means campers have direct, unparalleled access to extensive hiking trails, prime bird watching spots, and immersive nature exploration right from their cabin door. This is a significant draw for nature enthusiasts.
• Proximity to Ithaca and Finger Lakes Attractions: Despite its secluded feel, Camp Ervay is conveniently located just 30 minutes from downtown Ithaca, offering easy access to its vibrant food scene, cultural attractions, and the renowned Finger Lakes region with its famous wineries, breweries, and breathtaking waterfalls at nearby state parks. This "best of both worlds" location is a major highlight for New Yorkers.
• Thoughtful, Scandinavian-Inspired Design: The cabins are not just rustic; they are intentionally designed with "scandinavian simplicity," featuring light-colored natural wood, a wood stove, and a second-story observation deck, creating a uniquely aesthetic and comfortable living space.
• Pet-Friendly: The welcoming policy towards dogs ensures that New Yorkers don't have to leave their furry companions behind, making it a more inclusive and enjoyable getaway for the whole family.
• Seasonal Outdoor Shower Experience: The outdoor cedar shower with hot water offers a refreshing and unique way to bathe, embracing the outdoor living experience (seasonally available).
• "Makes my entire summer every summer": This glowing customer review encapsulates the profound positive impact Camp Ervay has on its visitors, indicating a highly satisfying and memorable experience that encourages repeat visits.
• Emphasis on Disconnection & Immersion: The core philosophy of Camp Ervay, as highlighted in descriptions, is to provide a place for "disconnecting from the day to day and immersing one's self in nature," which is a key aspiration for many seeking a true escape.

As a unique off-grid cabin rental property rather than a traditional campground with numerous sites, Camp Ervay's approach to "promotions" or "special offers" differs from larger, more commercial camping facilities. While standard discounts like "early bird" or "seasonal" sales are not typically advertised, the value of a stay at Camp Ervay is primarily delivered through the unique experience it offers and potential booking advantages:

• Unique Off-Grid Experience: The very nature of Camp Ervay as a sustainably powered, off-grid cabin is a unique offering in itself. For those specifically seeking a minimalist, eco-conscious, yet comfortable stay, the distinct experience is the primary draw and value proposition.
• Access to Exclusive Nature: The direct border to 11,000 acres of state land for hiking and bird watching, combined with the cabin's private 5-acre setting, offers unparalleled access to nature that might be difficult to find at a comparable price point in such a desirable location.
• Bundle Potential with Nearby Attractions: While not a direct discount, the strategic location allows guests to combine a peaceful natural retreat with access to a wealth of Finger Lakes attractions (wineries, waterfalls, Ithaca's culinary scene). This diverse offering provides significant value for a single trip.
• Multi-Night Stay Value: Like many vacation rentals, there might be slight per-night savings for booking longer stays (e.g., a week-long booking might have a lower average nightly rate than a 2-night stay), although this is not explicitly stated and would be visible during the booking process.
• Off-Season Rates: If available, rates might be lower during the true off-season (e.g., winter when outdoor showers or full running water might be limited), offering a more budget-friendly opportunity for a cozy, rustic escape.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on pricing, availability, and any specific booking terms that might offer value (such as minimum stay requirements or seasonal adjustments), New York residents interested in Camp Ervay should consult the official booking platforms where the cabins are listed (e.g., Airbnb, as indicated by search results). Direct contact via phone, if available specifically for bookings, would also provide current details.

For inquiries regarding reservations, availability, or specific details about the off-grid experience at Camp Ervay, please use the following contact information:

Address: 101 Tower Rd, Newfield, NY 14867, USA

Please note that as a unique, potentially privately-owned or boutique rental, Camp Ervay might primarily manage bookings and inquiries through online rental platforms (such as Airbnb, where it has been listed). Direct phone numbers may not be widely published for public booking inquiries, or they might be provided upon confirmed reservation. For the most efficient way to inquire about or book a stay, New York residents should first search for "Camp Ervay Newfield NY" on popular vacation rental websites. This will lead you to their listing, which typically includes detailed descriptions, availability calendars, pricing, and a secure messaging system to communicate directly with the hosts.

For New Yorkers, Camp Ervay in Newfield presents an exceptional and highly suitable option for a profound and refreshing escape. Its unique blend of off-grid living, deep connection to nature, and strategic proximity to cultural hubs makes it an ideal choice for a diverse range of local adventurers.

Firstly, the opportunity to truly disconnect is a major draw for residents of a fast-paced state. Camp Ervay offers a genuine off-grid experience, allowing New Yorkers to shed the demands of urban life and immerse themselves in the simplicity and tranquility of nature. The sustainable living aspect, powered by solar energy and utilizing composting toilets, resonates with those seeking an environmentally conscious getaway, providing a unique educational and personal growth experience right at home. The sense of peace derived from being nestled on 5 acres bordering 11,000 acres of state land is unparalleled, providing a profound sense of solitude and connection to the wild.

Secondly, despite its secluded nature, Camp Ervay offers the perfect balance by being remarkably close to Ithaca and the iconic Finger Lakes region. This means New Yorkers can enjoy invigorating "nature hikes and bird watching" right from their cabin, and then easily venture out to explore the vibrant "food and entertainment" scene of Ithaca, including its renowned Farmers Market. The proximity to stunning waterfalls at state parks like Watkins Glen and the myriad wineries along Cayuga and Seneca Lakes adds an incredible dimension to any stay, catering to diverse interests from outdoor adventure to culinary exploration. This blend of wild immersion and cultural access is a unique offering that few other places can provide so conveniently for New York residents.

Lastly, the glowing testimonial from a local "makes my entire summer every summer" underscores Camp Ervay's capacity to deliver not just a vacation, but a deeply cherished annual tradition. It’s a testament to the fact that this isn't just a rental; it's a place that truly enriches the lives of those who visit. For New Yorkers seeking a memorable, rejuvenating, and genuinely unique outdoor experience that combines serene nature with cultural accessibility, Camp Ervay is a highly suitable and highly recommended local gem, promising a summer (or any season) filled with discovery and relaxation.

Camp Ervay

101 Tower Rd, Newfield, NY 14867, USA