Camp Earth Connection – Freeville, New York

Camp Earth Connection Periodically we’ll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay: Description: Camp Earth Connection is a Natural Campground and Retreat Center located in Freeville, 12 miles east of Ithaca, NY (home of the Gorges, Cornell University and Ithaca College.) The campground offers a relaxing stay with a variety of camping options including Log Cabins, Rustic Cabins, Adirondack Lean-To’s and Tent-Sites. Each site has privacy, picnic tables and grills or fire pits. Setting: Camp Earth Connection is an alcohol & drug free facility, offering guests the opportunity to connect with nature and each other in a serene and beautiful natural setting. The Camp is adjacent to the Hammond Hill State Forest with 20 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing trails. The trails connect to the 950 mile Finger Lakes Trail system. Wildlife is abundant in the area. It’s common to hear the Coyotes and Owls throughout the day. In addition, Mink, Fishers, Bald Eagles, Turkey Buzzards, Porcupines, Racoons, Skunks, Wild Turkeys, Ravens, Grouse, Red and Grey Fox and an occasional Black Bear are some of the inhabitants of the local forest. Values: Camp Earth Connection values Diversity, Acceptance and Community. It is more than just a campground, it is an experience that can be life-changing. Guests enjoy making meaningful connections with hosts, guests, family & friends. In addition they experience the beauty and healing that is provided by this sacred natural environment. Camp Earth Connection is open to everyone and provides an accepting and safe space for folks who can’t always count on that, including the LGBTQ community, People of Color and other culturally diverse individuals, families and groups. Facilities: Facilities includes hot showers, compost toilets, a small camp store selling local products such as Pastured Chicken Eggs, Home Grown Veggies and Natural Root Beer & Ginger Beer from the Ithaca Soda company. In addition there is the Red Eft Cafe, a community outdoor kitchen with two cooking fire pits and grills. The Main Pavilion is a gathering space for community fires when it rains, as well as weekend activities & workshops including nature crafts, primitive skills, etc. Sports equipment is available for guests to use. The Helianthus Room is a small greenhouse where guests are welcome to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea or conversation. Mountain Bikes and a Paddle boat are available to rent. Camp Activities & Workshops: Guests are welcomed to join the Director on weekend mornings for a complimentary cup of coffee or tea and oatmeal or pancakes cooked over the fire. Weekend programming may include a production of The Lorax by our local staff and volunteers, a Tree Walk to meet some of the ancient and sacred trees in the forest, an Animal Tracking Expedition or an Introduction to Zen Archery. Guided trail walks are available including: A short camp hike that leads to a small pond, and through a beautiful forest; A 2-mile round-trip hike to the Roy Park Preserve wetlands, a wonderful place to Bird Watch and observe wildlife; Or a hike on the Hammond Hill State Forest trails.

See the Camp Earth Connection Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals in the Finger Lakes Region

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