A regionally unique aspect of the Arnot Forest Campus is the inspirational landscape and wooded habitats easily accessible by skis, mountain bike, foot, or vehicle.

Within 4,200 acres of contiguous forest are 2,500 acres of managed hardwood forest, 100 acres of grasslands, 10 ponds, over 1,400 acres of young forest, and 6 first-order streams that feed Banfield Creek. Even though we are only 20 minutes from Ithaca, NY, on the uppermost ridge with a clear day you can see rolling forest extend for miles into Pennsylvania. A 40-acre sugar bush, plus modern sap processing facility is adjacent to the field campus. Two open pavilions are near the lodge and support outdoor or rainy-day events. Immediately north of the field campus is a loop trail that passes through demonstrations of amphibian conservation and forest management practices.

The main lodge is the central meeting area of the field campus. It includes a fully equipped commercial kitchen with stoves that have a total of 12 burners, 4 ovens, and two flat grills, stainless steel counters, commercial reach-in refrigerator, freezer, commercial dishwasher, and table service. A smaller, fully equipped kitchen is used by smaller groups or for use during the winter.

Inside the lodge, a large dining room area seats 100 and can also serve as an area for indoor activities, large group meetings, or instruction. The lodge has a stone fireplace, video screen, and wireless internet. An adjoining, smaller, heated room supports smaller or winter groups.

There are cabins distributed around the field campus with double bunks and mattresses. Guests (other than summer campers) provide bedding and toiletries. All cabins have electrical service and lights. The facility will support 25 overnight guests in the winter, utilizing the five heated cabins and the small heated kitchen and meeting room located in the lodge.

The cabins surround a large activity field and lawn area and are adjacent to a sports field. The cabins are in close proximity to the lodge and bathhouse (handicap accessible). Bring a flashlight and shoes for nighttime navigation around the field campus.

Just outside the Main Lodge are two open air pavilions with easy walking access. Our two parking lots can easily accommodate up to 50 cars, although we encourage carpooling from central meet up locations. Onsite camping is also available, and there are multiple fields within easy distance of the bathhouse for campers. The Field Campus is located well off the road and is connected to over 4200 acres of forest. It is very quiet and secluded, a perfect location for privacy, birdwatching, outdoor walks, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes.

We welcome you to experience the Arnot Forest as an affordable woodsy wedding venue or other event location near Ithaca, NY. 

To inquire about rentals of the property or for other questions concerning programs at Arnot Forest, please fill out our interest form.

We look forward to hearing from you!