FAQ’s

Nestled among high trees, rolling hills and along a pristine mountain brook, Orenda is a place where you can enjoy an Authentic Adirondack Camping Experience and nature at its most spectacular: the Adirondack Mountains, the mighty Hudson River of New York, and the pristine waters of the lake region.

Take long hikes on winding paths and mountain trails, wade barefoot in cool streams, canoe on tranquil lakes or just gaze at the star filled night sky all while enjoying the sounds of the wild. Adirondack camping is an experience like no other. Read through our FAQ’s to answer any questions you may have!

Canvas Cabins & Common Areas

Are there bathroom facilities?

The Bathhouse is centrally located on the retreat for easy access. There are two uni-sex bathrooms including heated seats, central washbasin, personal storage all within this charming Adirondack style building. Fresh hand towels and all natural, bio-degradable hand soap is provided.

Where do we bathe?

Being in the backcountry doesn't mean sacrificing the luxury of modern conveniences. At Orenda it means embracing the great outdoors. Enjoy the sensation of bathing underneath the forest canopy, enjoying the sounds and smells of nature. All natural, bio-degradable body wash, shampoo and conditioner is provided.

Please do not bring any other bathing products that are not Eco-friendly.

Are the Canvas Cabins heated?

All of our Canvas Cabins are equipped with wood burning inspired, electric heating stoves provided for your comfort.

All bedding is provided includes: Throw Blankets, Down Comforters, Fleece blankets and linens. Extra blankets are provided in each Canvas Cabin.

Is there electricity?

All of our Canvas Cabins are outfitted with interior lighting with convenience outlets for your use. There are many other outlets situated in all our structures

Do the Canvas Cabins have A/C

No. All accommodations have ceiling fans that provide air flow.

What happens in inclement weather?

Weather changes without notice, this is all part of experiencing the back country. Rain or Shine, its all part of the adventure at Orenda. Orenda's structures and Canvas Cabins are all weatherproof and spacious for everyone to be comfortable. There are many activities to enjoy on and off site during inclement weather. We also have found it becomes a nice time to connect with you friends and family. Our staff will be more than willing to provide you options.

Can we pitch a tent in place of Canvas Cabins?

We do not allow the pitching of personal tents other than used in an educational setting.

Food & Beverage

Can you accommmodate any dietary/heatlh requirements.?

We do not take requests unless it is a medical diagnosis. Our highly skilled, culinary staff creates wonderful varieties of dishes.

Is outside food allowed?

We provide all meals and light snack food during your stay. We do not allow any outside food brought onto the retreat.

Are Alcoholic beverages for sale at Orenda?

We do not sell or provide alcoholic beverages.

Is Alcohol permitted?

We encourage BYOB during your stay and recommend that you bring enough for your entire stay prior to your arrival. We have a common area that has wine coolers and beverage refrigerators for chilling wine and beer. All glassware is provided as well as ice and coolers for your use.

What meals are inlcuded?

All meals are included during your stay. Lunch is not provided on arrival or departures days.

Are Smore's provided

We do not supply or provide Smores's products. You are more than welcome to bring your own.

What time are meal services?

Breakfast 7:00am - 9:30am

Lunch: Orders in by 9:30am for 10:30am pickup.

Dinner: Service begins at 6:30pm

What if we decide to go have dinner in town, can we pro rate the cost?

You’re more than welcome to enjoy an evening in town if you desire. However the Rate for each client is non-negotiable

Outings & Excursions

Do we have to do the activities listed or can we choose our own?

You are more than welcome to do as you please. We encourage individuality.

Is it required to know how to swim to participate in water activities?

If you cannot swim, you will be required to wear a life preserver during all water activities.

Common Inquiries

What time is Check In/Check out?

Check In is at 2:00pm daily.
Check out is 11:00am daily.

We do not allow early arrival or late check out.

Is there charging units for Electric Cars

We do not have the ability to charge Electric cars at the Retreat. The closest station is located 15 minutes in town at a local restaurant named Basil N Wicks
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Is there cell phone service and/or WiFi?

There is limited cell phone service available at Orenda. WiFi is available. We encourage leaving the technology behind and getting back to nature during your stay. There is a land line for emergency use only.

What is the minimum to reserve the entire retreat.

We require a minimum of a reservation of 12 full rate (adult) bookings to block out the retreat.

How far is the nearest town? ATM or Bank?

North Creek is the closest village, just a few minutes away with with many services; bank, medical, pharmacy, grocery store, shopping, and small boutique shops. It is important to plan ahead and purchase any items that are needed for your stay.

What happens in the case of an Emergency?

Warrensburg Urgent Care Center or Glens Falls Hospital are the closet medical facilities. Our local Paramedics and First Responders have an amazing response time and are very proficient handling all circumstances in the back-country. We provide an onsite land line telephone to reach our 24 hr on-call staff or 911 in any event.

Are Dogs or Pets Allowed?

Orenda does not permit any type of pets on the retreat for general bookings. We do, however, have two camp dogs who will occasionally visit the site.

Is there wildlife on Orenda?

Orenda is located in the Adirondack back-country, where there is an abundance of wildlife. We take every precaution to prevent any encounters that are not wanted. This is their home that we are sharing; as long as we respect our surroundings and their habitat, encounters are very unlikely.

Are there black flies?

Black flies and insects naturally live in the area. Orenda is in an open wooded setting and depending on the season, you will see a bug or two. That being said, Orenda sits in a fantastic location that naturally discourages flies. Because we sit at the foot of Mill Creek and inside a valley, there is a slight breeze that dries the area and makes it undesirable for bugs. This is all due to the natural layout and region in general. Wood smoke from the cook fires and the main fire pit further deter black flies and other insects in the area.

Are there bears?

The Adirondacks are home to the Black Bear. While bear have been spotted in the area, none visit the retreat. Orenda’s cooking and cleaning staff follow a strict cleanliness policy and control where food is stored. Further, these timid creatures tend to avoid humans and Orenda due to our noise and the fires / lights throughout the retreat.

What is your Cancellation Policy?

Cancellation Policy
- Reservations cancelled 72 hours prior to arrival date will be refunded 90% of total reservation, less a 10% Service Fee.
- There is a 5% fee for reservations cancelled 48 hrs after original booking date.
- All partial reservation refunds will be applied after the departure date of the reservation.
- No partial refunds for private group reservations where the minimum requirement (12 guests) is not meet at the time     of reservation date.
- We do not provide refunds for reservation cancellations from prior seasons that are used for credit
- No refunds for Gift Certificates.

Glamping

What is Glamping?

Glamping lets you connect with and experience nature in an unforgettable way. Glamping provides an opportunity to relax and recharge when life becomes hectic. Instead of waking up and stepping out of the door of your house into the grind, you can wake up and step out of the door of your canvas cabin into your own private natural retreat. Fresh air and absolute leisure...what more could you ask for?

Is Orenda a Glamping Location?

When we first created Orenda, the term "Glamping" did not exist in our world. With the amazing Media coverage we received and notoriety, we have become one of the leaders in the Glamping Industry ,where many new start ups are using our model. We don't refer to Orenda as a Glamping location.

What makes Orenda different than other Glamping site

Orenda is unique in our philosophy and mission as to how we operate. Our main purpose is to provide our guests with a safe and secure environment in a rugged back country setting. What seperate's Orenda from all other Glamping or similar outdoor business's is that we focus on the natural element of being outdoors. We are not just a hobby business looking to charge people way too much money to stay the night in a tent and not offer anything else. We just happen to have very high end accommodations in the woods and really know what were doing.