Become New York Campsite Ambassador in Adirondacks or Catskills-Here’s How

If you love the idea of spending part of your summer outdoors and helping other people fall in love with nature too, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has a program worth checking out.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Campground Ambassador program, and it is designed for those who enjoy meeting new people, sharing what they know, and being part of the campground community.

Campground Ambassadors work alongside DEC staff to welcome campers and day visitors in both the Adirondack and Catskill parks.

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You might help lead a short nature activity, answer questions from first-time campers, or point families toward a great trail or lake to explore. The goal is simple: help people feel comfortable outdoors while learning a little more about the environment along the way.

Ambassadors commit to a two-week stay during the heart of camping season, from July through Labor Day. In return, DEC provides a campsite for the full two weeks, so you are living right where you volunteer.

When you apply, you can list your top two campground choices. In the Catskills, the participating locations are Kenneth L. Wilson Campground and Day Use Area, and North South Lake Campground and Day Use Area.

In the Adirondacks, ambassadors may be placed at Ausable Point, Buck Pond, Cranberry Lake, Fish Creek Pond, Frontier Town, Lewey Lake, Luzerne, Meacham Lake, Moffitt Beach, Nicks Lake, Northampton Beach, or Rogers Rock, all of which include campground and day use areas.

You must be at least 18 years old to apply, and applications are due by January 30th on the DEC website. For anyone who enjoys people, fresh air, and a sense of purpose, it is a pretty great way to spend two weeks of summer.