First Timer? NYDEC Offering Everything to Give Camping a Try!

If you have always wanted to go on a family camping trip but didn't know how to begin planning, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is offering a way to do it for free!

The NYDEC will give families everything they need to have a "fully stocked" campsite and they will even offer experts to guide families on what they need to do.

What is The First-Time Camper Weekend Program?

The First-Time Camper Weekend Program offers free, first-time camper weekends this summer from July 7th through August 27th at various state campgrounds throughout the Catskills and Adirondacks.

Space is limited and reservations are open to New York state residents only.

What Does The NY DEC Provide for the First-Time Campers?

The NY DEC has thought of everything for a camping trip. They provide a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camping chairs, a camp stove, a lantern, and firewood. They will even give you a camping ambassador that will meet at the campsites to help families get set up with a Camping 101 lesson.

Campers will also have an opportunity to learn from experts on how to fish, hike, bird watch, paddle, and more.

How Do You Sign Up?

You have until Friday, June 23rd to enter a lottery by completing a survey. Those who enter the lottery will have to choose from one of the facilities in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve.

North South Lake Campground (Catskills) - July 7-9
Ausable Point Campground (Adirondacks) - July 14-16
Luzerne Campground (Adirondacks) - July 21-23
Cranberry Lake Campground (Adirondacks) - July 28-30
Nicks Lake Campground (Adirondacks) - August 4-6
Frontier Town Campground (Adirondacks) - August 11-13
Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Catskills) - August 18-20
Mongaup Pond Campground (Catskills) - August 25-27

Participants will be randomly selected to fill camper slots. For more information about the program, click HERE.