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DEC Announces 2024 First-Time Camper Program
Published: June 13, 2024 at
02:00 p.m.
By: Press Release from NYS DEC
DEC Announces 2024 First-Time Camper Program
Popular Free Program Returns for 5th Year to Help
More New Yorkers Experience the Outdoors through Camping
Interested Campers Encouraged to Enter Lottery Open
June 13 to 20
New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean
Mahar today announced the return of the popular First-Time Camper Program
for the 2024 season. New York families that have never experienced camping
will have the opportunity to try camping and other recreational activities
in the great outdoors by registering for a fully stocked campsite at a
select DEC-operated campground for a designated weekend this summer.
“DEC’s
introductory program for first-time campers is back and I am honored to
welcome even more New Yorkers to check out great campgrounds in the
Adirondacks and Catskills,” Interim Commissioner Mahar
said. “The First-Time Camper Program is an excellent way to get more
New Yorkers outdoors and introduce them to the Empire State’s unparalleled
natural beauty with the help of Camping Ambassadors who assist new campers
with all the basics. The program gives those who have never camped before
the opportunity to sleep under the stars, as well as experience myriad
outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, boating, birding, and more.”
New York State's
First-Time Camper Program makes camping easy by providing a turnkey camping
experience for families, especially those from underserved communities who
may be unfamiliar with camping and the planning
and supplies required to ensure the most enjoyable experience.
DEC will
provide camping parties with a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads,
camp chairs, a lantern, and firewood for a weekend of fun. Bathrooms and
hot showers are a short walk from the campsites. A Camping Ambassador will
meet participants at the campsite and help set up camp with a camping 101
lesson. To make the weekend getaway even more enjoyable, campers will have
an opportunity to learn from experts how to fish, hike, bird watch, paddle,
and more, all while having fun and making memories to last a lifetime.
Learn more from
just a few of the hundreds of campers who have previously participated in
the First-Time Camper Program by viewing videos on the DEC website.
Potential
first-time campers are encouraged to enter the lottery beginning June 13 until June 20,
2024. Participants will then be randomly selected to fill camper
slots. More information
on the program can be found by visiting DEC's website.
Those entering
the lottery must choose one facility from the participating locations in
the Adirondacks and Catskills:
- North South Lake Campground (Catskills) –
July 12-14
- Ausable Point Campground (Adirondacks) – July 19-21
- Luzerne Campground (Adirondacks) – July 26-28
- Cranberry Lake Campground (Adirondacks) –
August 2-4
- Northampton Beach Campground (Adirondacks) –
August 9-11
- Mongaup Pond Campground (Catskills) – August
16-18
- Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Catskills) –
August 23-25
For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including
a list of campgrounds and schedules, visit DEC's website, or call
DEC's Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any of
these camping facilities, call ReserveAmerica at
1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit the NY State Parks ReserveAmerica
website.
The First-Time
Camper Program is offered through DEC’s Adventure NY initiative and
Division of Operations, which support making strategic investments to
expand access to healthy, active, outdoor recreation; connect more New
Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors; protect natural resources;
and boost local economies. Read more about the Adventure NY initiative on DEC's
website.
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