|
DEC’s First Time Camper Program Returns for 2026
Published: June 02, 2026 at
03:00 p.m.
By: Press Release
from NYS DEC
First Time Camper Program Returns for 2026
Free Program Introduce New Yorkers to Camping
Lottery Entries Due by June 12
The New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today the
return of the First-Time Camper Program for the 2026 season. The First-Time
Camper program makes trying camping for the first time easy by providing a
turnkey camping experience for New Yorkers, especially those from
underserved communities who have never camped before.
“DEC is excited
to once again welcome first-time campers into our great Adirondack and
Catskill campgrounds,” Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Our
successful First-Time Camper program gives New Yorkers who never camped
before the opportunity to experience outdoor activities like camping,
fishing, hiking, boating, and birding. Sign up for the lottery today to
participate in this excellent way to get outdoors with all the basics covered.”
New York State
residents may enter the First-Time Camper lottery until
June 12, 2026. Those entering the lottery must choose one facility from the
participating locations in the Adirondacks and Catskills:
Meacham
Lake Campground (Adirondacks) – July 10-12
Kenneth
L. Wilson Campground (Catskills) – July 17-19
Ausable
Point Campground (Adirondacks) – July 24-26
Northampton
Beach Campground (Adirondacks) – July 31-August 2
Mongaup Pond Campground (Catskills) – August
7-9
Nicks Lake
Campground (Adirondacks) – August 14-16
Luzerne
Campground (Adirondacks) – August 21-23
Participants will
be randomly selected to fill camper slots. More information
on the program is available on DEC’s website. Videos
highlighting the program are available on DEC’s YouTube page.
Long-time campers
know the enjoyment and rewards of camping, but for those who have never
slept in a tent before, spending the night outdoors can be an unfamiliar
adventure.
First-Time Camper
program participants will be provided with a tent for their camping party,
sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, a lantern, and even firewood. A
DEC Camping Ambassador meets participants at the campsite and helps them
get their camp set up with a “Camping 101” lesson. Bathrooms and hot
showers are a short walk from the campsites. 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 that last a lifetime.
For more
information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds
and schedules, visit DEC's website and go to the camping webpage under the Outdoor Recreation
section, or call DEC's Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make
reservations at any DEC camping facility, call ReserveAmerica
at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit the ReserveAmerica website.
|
