NYC’s nature lovers can now go camping in Central Park — here’s how and where to pitch your tent

Sleep under the stars as camping in Central Park starts on August 14.

The NYC Parks Department has just rolled out a lottery for family camping all around New York City, where lucky winners may camp overnight with its Urban Park Rangers as their hosts and guides. From August 8 until September 18, folks can post up for some good ‘ol family-friendly camping programs.

Some parks will feature Ranger-led nighttime hikes through the woods, storytelling and s’mores. The parks department will provide the tents and campers will only need to bring sleeping bags and bedding. 

The overnight camping events are all across New York City’s parks and on a rolling basis. Applications must be submitted via the lottery and will be accepted each Monday, running for four days each submission.

This weekend’s free campsite will be at Salt Marsh Nature Center in Marine Park, Brooklyn. The fun begins at 6 p.m. and lasts until 7 a.m.

“We camp to create lasting memories, connect with the natural world, and bond with our families. The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family,” the NYC Parks Department said.

For free camping in Central Park on Friday, August 14, lottery registration opens today. Those chosen will be picked by August 6, and the event will go from 7 p.m. until 8 a.m. at West 106th Street and Central Park West.

September 18 will be the final time to camp, where park rangers will pitch tents under the stars at two locations: the Blue Heron Nature Center in Staten Island and at Rockaway Beach. The Staten Island winners will camp from 6 p.m. until 7 a.m., while the Queens lottery campers will set up their site from 7 p.m. until 8 a.m.

Each camping event will host about 30 people, ranging from about five to eight families. However, you don’t need to be a family to enter, as a group of friends or other camping enthusiasts may also apply. The program’s goal is to introduce camping to those who have never roughed it before.

Marc Sanchez, the director of Urban Park Rangers, told Gothamist each trip will have ice-breaking games for others to get to know each other, and hikes throughout the night where folks can observe wildlife. The program started over 20 years ago, where up to 300 applicants per event submit for a chance to win.

“We have had cases where folks come to our programs and that was the spark that they needed to go camping in the Adirondacks or go camping at national parks in Glacier or Yellowstone,” said Sanchez.

Just note that camping in these city parks is normally prohibited. Plus, while the program is free, Urban Park Rangers will provide all the tents; campers will need to bring their own food, snacks and sleeping bags.

For the full lineup of events and camping locations, head to the NYC Parks website.