First-Time Camper Weekend Program
NYS will provide FREE First-Time Camper weekends throughout the summer. New York families that have never camped before will have the opportunity to see if they enjoy the great outdoors before investing in their own gear by registering for a fully stocked campsite at a select NYS campground for a designated weekend this summer.
New campers will be provided with a family tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, camp stove, lantern, and even firewood. A Camping Ambassador will meet families at the campsite and help them get camp set up with a camping 101 lesson. To make the weekend getaway even more fun, 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 forever.
This program is available to NY residents only. Space is limited.
Entries will be accepted beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 23 until 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Enter now.
Participants will be randomly selected to fill first-time camper slots.
Watch a clip about the First-Time Camper Program and check out other clips on DEC's YouTube Channel.
2025 First-Time Campers Program Participating Locations
Luzerne Campground (Adirondacks) – July 11-13
Mongaup Pond Campground (Catskills) – July 18-20
Cranberry Lake Campground (Adirondacks) – July 25-27
Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Catskills) – August 1-3
North South Lake Campground (Catskills) – August 8-10
Meacham Lake Campground (Adirondacks) – August 15-17
Northampton Beach Campground (Adirondacks) – August 22-24