For New Yorkers, escaping the concrete jungle doesn’t always mean leaving the five boroughs. Sometimes, all it takes is swapping skyscrapers for towering trees, city lights for starlight, and the sound of traffic for crickets around a campfire.
This summer, NYC Parks is making that escape easier than ever with free overnight camping experiences across the city. From roasting s’mores and joining guided nighttime hikes to sleeping under the stars in some of New York City’s most scenic parks, it’s a rare chance to experience the great outdoors without ever leaving NYC.
And no camping gear? No problem. NYC Parks provides the tents, so all you need to bring is a sleeping bag, bedding, and your overnight essentials. Urban Park Rangers stay on-site all night, leading campfire activities, nighttime nature walks, storytelling, and s’mores—while also making sure everyone has a safe, fun, and unforgettable night sleeping under the stars.
Mark your calendar: 2026 NYC Parks camping schedule
Because these campsites are in high demand, participants are selected through a free lottery.
- July 24: Blue Heron Nature Center (Staten Island)
- Lottery: July 13–16
- July 26: Alley Pond Adventure Course (Queens)
- Lottery: July 13–16
- August 2: Orchard Beach, Pelham Bay Park (Bronx)
- Lottery: July 20–23
- August 8: Salt Marsh Nature Center, Marine Park (Brooklyn)
- Lottery: July 27–30
- August 14: Central Park (Manhattan)
- Lottery: August 3–6
- August 15: Alley Pond Adventure Course (Queens)
- Lottery: July 27–30
- August 16: Blue Heron Nature Center (Staten Island)
- Lottery: August 3–6
- August 28: Inwood Hill Park (Manhattan)
- Lottery: August 17–20
- August 30: Van Cortlandt Nature Center (Bronx)
- Lottery: August 17–20
How to enter the NYC Parks camping lottery
- Create an NYC account: You’ll need an active NYC Parks/Xplor Recreation account before entering.
- Check the lottery dates: Registration is only open for four days before each camping event.
- Submit your application: Log into your account during the registration window and enter the lottery.
- Watch your inbox: Winners are selected at random and notified by email shortly after the lottery closes.
According to park rangers, a little preparation goes a long way. Pack insect repellent for buggy park areas, wear comfortable closed-toe shoes for the guided nighttime hike, and bring plenty of water and a few extra snacks. The s’mores are covered—you just need to show up ready for an unforgettable night outdoors.
Want to discover more free outdoor adventures hosted by NYC Parks this summer? Learn more on their official website.