It’s not often you get to sleep under the stars in New York City. But this summer, the city is bringing the ultimate campfire experience directly to you.
NYC Parks is offering free family campouts across all five boroughs from late July through September. New Yorkers can pitch a tent in local green spaces and settle in for a night of outdoor adventure.
The best part? You don’t even need to own camping gear.
A fully guided night under the stars
If the thought of setting up camp in the city sounds intimidating, don’t worry. The Urban Park Rangers stay on-site all night to act as your hosts and guides.
NYC Parks supplies the tents and handles the evening’s entertainment. The Rangers run the rest of the night with guided nature walks after dark, cozy campfires, and classic storytelling.
They even supply the s’mores, so you don’t have to stress about packing the marshmallows.
What you actually need to pack
While the tents and treats are fully covered, organizers recommend showing up prepared. All you need to carry are the basics for overnight comfort.
Make sure to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow or bedding. You will also want to pack bug spray, closed comfortable shoes for the walks, a reusable water bottle, and any extra snacks your family might want.
Don’t forget to pack clothes warm enough for overnight temperatures, as it can get chilly once the sun goes down.
How the camping lottery works
Here is the catch. Spots are not first come, first served.
Because these overnight events are extremely popular, every single campout is assigned through a free online lottery. You will need to create an account on the NYC Parks Xplor Recreation platform to enter.
Each specific event has its own four-day registration window. You simply check the dates for the park you want, submit your application while the window is open, and wait for an email to see if you were randomly selected.
The 2026 family camping lineup
The full schedule covers incredible parks in every borough. Here are the confirmed upcoming dates and when their lotteries open:
- August 2: Orchard Beach, Bronx (Lottery opens July 20)
- August 8: Salt Marsh Nature Center, Brooklyn (Lottery opens July 27)
- August 14: Central Park, Manhattan (Lottery opens August 3)
- August 15: Alley Pond Adventure Course, Queens (Lottery opens July 27)
- August 16: Blue Heron Nature Center, Staten Island (Lottery opens August 3)
- August 28: Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan (Lottery opens August 17)
- August 30: Van Cortlandt Nature Center, Bronx (Lottery opens August 17)
- September 6: Salt Marsh Nature Center, Brooklyn (Lottery opens August 24)
- September 6: Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan (Lottery opens August 24)
- September 12: Orchard Beach, Bronx (Lottery opens August 31)
- September 18: Blue Heron Nature Center, Staten Island (Lottery opens September 7)
- September 18: Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, Queens (Lottery opens September 7)
Remember to watch for when your preferred location’s window opens rather than assuming one sign-up covers them all. Good luck!