New Yorkers have an opportunity to camp overnight in city parks, including the iconic Central Park, through a lottery system managed by the NYC Parks Department. These family-friendly camping programs, hosted by Urban Park Rangers, will run from August 8 through September 18.
Selected participants will have tents provided, with attendees only needing to bring sleeping bags and bedding. Some events will feature ranger-led nighttime hikes, storytelling, and s'mores.
The lottery application process opens each Monday and remains open for four days. Winners for each event are chosen via this lottery system. For those interested in camping in Central Park, the lottery registration opens on August 3 for an event scheduled for August 14. Winners for this particular event will be selected by August 6.
The program aims to introduce camping to individuals and families who may not have prior experience. Each camping event is designed to host approximately 30 people, typically consisting of five to eight families, though groups of friends or other camping enthusiasts are also welcome to apply. The Urban Park Rangers organize ice-breaking games and nighttime wildlife observation hikes.
Camping in city parks is typically prohibited, making these organized events a unique opportunity. The program has been in existence for over 20 years, with past events attracting as many as 300 applicants per session.
Beyond Central Park, other locations are also part of the initiative. For instance, a free campsite is scheduled at the Salt Marsh Nature Center in Marine Park, Brooklyn, running from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. The final camping dates on September 18 include the Blue Heron Nature Center in Staten Island and Rockaway Beach in Queens.
More information on the full schedule and locations can be found on the NYC Parks website.