If you’ve always been curious about camping but never quite taken the leap, New York State just made it a whole lot easier — and completely free.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the return of its First-Time Camper Program for 2026, designed to introduce New Yorkers — especially families from underserved communities — to the joys of the outdoors. Everything you need is provided: tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, a lantern, and firewood. A DEC Camping Ambassador will even meet you at the campsite and walk you through a “Camping 101” lesson to get you settled in.
Beyond the campsite, participants get hands-on experiences in fishing, hiking, bird watching, and paddling — all guided by experts. Bathrooms and hot showers are nearby, making it a comfortable first experience for the whole family.
Lottery entries close June 12, 2026.
Choose one of these weekend dates and locations when you enter:
- Meacham Lake Campground (Adirondacks) — July 10–12
- Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Catskills) — July 17–19
- Ausable Point Campground (Adirondacks) — July 24–26
- Northampton Beach Campground (Adirondacks) — July 31–Aug 2
- Mongaup Pond Campground (Catskills) — Aug 7–9
- Nicks Lake Campground (Adirondacks) — Aug 14–16
- Luzerne Campground (Adirondacks) — Aug 21–23
At Outdoor Promise, we believe everyone deserves access to the outdoors — and programs like this are exactly how that becomes a reality. If you or someone you know has never camped before, this is the perfect opportunity to make it happen.
Enter the lottery and learn more at dec.ny.gov.
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