The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the return of its First-Time Camper Program for the 2025 season, offering New Yorkers a free opportunity to experience camping at select state-operated campgrounds in the Adirondacks and Catskills.
The program is open to residents who have never camped before and includes all necessary gear, support from Camping Ambassadors, and a weekend itinerary designed to introduce participants to outdoor recreation.
“This program gives New Yorkers who have never camped before the opportunity to experience outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hiking, boating, and birding at no cost,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, as reported by Adirondack Almanack on July 1.
“It is a great opportunity to get outdoors with DEC’s Camping Ambassadors who are available to help first-time campers with all the basics and provide a safe learning experience for participants,” Lefton added.
The lottery for the 2025 season is open through July 3. Interested participants must submit an entry through an online survey and choose one of seven participating locations.
Campers will be randomly selected and assigned to one of the designated weekends between July 11 and August 24.
The participating campgrounds include Luzerne Campground (July 11-13), Mongaup Pond Campground (July 18-20), Cranberry Lake Campground (July 25-27), Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (August 1-3), North South Lake Campground (August 8-10), Meacham Lake Campground (August 15-17), and Northampton Beach Campground (August 22-24).
The program is designed to make camping accessible to individuals and families from all backgrounds, particularly those from underserved communities.
It provides a fully outfitted campsite, including a tent, sleeping bags and pads, camp chairs, a lantern, and firewood.
Each group of campers is met at their site by a Camping Ambassador, who provides a hands-on introduction to camping basics, including setting up a tent and using equipment. Bathrooms and hot showers are located near the campsites to ensure comfort for participants.
In addition to camping essentials, the program offers structured opportunities to try activities such as fishing, hiking, paddling, and bird watching.