FIRST TIME CAMPER PROGRAM RETURNS FOR 2026

Free Program Introduce New Yorkers to Camping

Lottery Entries due by June 12 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today the return of the First-Time Camper Program for the 2026 season. The First-Time Camper program makes trying camping for the first time easy by providing a turnkey camping experience for New Yorkers, especially those from underserved communities who have never camped before. 

“DEC is excited to once again welcome first-time campers into our great Adirondack and Catskill campgrounds,” Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “Our successful First-Time Camper program gives New Yorkers who never camped before the opportunity to experience outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hiking, boating, and birding. Sign up for the lottery today to participate in this excellent way to get outdoors with all the basics covered.” 

New York State residents may enter the First-Time Camper lottery (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FTC26lottery) until June 12, 2026. Those entering the lottery must choose one facility from the participating locations in the Adirondacks and Catskills: 

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 – August 2

Mongaup Pond Campground (Catskills) – August 7-9

Nicks Lake Campground (Adirondacks) – August 14-16

Luzerne Campground (Adirondacks) – August 21-23 

Participants will be randomly selected to fill camper slots. More information on the program is available on DEC’s website. Videos highlighting the program are available on DEC’s YouTube page. 

Long-time campers know the enjoyment and rewards of camping, but for those who have never slept in a tent before, spending the night outdoors can be an unfamiliar adventure. 

First-Time Camper program participants will be provided with a tent for their camping party, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, a lantern, and even firewood. A DEC Camping Ambassador meets participants at the campsite and helps them get their camp set up with a “Camping 101” lesson. Bathrooms and hot showers are a short walk from the campsites. To make the weekend getaway even more enjoyable, campers will have an opportunity to learn from experts how to fish, hike, bird watch, paddle and more, all while having fun and making memories that last a lifetime.

For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and schedules, visit DEC's website and go to the camping link under the Outdoor Recreation section, or call DEC's Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any DEC camping facility, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com.