This Summer, NYC Parks Invites Families to Camp Under The Stars with Urban Park Rangers

Photo Courtesy of NYC Parks / Daniel Avila

Sleep under the stars with NYC Parks! Join Urban Park Rangers for a FREE overnight camping adventure in city parks featuring tent camping, nighttime hikes, storytelling, campfires, and s’mores. NYC Parks provides the tents — just bring your sleeping bag and bedding. 

Campers will stay overnight in our parks with Urban Park Rangers as their hosts and guides, learning how to pitch a tent and settle in for a night of outdoor adventure. Some family-friendly camping programs may also feature Ranger-led nighttime hikes through the woods, storytelling, and s’mores. 

Due to high demand, registration for family camping events is conducted through an online lottery system before each event: 

Queens:  

Date: Friday, June 5, 2026 

Location: Fort Totten Park Visitors Center (in Fort Totten Park), Queens 

Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. 
Lottery registration opens on Monday May 25. 

Brooklyn:  

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026 

Location: Salt Marsh Nature Center (in Marine Park), Brooklyn  

Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. 
Lottery registration opens on Monday June 1. 

Staten Island:  

Date: Friday, June 19, 2026 

Location: Blue Heron Nature Center (in Blue Heron Park), Staten Island  

Time: 7:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m. 
Lottery registration opens on Monday June 8. 

Bronx:  

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026 

Location: Orchard Beach Nature Center (in Pelham Bay Park), Bronx 

Time: 7:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m. 
Lottery registration opens on Monday June 8. 

Manhattan:  

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026 

Location: West 218th Street and Indian Road (in Inwood Hill Park), Manhattan 

Time: 7:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m. 
Lottery registration opens on Monday June 8.