ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Want to go camping but don’t have the experience? The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is hoping to change that with the return of its annual First-time Camper Program.

First launched seven years ago, the program aims to get New Yorkers who have never camped before out into the wild. Participants, who would be selected by a lottery, would have access to a fully stocked campsite at a DEC-operated campground in the Adirondacks or Catskills during a select weekend.

“The First-Time Camper 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,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “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.”

The program lottery is open until July 3. Those entering in the lottery must choose one of the following participating facilities that they would like to camp at:

Participating locations

• Luzerne Campground, Adirondacks — July 11-13
• Mongaup Pond Campground, Catskills — July 18-20
• Cranberry Lake Campground, Adirondacks — July 25-27
• Kenneth L. Wilson Campground, Catskills — August 1-3
• North South Lake Campground, Catskills — August 8-10
• Meacham Lake Campground, Adirondacks — August 15-17
• Northampton Beach Campground, Adirondacks — August 22-25

Participants will be chosen at random. Selected campers will be provided with a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, a lantern and firewood. A Camping Ambassador will also meet participants at their campsite to help get their camp set up.

Bathrooms and hot showers will be available a short walk from campsites. Campers will also have the opportunity to learn how to fish, hike, bird watch, paddle and more.

To enter the First-time Camper Program lottery, or to learn more, visit the DEC website.

Source link