New York’s urban campers are getting a rare chance to pitch tents and sleep under the stars in some of the city’s most iconic parks this summer. The New York City Parks Department has announced that overnight camping is now available in Central Park and seven other locations across all five boroughs, marking the return of a popular program that gives nature lovers a legal—and free—way to experience the outdoors in one of the world’s busiest cities.
For decades, sleeping overnight in Central Park meant risking a conversation with the NYPD. This summer, not only is it allowed, it’s encouraged. The Family Camping program, presented by the Urban Park Rangers, operates from August through mid-September with events scheduled throughout the five boroughs, including Central Park, Orchard Beach in the Bronx, Brooklyn’s Marine Park, Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan, and parks in Queens and Staten Island. The program accommodates about 30 participants per event—typically five to eight families, though groups of friends and individuals are also welcome to apply.
The Central Park overnight campout is scheduled for Friday, August 14, near West 106th Street and Central Park West. Those interested must apply through a lottery system that opens on Mondays for four days each week, giving potential campers about 10 days before each camping event to register. The first Central Park registration opened August 3, with selected campers expected to be notified by August 6. New lotteries will open throughout early September for remaining dates.
Getting a spot is highly competitive. Registration regularly attracts 300 applicants vying for 30 slots per week, making the random selection process essential for fairness. Families need at least one child to participate, though the program also welcomes groups of friends and solo campers looking to connect with the natural world. There is no requirement that participants come with a traditional family unit.
One of the program’s biggest draws is what the Parks Department provides: participants don’t need to buy or carry camping gear. Urban Park Rangers supply all the tents and handle setup, eliminating a major obstacle for first-time campers. Participants need only bring their own sleeping bags, bedding, food, snacks, and any personal items like bug spray and a reusable water bottle. This accessibility is by design—the program, which has operated for more than two decades, is specifically intended to introduce first-time campers to outdoor recreation, with many participants later going on to camp in state and national parks.
The evening activities make these overnight experiences memorable. Rangers lead nighttime hikes where campers can observe wildlife like raccoons, bats, and opossums. Activities also include ice-breaker games for campers to get to know each other, campfire storytelling, and, weather permitting, stargazing. S’mores are a traditional highlight of the experience. The campouts run from early evening to the following morning, giving participants a full night of outdoor adventure.
To register, interested New Yorkers must visit the NYC Parks Xplor Recreation system online. Each location requires a separate registration since lotteries are specific to individual park events. Once a name is drawn, the Parks Department sends an email confirmation with details about the family’s reservation. The first campers to be notified for the August 14 Central Park event should have received their confirmations by August 6.
Camping is generally prohibited throughout New York City’s parks at all other times, making these ranger-led programs one of the few legal opportunities to camp overnight within city limits. The restriction underscores how special this program is for urban residents craving a connection to nature without leaving home.
The complete lineup of locations includes Salt Marsh Nature Center in Marine Park, Brooklyn; Blue Heron Nature Center in Staten Island; Rockaway Beach in Queens; and Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, along with Manhattan’s Central Park and Inwood Hill Park. The program runs through September 18, when the final camping excursions take place at Blue Heron Nature Center and Rockaway Beach.
For nature lovers who have never camped before, the program removes the intimidation factor while maintaining an authentic outdoor experience. The Urban Park Rangers serve as guides and educators, teaching families how to pitch tents, build confidence in the outdoors, and develop an appreciation for the city’s green spaces. It’s an opportunity that reflects New York’s commitment to making outdoor recreation accessible to all residents, regardless of experience level or equipment ownership.