SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The weather around central New York is starting to warm up and with the summer months just underway some people may be looking to go explore the parks and forrests that New York state has to offer.
Expenses can sway people from going camping for the first time, but for New York residents only, there is a new program through the state Department of Environmental Conservation designed to give prospective campers an easier way to begin.
Across seven different parks in either the Catskills or the Adirondacks, the program gives new campers the chance to experience the great outdoors without needing to purchase any equipment.
When you register for a spot, there is no guarentee that you get in. You will be entered into a lottery system in order to potentially get one of the spots.
If chosen, the participating campsites will be fully prepared and a camping ambassador will help the new campers get set up, learn how to fish, hike, bird watch, paddle and more.
Participating locations include:
- Meacham Lake Campground (Adirondacks) – July 10-12
- Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Carskills) – July 17-19
- Ausable Point Campground (Adriondacks) – July 24-26
- Northampton Beach Campground (Adirondacks) – July 31-August 2
- Monguap Pond Campground (Catskills) – August 7-9
- Nicks Lake Campground (Adirondacks) – August 14-16
- Luzerne Campground (Adirondacks) – August 21-23
For even more information, go to the Department of Evironmental Conservation