Want to escape the city without sitting in traffic or buying a closet full of gear you’ll only use a couple times a year? Good news — you don’t need a car or your own tent to enjoy a peaceful weekend in nature.

New York City is surrounded by public-transit-friendly camping spots, and with easy gear rentals from us at Basecamp Brooklyn, it’s never been simpler to get out there. Whether you're craving fresh air, mountain views, or a fire-cooked dinner with friends, we've got everything you need to camp light and live large — no car required.

Why Camping Without a Car Works So Well for NYC Locals

Skip the Traffic
Let’s be real — after a long week in the city, the last thing you want is to be stuck on I-87. Take the train or bus and start relaxing before you even get to the woods.

No Storage? No Problem.
Don’t want to store a bunch of gear in your apartment? We get it. That’s why we rent tents, sleeping bags, and pads so you can travel light.

Nature Is Closer Than You Think
From mountain views to lakeside campsites, plenty of campgrounds near NYC are accessible by public transportation. It’s real wilderness, just a Metro-North ride away.

Best Public Transit-Friendly Campgrounds Near NYC

1. Harriman State Park

📍 Location: Rockland & Orange Counties, NY
🚆 How to Get There: Take NJ Transit to Sloatsburg, then hike or take a taxi to the park.
A short trip from the city, Harriman is one of the best spots for NYC locals. It offers hundreds of miles of trails, great lake views, and a variety of campsites. The Beaver Pond Campground has easy access to amenities, making it an ideal choice for first-timers.

2. Hudson Highlands State Park

📍 Location: Cold Spring, NY
🚆 How to Get There: Take the Metro-North Hudson Line to Cold Spring.
If you want to hike some of the best trails in the region, Hudson Highlands is a top pick. The iconic Breakneck Ridge offers incredible views, and the Malouf’s Mountain Sunset Campground is a great spot for an easy camping experience.

3. Fahnestock State Park

📍 Location: Putnam County, NY
🚆 How to Get There: Take Metro-North to Cold Spring and either hike or grab a taxi to the campground.
This park offers a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere than some of the bigger parks. Rent a canoe or explore the Appalachian Trail—it’s the perfect spot for a low-key camping experience.

4. Find More Spots on Hipcamp

For a unique experience, check out Hipcamp, where you can book glamping sites, farm stays, or private campsites—many reachable by transit or a short rideshare. It’s a great way to try something new without straying too far from NYC.

Not Into Public Transit? Try Renting a Car for the Weekend

While public transit is great, some trips are easier with a car — especially if you're headed somewhere remote. Renting one is simple:

1. Zipcar

If you're only looking for a car for a day or weekend, Zipcar offers a flexible and affordable way to rent a car by the hour or day. There are pickup locations throughout NYC, and you can reserve the car directly through their app. Perfect for spontaneous trips!

2. Turo

For a more personalized car rental experience, try Turo, the "Airbnb of cars." You can rent vehicles directly from owners, ranging from economy cars to more luxurious options. It’s a great way to find the perfect car for your camping trip at a competitive rate.

3. Enterprise / Hertz / Budget

For longer trips, consider traditional car rental services like Enterprise, Hertz, or Budget. These services have a variety of vehicle options, including SUVs with plenty of room for camping gear. Many locations offer pick-up in Manhattan or nearby areas, and you can easily reserve online.

How Our Gear Rentals Make It Easy

Don’t own a car? Don’t own gear? We’ve got you covered. Renting camping gear from us means you don’t need to worry about purchasing or hauling heavy equipment.

Tents, Sleeping Bags, and Sleeping Pads– We provide everything you need for a comfortable camping experience. Plus, our gear is lightweight and easy to transport.

Camping Gear Rentals

from $55.00

Pickup Location in Brooklyn – Convenient pickup locations mean you don’t have to go far to get your gear. Simply pick up your gear in Brooklyn, hop on a train, and you’re good to go!

Ready to Camp?

Don’t let the lack of a car keep you from enjoying the great outdoors! Renting gear and taking public transit is the easiest way for NYC locals to escape the city and enjoy a relaxing camping trip.

Reserve your gear here!

The adventure is waiting—and it’s just a train ride away.