How to Go Camping Near NYC Without a Car (Even If You Don’t Own Gear)
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 + Fahnestock 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, this area is a top pick. From Cold Spring, you can access iconic hikes like Breakneck Ridge and Bull Hill, with sweeping views of the Hudson River.
Important to know: Hudson Highlands State Park is for day use only — camping is not permitted.
👉 For overnight camping, head to nearby Clarence Fahnestock State Park, about a 15–20 minute taxi or rideshare from Cold Spring.
Fahnestock offers a traditional campground experience with tent sites, bathrooms, and access to the Appalachian Trail—making it a great option if you want both incredible hikes and an easy place to camp.
3. Find More Spots on Hipcamp (and Other Unique Options)
For a more unique experience, check out Hipcamp, where you can book glamping sites, farm stays, or private campsites—many reachable by transit or a short rideshare.
👉 For instance: We’re opening our own campsite, Basecamp Brooklyn Estates (Summer 2026), in the Catskills near Liberty, NY.
It’s accessible by bus from NYC (Port Authority → Monticello → Liberty), followed by a short walk to the property—no car required.
Unlike traditional campgrounds, Basecamp Brooklyn is designed to make camping feel easy and welcoming:
Rent your tent, sleeping bag, and pad from us - we’ll have your gear ready for you at camp
Or upgrade to our tiny house cabin
Show up with just your overnight bag and a pillow
It’s a great option if you want the outdoors experience without coordinating taxis, carrying gear, or figuring everything out on your own.
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.
As Featured in New York Magazine
Recognized as NYC’s go-to camping gear rental in their guide to last-minute camping trips.
Ready for an adventure but don’t have your own gear? Whether you’re heading to a music festival, exploring the great outdoors with friends, or just want to try camping before investing in your own gear, we’ve got you covered. Rent high-quality tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads right here in New York City!
Perfect for Music Festivals & Weekend Getaways
Our gear is lightweight, easy to carry, and festival-ready, ideal for those attending outdoor events or camping trips in the tri-state area.
Convenient Pickup & Drop-off:
Pickup Location: Bond Collective Building, 276 GREENPOINT AVE.
(Look for the BOND COLLECTIVE sign under the glass awning at the intersection of Greenpoint Ave and Provost St.)Pickup: Thursday
Drop-off: Monday Evening
(Need a different time? Contact us before booking.)
Flexible Rental Options:
Rent just a tent or a sleeping bag, or get the whole package! Perfect for solo travelers or groups.
Cancellations:
Full refund minus 5% (to cover transaction fees) for cancellations 72+ hours before pickup.
50% refund for cancellations 24-72 hours before pickup.
No refund for cancellations less than 24 hours before pickup.
Make your next camping trip or festival experience a breeze with our hassle-free gear rentals!
Popular weekends book out fast—especially during music festival season. Don’t wait! Reserve ahead to guarantee your gear.
*Please email us for availability before booking for same day or next day pick up.
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.
The adventure is waiting—and it’s just a train ride away.
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