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. Hither Hills State Park
📍 Location: Montauk, NY
🚆 How to Get There: Take the Long Island Rail Road to Montauk, then use Hampton Hopper’s free Montauk shuttle or Suffolk Transit On-Demand to reach Hither Hills and explore the area.
If your dream camping weekend includes ocean waves, beach walks, salty air, and waking up for a gorgeous sunrise over the Atlantic, Hither Hills is one of the best car-free camping options near NYC.
The campground sits right by the ocean in Montauk, with a sandy beach, swimming, surf fishing, scenic picnic areas, trails, and classic Long Island coastal views. It feels very different from a wooded lake trip, which is part of what makes it so special.
The best part for car-free campers is that you’re not completely stuck once you arrive. Hampton Hopper’s free Montauk shuttle can help connect you between Hither Hills, downtown Montauk, and the docks, while Suffolk Transit On-Demand serves the broader East Hampton/Montauk area. That means your weekend can still include beach time, a supply run, dinner in town, or a low-key wander near the docks without renting a car.
Good to know: Hither Hills books quickly, especially for summer weekends. If you’re going without a car, pack light, check the current LIRR schedule, confirm Hampton Hopper and Suffolk Transit On-Demand routes before you leave, and make sure you have a plan for carrying your gear from train to campsite.
4. 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 (Fall 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.
Join us for our summer campouts in the Catskills! Take the bus from Port Authority, and we’ll pick you up at the Liberty stop right by Basecamp Brooklyn Estates.
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.
NYC’s Go-To Camping Gear Rental
Featured by New York Magazine + I LOVE NY
Ready for a weekend outside but don’t own all the gear? Rent clean, high-quality tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads with convenient pickup and return in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
Perfect for first-time campers, music festivals, group trips, and anyone who wants to experience camping without buying and storing a full setup.
Perfect for Festivals, Group Trips, and City Campers
Our gear is lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to set up—whether you’re heading to a music festival, escaping to the Catskills, taking a road trip with friends, or trying camping for the first time.
Convenient Pickup & Drop-off:
Pickup Location: Bond Collective Building, 276 Greenpoint Avenue.
Pickup: Wednesday
Drop-off: Monday
(Need a different time? Contact us before booking.)
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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Slow down, take the scenic route, and rediscover the joy of the open road.
Mountain Cruisin’ is all about rolling through winding mountain roads, exploring hidden Catskills gems, and kicking back fireside with our community of down-to-earth humans who value good food, fresh air, and real connection. Whether you're coming up on two wheels, four wheels, or catching a ride with a friend, this weekend is about embracing the journey—not rushing the destination.
For Saturday , we’ll have scenic driving route options for anyone who wants to spend the day exploring—whether you're on two wheels or four.
We’re teaming up with Fährt, who will be hosting their Catskills meetup,and providing both on-road and off-pavement routes for riders looking to cruise or get a little dusty.
For car campers, we’ll have our own curated routes ready—perfect for a mellow day of scenic overlooks, quaint main streets, and plenty of photo opportunities. All routes wrap up back at camp in time for Chef Allan’s feast and fire.