Early Spring Camping Near NYC: Where to Camp Before State Parks Open
👉 If you're planning your first trip, read our guide:
First Time Camping? Rent Gear in NYC and Hit the Outdoors Without the Hassle
If you’re eager to get outside after a long winter, you might run into one frustrating problem: Most New York State Park campgrounds don’t open until mid-May. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait until summer to go camping. With a little creativity, there are plenty of ways to go camping near NYC in early spring, even before the traditional camping season begins.
Below are some of the best ways to find campsites, plan your trip, and get outside earlier in the season.
And if you're new to camping, don’t worry — many NYC campers start by renting gear instead of buying everything up front.
1. Camp at Private Campgrounds
While most New York State Park campgrounds don’t open until mid-May, some private campgrounds begin their season in April.
Because these campgrounds operate independently, they often run longer seasons and provide amenities like:
bathrooms and showers
camp stores
maintained campsites
staff on site
That makes them a great option for early spring camping near NYC. One of the best regions for April camping is the Delaware Water Gap.
Delaware Water Gap Campgrounds
Located about two hours from New York City, the Delaware Water Gap is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the region.
Several campgrounds here open in late April, making it one of the easiest places to plan an early-season camping trip.
Beginner-friendly options include:
• Kittatinny Campground (Open: April 24 - October 24, 2026)
• Dingmans Campground (tentative opening date is April 24th)
This region is perfect for:
kayaking and canoeing
hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail
scenic river views
quaint small towns
Spring is an especially beautiful time to visit because waterfalls are flowing strongly from snowmelt and the forests are just starting to come back to life.
2. One of the Earliest State Park Campgrounds to Open
Most New York State Park campgrounds open in mid-May, but a few exceptions open earlier.
One of the earliest options near NYC is on the eastern tip of Long Island.
Hither Hills State Park Campground, Montauk, NY
Hither Hills is famous for its oceanfront campground, where campsites sit just behind the dunes along the Atlantic.
The 2026 camping season opens April 10 (East Area) and April 24 (West Area), making it one of the earliest state park campgrounds to open near NYC.
Even in spring, campsites here can book quickly, so planning ahead is important.
Why it’s great for early-season camping:
oceanfront campsites with incredible views
dramatic sunrise walks along the beach
exploring Montauk and the Hamptons before summer crowds
visiting the iconic Montauk Lighthouse
Spring in Montauk can be chilly, but the peaceful atmosphere and coastal scenery make it a memorable early-season camping experience.
3. Find Early-Season Campsites in the Catskills on Hipcamp
If you’re hoping to camp in the Catskills in April, one of the easiest ways is through Hipcamp.
Many hosts open earlier in the season than state park campgrounds, making Hipcamp a great way to find April camping opportunities in the Catskills.
These sites often offer:
quiet, secluded campsites
beautiful mountain views
creekside camping
unique stays like farm campsites or glamping tents
For beginner campers, Hipcamp can also be an easier way to find available campsites during busy weekends.
4. Plan Your Trip Around Spring Adventures
One of the best things about early-season camping is that it pairs perfectly with some incredible spring activities.
Some of our favorite early-spring outdoor adventures include:
• waterfall hikes in the Catskills
• wildflower walks in the Hudson Valley
• birdwatching during spring migration
• maple sugaring events in the Catskills
• whitewater rafting on the Delaware River
If you're curious why experienced campers love this time of year, check out our guide:
👉 Spring Camping: Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Summer to Get Outside
Spring offers quieter trails, cooler temperatures, and a chance to see nature waking up after winter.
Don’t Have a Car? You Can Still Go Camping
Many first-time campers assume they need a car to get outside — but that’s not always true.
Several camping areas near NYC are accessible by train, bus, or short rideshare trips.
If you’re interested in planning a car-free adventure, read this guide:
👉 How to Go Camping Near NYC Without a Car
You might be surprised how easy it is to reach beautiful outdoor destinations from the city.
Don’t Have Camping Gear? Renting Makes It Easy
If you're new to camping, buying gear can get expensive quickly.
A full setup can easily cost $500 or more, which is why many NYC campers choose to rent gear instead of buying it.
At Basecamp Brooklyn, we rent high quality tents, sleeping bags and pads for a comfortable weekend outdoors. Simply pick up your gear in Brooklyn and head out for your adventure.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to get back outside!
You don’t have to wait until summer to enjoy camping near NYC.
With private campgrounds, Hipcamp sites, and a little early-season planning, it’s completely possible to get outside weeks before the traditional camping season begins.
And once you experience a quiet spring night around the campfire, you might find yourself wondering why anyone would wait for summer to enjoy the great outdoors!
