How to Confidently Enjoy the Outdoors Near NYC — Even During Tick Season

If you’ve been hearing more about ticks lately, you’re not alone.

Every spring, as people start spending more time outside, ticks become part of the conversation—and for good reason.

Ticks are something worth taking seriously. But they’re also something you can prepare for. With a few simple habits, you can confidently enjoy camping trips, festival weekends, and long days outside—without letting it hold you back.

Why You’re Hearing More About Ticks Right Now

This past winter in the Northeast was a cold one—with major storms and long stretches of freezing temperatures.

So naturally, a lot of people assume that would take care of ticks.

But here’s the part that surprises most people: Ticks are incredibly resilient.

They survive the winter by staying tucked into leaf litter and soil—and snow actually helps insulate them from extreme cold. Once temperatures climb above about 40°F, they become active again. So even a few warmer days in early spring can bring them out sooner than expected.

Experts across New York are already seeing early tick activity this season, which is why you’re hearing more about it right now.
Ticks are a real part of being outdoors—and it’s worth taking them seriously. The good news is that a few simple habits go a long way in keeping your trip safe and enjoyable.

Where Ticks Actually Live (and Where They Don’t)

One of the most helpful things you can know is where ticks are most likely to be.

Ticks are commonly found in:

• Tall grass

• Leaf litter

• Brushy or wooded edges of trails

• Areas where forest meets open space

They’re much less likely to be in:

• The center of well-maintained trails

• Open, sunny areas

• Short grass or cleared campsites

And despite a common myth: Ticks don’t fall from trees or jump. They typically stay low to the ground and latch on as you brush past vegetation.

👉 Translation: where you walk and how you move matters—and that’s something you can control.

Keep all the bugs away from your campsite with these tips.

Simple ways to stay Tick-Smart

You don’t need complicated systems—just a few consistent habits.

✔ Before You Head Out

Set yourself up for an easier day:

• Wear light-colored clothing (easier to spot ticks)

• Consider wearing long pants and tucking in your socks if you’ll be in grassy or wooded areas

• Use a trusted insect repellent (such as this DEET-free natural repellent or permethrin spray for your clothes and gear)

👉 Think of this like packing layers—you do it once, and it makes everything easier.

✔ While You’re Outside

Small adjustments make a big difference:

• Stay toward the center of trails

• Avoid brushing directly against tall grass or dense brush

• Do a quick check on your clothing during longer outings

👉 You don’t need to be constantly on edge—just a little more intentional.

✔ After You’re Back

This is your highest-impact moment—where the majority of prevention happens.

• Do a full-body tick check
  Pay close attention to:

  • Behind your knees

  • Underarms

  • Waistline

  • Around your ears

  • Scalp and hairline

• Shower when you can

• Put clothes in the dryer on high heat

These steps are simple, quick, and incredibly effective.

👉 Once this becomes part of your routine, it takes just a few minutes and gives you real peace of mind. 

Tick Safety for Dogs

If you’re camping or hiking with your dog, it’s worth taking a few simple precautions for them too.

Dogs are more likely to brush through tall grass and wooded areas, which makes them more likely to pick up ticks along the way.

Here’s how to keep it simple:

• Do a quick check after being outside
  Run your hands along their legs, belly, ears, and around the collar area

• Pay attention to behavior
  Excessive scratching or irritation can be a sign something’s bothering them

• Stick to open areas when possible
  Just like with people, avoiding dense brush reduces exposure

• Talk to your vet about prevention options
  Many dog owners use tick prevention treatments, especially during warmer months

👉 Just like your own routine, this takes a couple of minutes and quickly becomes second nature.

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How to Remove a Tick

If you do find a tick, don’t panic—removal is straightforward.

Using fine-tipped tweezers or a tool like a Tick Key:

1. Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible

2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure (no twisting)

3. Clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol

That’s it.

The sooner a tick is discovered and removed, the lower the risk of any complications—so regular checks are your best defense.

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What this means for camping near NYC

Ticks are part of the outdoor environment and your preparedness plan—just like uneven trails, inclement weather, or black bear safety.

They’re something you prepare for, not something that should keep you from getting outside.

With a few simple habits in place, you can:

• Camp comfortably

• Explore confidently

• Focus on the experience—not the what-ifs

And for most people, these steps quickly become second nature.

Getting Outside Should Feel Easy

If you’re new to camping, it’s completely normal to have questions like this.

That’s exactly why we built Basecamp Brooklyn the way we did.

We focus on making the outdoors feel:

• approachable

• low-stress

• actually enjoyable

From clean, ready-to-go rental gear to guided weekends where everything is set up for you—it’s all designed to help you spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the experience.

👉 Planning your first trip?
Start here: First Time Camping? Rent Gear in NYC and Hit the Outdoors Without the Hassle

👉 Want a weekend where everything’s taken care of?
Explore our upcoming camping events and find your weekend around the fire.

Final Thought

The outdoors doesn’t have to feel intimidating.

A little preparation goes a long way—and once you have it, you’re free to focus on what actually matters:

Good food, fresh air, and time well spent outside.

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