Why Group Camping is the Ultimate NYC Getaway (And How to Make It Easy + Affordable)
City life is intense. Between subway delays, sky-high rent, and constant noise, sometimes all you want is a breath of fresh air and good company around a fire. Group camping is one of the most affordable, soul-nourishing ways to escape the grind—and spoiler alert: it’s way easier than you think.
At Basecamp Brooklyn, we’re all about connection—with nature, with each other, with yourself. Group camping checks every one of those boxes. Whether you're planning a birthday trip, friends’ reunion, or just a screen-free weekend with your people, here's why group camping hits different—and how to make it smooth, affordable, and stress-free.
Why More New Yorkers Are Choosing Group Camping Trips
Let’s be real: planning a solo camping trip can feel like a lot. But when you bring your crew, suddenly it’s not just easier—it’s a whole vibe. Here's why:
1. It’s Cheaper (and Smarter)
Split the costs—gear rental, campsite fees, gas—and everything gets more doable. Our rental gear make it simple to place one order and then divide the cost between you, so no one has to drop $300 at REI for stuff they’ll use once.
2. It’s Easier to Plan
Divide and conquer. One person books the site, another grabs the groceries, someone else rents the gear (hi 👋). With the right crew and a little structure, planning becomes part of the fun.
3. It Builds Community (the Real Kind)
Something magical happens when you’re all out there together—no phones, no Wi-Fi, no distractions. Just shared meals, late-night fire chats, and the kind of laughter that echoes through the woods. This is the kind of quality time we all need more of.
How to Plan a Smooth Group Camping Trip (Without the Stress)
Here are a few of our favorite Basecamp Brooklyn-tested tips to help you keep things easy, fun, and organized:
📝 Make a Shared Packing + Prep Doc
Create a shared Google Doc or checklist so everyone knows who’s bringing what: snacks, coffee gear, card games, headlamps, etc. Tools like Splitwise can also make divvying up costs super simple.
🍳 Meal Prep Like a Camp Pro
Plan 1–2 simple group meals ahead (think: chili, pasta salad, breakfast burritos). Assign cooking teams and cleanup shifts. Pack a few easy grab-and-go items too—trail mix, bars, fruit. Want some Inspo? Check out all our recipes and Outdoor Cooking YouTube videos here!
🏕️ Choose a Group-Friendly Campsite
Look for spots with multiple tent pads, large fire rings, or actual group sites. Some of our faves near NYC are below.
Our Favorite Group Campsites (Tried + Tested)
We’ve had great luck finding spacious, remote sites on Hipcamp—perfect for groups who want to spread out, stargaze without light pollution, and get a little off the beaten path. (And soon, this will include our own land at Basecamp Brooklyn Estates—stay tuned!)
Here are a few more of our favorite go-to spots for group camping near NYC:
Woodland Valley Campground (Phoenicia, NY)
Nestled in the Catskills, this one’s a crowd-pleaser. You’ll find creekside camping, nearby inner tubing, and easy access to charming towns like Phoenicia and Woodstock. Great for a mix of outdoor fun and cozy small-town vibes.
French Creek State Park (Elverson, PA)
A bit farther from the city, but so worth it. Enjoy on-site kayaking and lake swimming, then swing through Amish Country for a scenic detour. Bonus: lots of space for bigger groups.
Taconic State Park (Copake Falls, NY)
Perfect for groups with mixed camping styles. Pitch tents or book one of their rustic cabins, then spend your days chasing waterfalls and hiking scenic trails. It’s adventure, with a real bed at the end of the day.
Pro Tip: Group sites and popular weekends book up fast—especially in peak season. The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have!P
Ready to Camp Together? Let’s Make It Happen
If your group’s been stuck in that never-ending “We should go camping sometime” loop—this is your sign. Pick a weekend. Rally the crew. We’ll help make it real.
Need gear?
Check out our tents, sleeping bags and pads here.
Want the vibe without the planning?
Join us for a Basecamp Brooklyn event—we bring the gear, the food, and the good times. You just show up ready to unplug and connect.
At Basecamp Brooklyn, we believe that community isn’t something that just happens. It’s something we make—together, in nature, under the stars.
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