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.
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.
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:
Utilize a Packing + Prep Doc
Planning a trip for a crew can get chaotic fast—but it doesn’t have to. We put together the Basecamp Brooklyn Car Camping Planner to make sure nothing gets forgotten, expenses stay fair, and meals are chef-level satisfying (without a spreadsheet meltdown).
It’s free, it’s comprehensive, and it’s been field-tested on our own adventures.
👉 Download the Free Camping Planner Here
Inside you’ll find:
✅ A detailed packing list (essentials, camp kitchen, health & safety, and optional gear)
🍳 A customizable meal planner + grocery list
🏞️ An activities + adventure scheduler so everyone stays on the same page
💰 A shared expense tracker so you can easily split costs
📓 Plus: a Campfire Journal to record your favorite moments (and remind you what not to forget next time)
This free planner is especially clutch when you’re coordinating with multiple people. Print it out, or use it digitally so everyone can access the same info.
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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