Last year, two residents from New York State submitted their chance to win the First-Time Camper lottery and won. They are at a campsite being taught by a Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Ambassador how to stake a tent. (Photo by NYSDEC)

CHENANGO COUNTY —New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the return of the First-Time Camper Program for the 2023 season.

Seggos said, “I am excited to once again welcome first-time campers to DEC's world-class campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserve.”

He said the First-Time Camper program was introduced to novice New York campers in 2017, and that about 350 campers have taken advantage of the outdoor education and activities, such as hiking, boating, birding, and fishing.

“DEC’s knowledgeable and experienced camping ambassadors are ready to assist first-time campers with every facet of their adventure to ensure a good time is had by all,” said Seggos.

DEC Campground Program Supervisor Jessica McBride said, “Just getting people out into nature is something we want to advocate more for also. And our facilities offer such a wide spectrum. We have some with ten sites and others with 300 sites.”

First-Time Camper Lieta Washington said, “I would recommend it for any and everybody because it not only was a great experience knowledge-wise, but I just felt relaxed. I felt peaceful. It was a great experience. Absolutely, a great experience.”

One of the importance aspects of this program is for people to learn about the outdoors and find out if camping is something they might enjoy, before going out to purchase needed gear. The DEC will provide a tent, sleeping bags, pads, camp chairs, a lantern, and firewood.

First-Time Camper Betty Peek said she enjoyed it and had a great time, and definitely now knows she can camp, and will do so again.

According to the DEC, a camping Ambassador will meet campers at their site and help them set up camp. Then a “Camping 101” lesson will ensue. Campers have the opportunity to also learn from experts about fishing, hiking, bird watching, paddling, and more.

Bathrooms and hot showers are near each campsite.

New York State's First-Time Camper Program supports families and friends by ensuring they have needed equipment and knowledge for their first time sleeping out under the stars.

Hundreds of campers have participated in the program and can be heard from by visiting www.dec.ny.gov/fs/programs/press/First-TimeCamperProgram/.

From now until June 23, potential first-time campers are encouraged to enter the First-Time Campers lottery by completing the easy one page survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/FTC23lottery.

Those entering the lottery must choose one of the Adirondack or Catskill Forest Preserve locations listed: North South Lake Campground (Catskills) July 7 to 9; Ausable Point Campground (Adirondacks) July 14 to 16; Luzerne Campground (Adirondacks) July 21 to 23; Cranberry Lake Campground (Adirondacks) July 28 to 30; Nicks Lake Campground (Adirondacks) August 4 to 6; Frontier Town Campground (Adirondacks) August 11 to 13; Kenneth L. Wilson Campground (Catskills) August 18 to 20; Mogaup Pond Campground (Catskills) August 25 to 27.

Participants will be randomly selected to fill camper slots. For more information on the program, visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/109909.html.

The DEC operates 52 campgrounds located in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. DEC campgrounds provide a wide variety of experiences, including island camping, tent and trailer camping, boat launching facilities, hiking trails, beaches, and day-use areas with picnic tables and grills.

Fishing licenses are no longer being sold at any of the campground facilities, but can be conveniently purchased online or by phone.

For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and schedules, visit DEC's website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/camping.html or call DEC's Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500.