Backpacking New York

Camping in NYC! 🏕️

From Friday, September 18th to Saturday, September 19th, we’ll try our best to go camping! 🏕️ Organized by NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers who will be providing tents We need to apply to a lottery which opens up Monday, September 7th and ends Thursday, September 10th 📆 We’ll go to one of two sites: Blue Heron Nature Center in Staten Island or Rockaway Beach in Queens. But it’s really up to whether we win the lottery lol. It’s called family camping but we’ll try to assemble a small group of people that agree to camp together. We’ll all get the chance to connect before deciding who we’d like to camp with. No experience needed It's free See details below: Section 1: Blue Heron Nature Center In Staten Island From Friday 9/18 at 6pm to Saturday 9/19 at 7am [https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/18/family-camping-staten-island](https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/18/family-camping-staten-island) Address of Blue Heron Nature Center: 222 Poillon Ave, Staten Island, NY 10312 Google maps link to Blue Heron Nature Center: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/zhQGgbAE8GGV2CtZ6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/zhQGgbAE8GGV2CtZ6) Section 2: Rockaway Beach Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk From Friday 9/18 at 7pm to Saturday 9/19 at 8am [https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/18/family-camping-queens](https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/09/18/family-camping-queens) Address of our meeting spot in Far Rockaway: 1-90 Beach 44th St, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 Google maps link to Beach 44th Street and Boardwalk: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbYcN7yMcyaB9bg16](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cbYcN7yMcyaB9bg16) Of course, please reach out if you have any questions! The not so fun rule on RSVPs Please only RSVP if you think you can make it and adjust your RSVP asap if anything changes (as there are other people who would like your spot). Two no shows or cancellations within 6 hours results in a 4 month ban. I will send a reminder 24 hours in advance to the group Thanks and can't wait to see you!

2026 Fall SMR Family Campout

Update: Sold out! Accepting Waitlist families only. ### **Starting August 22nd, registration will be open for the 13th SMR Family Campout on Saturday and Sunday, September 19th to 20th, (rain dates, September 26th to 27th). Sponsored by the South Mountain Conserancy with the support of Essex County Parks, this award-winning program caters to families with young children ages 4 to 11. With nature-intensive programing, this overnight program provides an opportunity for families new to camping or just in love with nature to experience a special experience close. Generally, this event fills up in 2 to 3 days.** ***DO NOT REGISTER ON MEETUP. GO [HERE](https://www.somocon.org/family-campout/2026-fall-smr-family-campout/) for more information and registration instructions.***

Autumn Camping at Stokes State Forest

Let's experience a fall camping weekend at Stokes State Forest, NJ, where the maples transform the woods into a sea of crimson and gold. Wander along leaf-carpeted trails, each step surrounded by the vibrant colors of autumn. Awaken to misty mornings and birdsong, then spend your days hiking through picture-perfect valleys aglow with fall foliage. In the evening, gather around the campfire under a sky full of stars and soak in the pure warmth and beauty of autumn. Optional activities include hiking, biking, fishing, boating/Kayaking, birdwatching, and Wildlife Viewing Photography: **Fees**: **$28.90 per person for 2 nights and 3 days**. Sites provide flush toilets, showers, Picnic tables, and Fire rings. Bring your own Firewood for 2 nights. Payment: **Venmo@Nature-and-outdoors** What to Bring: Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.) Kayak/canoe or rental Dry bags or waterproof containers Water-appropriate clothing, rain gear, and swimwear

Adirondack Fall Foliage - Car Camping [Spots Available]

**Fall in the Adirondacks is always spectacular!** Come join us for a weekend of camping and hiking in the southern Adirondacks, which has better foliage and far fewer crowds than the High Peaks. A couple of important notes: 1. **Weekend trips are open to regular members in good standing. Message Andre if you're interested.** 2. Hikes are member-organized. Everyone is expected to be able to read a map, follow a trail, and choose hikes within their fitness and ability. Depending on the attendees, we might split into two or more hikes. Do not count on someone more experienced or skilled than yourself to lead you. Hikes in the area are typically 5 miles and up, suitable for intermediate and advanced hikers. I've found that doing a couple of short hikes in different areas maximizes the foliage viewing. (See [Andre's AllTrails list of nearby hikes](https://www.alltrails.com/lists/southern-adks-day-hikes-fb508ef?u=i&sh=q9msug).) There are several great lookout towers in the area that provide 360-degree views, and the high peaks are always an option if you want something longer. **Logistics:** * **Camping Location:** Car-camping at the [Harris Lake Campground](https://maps.app.goo.gl/7VbkKSVS5mndJpYX8) with showers, toilets, BBQs, picnic tables, and canoe rentals. Max two tents and two cars per campsite. * **Food:** BYO food and snacks. There is very little nearby in terms of stores, so bring all your food for the weekend. Mountain House dehydrated meals are a fine option. * **Cost:** $25 per person for two nights of camping, paid to Andre * **General Rules**: We are a low alcohol group. No RVs, generators, camper vans, etc. No dogs allowed. **Schedule:** * **Friday:** Leave as early in the afternoon as you can. It is 5-6 hours to the campground from NYC. Please try to arrive by 10 pm out of courtesy to other campers. * **Saturday:** We'll rise early for our various hikes, BYO dinner at the campsite around a campfire. * **Sunday:** Generally a short hike before hitting the road in the afternoon. \*\*\* **Camping Gear:** * Tent, or space in someone's tent * Sleeping pad and sleeping bag suitable for the low 30s at night * Stove, pots, and pan (check about sharing) * Personal plate/spoon/cup, etc; toiletries, towel, and flip-flops for the shower; swimsuit (for the brave). **Hiking Gear:** * Standard day hiking gear: Waterproof boots suggested (trail shoes are not recommended in the ADKs), non-cotton clothing, sunscreen, bug spray, sunhat, sunglasses, rain gear, hiking poles, snacks, etc. * Winter hat, gloves, and jacket, plus insulating layers to account for unpredictable fall mountain weather. If you plan on hiking one of the high peaks, bring microspikes and full winter clothing since early October is usually the first real snow of the season. * Maps of the region: [National Geographic Adirondack High Peaks](http://amzn.to/1JUrKk2) & [National Geographic Northville, Raquette Lake](https://amzn.to/3LcmGud) * **GPS app with offline maps** **Weather:** Average hi/low: 70s/40s, might be in the 30s. The weather above the tree line is always worse. Mountain weather is often unpredictable, so plan accordingly.

NYC Ferry Tour via Hudson River (From Midtown West to Staten Island to Brooklyn)

Annual Tunnel to Tower 5K in NYC!

Yosemite Half Dome Backpacking

Hit your bucket list with all the feels on this women’s guided hiking and backpacking weekend! During your Yosemite Half Dome Hike adventure, tour Yosemite National Park as you climb the famous cables of Half Dome with ladies who do their own stunts. Live out every last one of those John Muir nature quotes in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park. Mountains calling? Check. Between two pines? Check. Walk with nature? Double-check. **GUIDED BACKPACKING IN YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK BACKCOUNTRY** Romp through the backcountry on a demanding, yet epic backpacking trip. Meet your new woman crushes in the Yosemite Valley as the landscape gives way to mountains, waterfalls, and a piney perfume that’ll make Yankee Candle totally jelly. Mother Nature swiped ALL THE WAY right. Leave the phone on airplane mode to immerse yourself in stunning national park backcountry over the course of four epic days. Climb steep, challenging trails to look down upon the Valley with a panoramic view that includes Mt. Starr King, Half Dome, Nevada Falls, Illilouette Falls, and plenty of ant-sized tourists with tiny selfie sticks. **HALF DOME: HIKING TO THE TOP** Fuel up for the real MVP—the famous cables of Half Dome! Blast that hiker booty (and bring plenty of water) while ascending 500 feet up a .5 mile of steps carved into the rock. Then, the real fun begins. It’s a 400-foot gain up the top of Half Dome with some points at 70%+ grades. Pace your footwork on wooden slabs spaced out on the climb as you get the upper body workout of a lifetime. Worth it? HELL YES! **BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT PROVIDED** Don’t have backpacking equipment, but can Beastmaster the stairs? Perfect. Explorer Chick has you covered with: * a backpack * sleeping bag * sleeping pad * shared tent All you need to do is show up for this Yosemite Half Dome Hike to backpack like a boss and get that National Parks bucket list checked. **See the website for full itinerary, details and to book.** [https://explorerchick.com/adventures/yosemite-half-dome-hike-backpacking](https://explorerchick.com/adventures/yosemite-half-dome-hike-backpacking/) **Say Hello 👋** **💻** Website: [https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) 📧 Email: hello@explorerchick.com 📸 Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/](https://www.instagram.com/explorerchickadventureco/) ❤️ Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/](https://www.facebook.com/ExplorerChickAdventureCo/) 👯‍♀️ Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick](https://www.facebook.com/groups/weareexplorerchick) 🎥 TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick](https://www.tiktok.com/@explorerchick)

Drinks and hikes at the Frying Pan

Hey everyone! Let's meet up for drinks at the Frying Pan in Manhattan. We will meet there on Wednesday night September 16 to chat about past and future hikes and outdoorsy trips over drinks. I will post my number in the comments the day of the chat and in case it rains and the bar is closed we will just move the event to one of the indoor bars nearby. I will update everyone in the comments section. Hopefully we have good weather! The frying is rather large so watch the comments section for the exact location where we are gathering. Everyone is welcome to come!

Guided GrandCanyon Rim2Rim 4D/3N (upon request)

Details Coming Soon: Annapurna Circuit Trek (High Altitude/Strenuous)

AMC NY/NJ 20s and 30s Autumn Kickoff Saturday

Join the 20s and 30s Young Members of the AMC's New York / New Jersey chapter for an Saturday afternoon of meeting new friends, catching up with old ones, and preparing for a great season of outdoor activities. Do you enjoy hiking, backpacking, paddling, rock climbing and other outdoor pursuits, and are looking to meet like-minded folks from the greater NYC area? You've found the right event. We hope to see you there. This Event will officially run from 4 to 6 but we will likely get dinner afterwards for those who'd be interested!

NarPhu Trek - 11 days