The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the start of the 2024 application period for the Campground Ambassador program, which helps connect New Yorkers and visitors with the outdoors. Like other campground host programs, volunteer Campground Ambassadors assist DEC staff in welcoming and assisting the millions of visitors to State campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks each year. DEC encourages New Yorkers who are passionate about camping and the outdoors to help introduce new campers to DEC facilities and outdoor recreation.

“By introducing new visitors to DEC campgrounds, State lands, and sites and offering fun and exciting programming for campers, DEC’s Campground Ambassador program is inspiring the next generation of outdoor adventurers and environmental stewards,” Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “During the 2023 season, Campground Ambassadors helped DEC enhance the visitor experience at our facilities with fun, educational, and meaningful programming opportunities. I encourage New Yorkers with a passion for camping and the outdoors to join the DEC team as we connect visitors to nature for generations to come.”

DEC operates 51 campgrounds and four day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Forest Preserves. The camping season runs through the summer months; some facilities remain open during fall foliage and hunting seasons.

Campground Ambassadors serve two weeks during the DEC’s core camping season (July through Labor Day). Ambassadors also aid in connecting campers and day users to nature via environmentally themed activities and programming. In consideration for services provided, DEC provides a campsite for the duration of the Ambassador’s stay at one of the following participating locations:

Catskills

Kenneth L. Wilson Campground & Day Use Area

Little Pond Campground & Day Use Area

North South Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Adirondacks

Ausable Point Campground & Day Use Area

Buck Pond Campground & Day Use Area

Cranberry Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Fish Creek Pond Campground & Day Use Area

Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian & Day Use Area

Lewey Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Luzerne Campground & Day Use Area

Meacham Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Moffitt Beach Campground & Day Use Area

Nicks Lake Campground & Day Use Area

Northampton Beach Campground & Day Use Area

Rogers Rock Campground & Day Use Area

To apply for the 2024 program please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/24CampAmbassador. Applications must be received by Feb. 1, 2024. To view volunteer criteria and the full details of the program, visit DEC’s website or call 518-457-2500 x1.

For more information on DEC-operated campgrounds, including a list of campgrounds and schedules, visit DEC's website and go to the Camping link under the Outdoor Recreation section, or call DEC's Bureau of Recreation at 518-457-2500. To make reservations at any of these camping facilities, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com