ALBANY — The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced Tuesday the opening of the 2026 application period for the Campground Ambassador Program to connect more New Yorkers with the outdoors. Like other campground host programs, volunteer Campground Ambassadors assist DEC campground staff in welcoming and assisting the millions of visitors who vacation in the Adirondack and Catskill parks each year.

This program also complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and the outdoors.

“Providing exciting programming for our campers all season long is integral to the ongoing success of DEC’s affordable Adirondack and Catskill campgrounds,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in a press release. “Campground Ambassadors assist DEC staff by enhancing the customer service experience at our facilities and conduct fun, educational and meaningful activities. We look forward to welcoming back our seasoned campers and introducing new campers to everything our facilities have to offer.”

Ambassadors aid in connecting campers and day users to nature through environmentally themed activities and programming. DEC is encouraging New Yorkers that are passionate about camping and the outdoors to help us introduce new campers to DEC facilities and other outdoor activities through this volunteer opportunity.

Ambassadors will serve two weeks during DEC’s core camping season — July through Labor Day — and must be 18 years of age or older. In consideration for services provided, a campsite will be provided for the duration of their stay at one of the following participating locations:

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Catskills

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¯ Kenneth L. Wilson Campground and Day Use Area

¯ North South Lake Campground and Day Use Area

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Adirondacks

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¯ Ausable Point Campground and Day Use Area

¯ Buck Pond Campground and Day Use Area

¯ Cranberry Lake Campground and Day Use Area

¯ Fish Creek Pond Campground and Day Use Area

¯ Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area

¯ Lewey Lake Campground and Day Use Area

¯ Luzerne Campground and Day Use Area

¯ Meacham Lake Campground and Day Use Area

¯ Moffitt Beach Campground and Day Use Area

¯ Nicks Lake Campground and Day Use Area

¯ Northampton Beach Campground and Day Use Area

¯ Rogers Rock Campground and Day Use Area

To apply for the 2026 program please visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DECAmb26

Applications must be received by January 30, 2026.

To view the full details of the program visit https://tinyurl.com/28tvutpz or call 518-457-2500 ext. 1.

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

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.