The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has opened the application period for its 2026 Campground Ambassador Program, a volunteer initiative designed to connect more New Yorkers with the outdoors while assisting campground staff in the Adirondack and Catskill parks.
DEC officials say Campground Ambassadors help welcome and assist visitors, provide educational and environmentally themed activities, and enhance the overall camping experience at state-run facilities. The program supports Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, which encourages families and children to step away from screens and spend more time outdoors for physical and mental well-being.
“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 statement. “Campground Ambassadors assist DEC staff by enhancing the customer service experience at our facilities and conduct fun, educational, and meaningful activities.”
Ambassadors will serve a two-week volunteer term during DEC’s core camping season, from July through Labor Day. In exchange for their service, volunteers will receive a free campsite for the duration of their stay at a participating campground.
Participating locations include:
Catskills
Kenneth L. Wilson Campground and Day Use Area
North South Lake Campground and Day Use Area
Adirondacks
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
DEC is encouraging New Yorkers who are passionate about camping, environmental education, and outdoor recreation to apply.
Applications for the 2026 program must be submitted by January 30, 2026. More information and the application are available through DEC’s Campground Ambassador Program website.
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