Camping in NYC

Camping and exploring Floyd Bennett Field is a fairly surreal experience. Foremost you're camping. In Brooklyn. Floyd Bennet field was NYC's first municipal airport and was then a Naval Air Station prior to joining the National Parks System. This is quite apparent as you enter the park and realize that the incredibly wide and straight road you're traveling was indeed a runway. For the most part paved surfaces within the park had a previous life as airport tarmac.

Upon arrival you'll find a small ranger station/ camp store with minimal supplies so you'll want to plan accordingly. The Walk-In tent sites are secluded in a clearing down a short wooded path. Mixed use sites are aligned parallel to the eastern shoreline and have a spectacular view of Jamaica Bay just steps from camp. There is no shortage of open space for exploring but don't expect much of your typical trail hikes. There are wooded areas and trails to the far north end of the park but more often than not you'll find yourself enjoying wide open spaces you'd not expect in the NYC area.

The area feels wonderfully remote given it's proximity to the city, however you may or may not find the air traffic from JFK Airport a bit loud at night. Bring earplugs if this will keep you awake.

Access to public transit is easy. Your camper's tag allows unlimited free parking at the Ryan Visitor Center. Simply navigate your vehicle to the visitor center and park in the lot in front of the building near Flatbush Ave. The Q35 bus stop on Flatbush Ave is just outside the fence to the west and will take you to the Brooklyn College 2 Train and points beyond.

Vault restroom facilities are available 24 hours a day nearby, and an outdoor water station with multiple taps can be found across the road from the restrooms. There are modern shower facilities and restrooms at the ranger station/ camp store that are very well maintained but are only open during the day while ranger staff is on duty. Don't expect to take a late shower after a day of mobbing around the city.

This is one of the most unexpectedly amazing camping opportunities I've discovered. It has an endearing wild west vibe with people fishing in the bay late into the night and loosely monitored speed limits on the wide expanses of retired runways. While it may not have the breathtaking natural beauty of many of our National Parks, it certainly has it's own individual rugged charm and holds all of New York City at it's doorstep.