DEC Encourages Volunteer Campground Ambassadors to Sign Up for 2026 Camping Season
Peru Gazette May 2023 photo at Ausable Point Campground
Volunteers Help Less-Experienced Campers Enjoy their Stay and Make Lasting Connections with the Outdoors. Applications Due by January 30, 2026
DEC News Release of January 6, 2026 – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today 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. “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). In consideration for services provided, a campsite will be provided for the duration of their stay at one of the following participating locations:
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
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, please visit DEC’s Campground Ambassador webpage or call 518-457-2500 x1.
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. To make reservations at any camping facilities, call ReserveAmerica at 1-800-456-CAMP (2267) or visit the ReserveAmerica website.
Posted: January 6th, 2026 under General News.