FAQs: Camping with Basecamp Brooklyn (Everything You Need to Know Before You Come)
Thinking about joining a Basecamp Brooklyn camping weekend? Whether it’s your first time pitching a tent or you’re already a camping pro, these are the questions we hear most often. We’ve gathered them all in one place so you can show up ready to relax, explore, and connect.
Logistics & Accessibility
What kind of vehicles are welcome?
All vehicles are welcome! Cars, trucks, motorcycles, even sports cars. If you’re driving a street bike or a car that’s lower to the ground, you can always park in the driveway at the top of our property if that feels more comfortable. Otherwise, you can drive right down to your campsite and park next to your tent.
Can I bring a trailer or RV?
RVs and trailers are welcome on a case-by-case basis. They’ll need to park up top by the road, which means being a little separate from the main campsite area. If you’re fine with that, and we confirm that your specific RV/trailer can easily enter the driveway, you’re good to go! Just reach out before booking so we can make sure it’s a fit.
What if I arrive late Friday night?
No worries! Check-in is officially from 4–7 pm with a tapas-style welcome dinner, but if you’re working late, just head up whenever you can. We’ll be around the fire into the night, and we can light up the campsite to make setting up your tent easy.
Can I take the bus from NYC?
Yes! If you’re coming from NYC and don’t have a car, you can take the CoachUSA ShortLine bus to Liberty, NY, and we’ll pick you up from the bus stop and bring you to Basecamp. For full details (times, bus transfers, and what to do once you arrive), check out our Bus Travel Info page.
Comfort & Amenities
Is this roughing it or glamping?
Neither—and both. We call it the perfect middle. You’ll be sleeping in a tent on the ground (unless you snag the tiny house cabin), but we’ve built in cozy comforts:
A fancy outhouse with hand-washing sink
An outdoor shower
A weather-proof pavilion for dining
A big communal fire circle with comfy chairs
And of course, Chef Allan’s legendary meals make the whole experience feel like luxury in the woods.
Are bathrooms and showers available?
Yes! We’ve got a clean outhouse with a sink, plus an outdoor shower with on-demand hot water. Since our season runs June through early October, the shower is always available. Taking an outdoor shower in October might be a little brisk (even with hot water), but honestly—that’s part of the adventure, and most campers say it’s half the fun.
What’s included vs. what should I bring?
We provide:
Filtered drinking water
Bug spray
Hand soap + toilet paper
Eco-friendly body wash and shampoo for the shower
Community campfire space
Card games and corn hole
Plenty of room to hang out and spread out your camp spots
Delicious meals paired with your choice of an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage
You bring:
Tent + sleeping setup (or rent from us)
Personal items, Towel etc.
Money for Saturday lunch and activities during your free time
Any gear you’ll want for those free time adventures (swimsuit, hiking shoes, etc.)
Any extra beverages/snacks you’d like to bring
Food & Activities
What kind of meals does Chef Allan make?
Think five-star campfire dining: BBQ spreads, tapas, Filipino-inspired dishes, tacos, Mediterranean feasts—you’ll be blown away. Every meal is made with fresh ingredients, big flavor, and an adventurous twist.
We like to keep a little mystery so you’ll be excited to be surprised by the exact menu when you arrive at camp. (Trust us, you won’t go hungry—and you’ll probably be asking for seconds… and thirds.)
Want a sneak peek of Allan in action? Check out some of his outdoor cooking videos.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes! This is something we come across at almost every event. As soon as you purchase your ticket, you’ll get an email with the landing page for event attendees. There you’ll find the event PDF (with all the details and Saturday activity recommendations) and a form to let us know about any dietary needs. We never want anyone to miss out on the adventure because of food restrictions, so with advance notice we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.
Are Saturday activities planned or on our own?
We provide a custom PDF for each event with seasonal suggestions—swimming holes, hikes, scenic drives, local breweries, you name it. You’re free to follow our guide, explore on your own, or join others heading out for adventures.
If you’re the kind of person who goes with the flow, you can easily tag along on other campers’ adventures. If you’re someone who likes to have a detailed plan before you even pack your car, read through the PDF and then reach out with any questions—we’ll help you narrow down the options to the one that best fits your vibe.
Experience Level
Is this for new campers or experienced ones?
Both! Beginners love the worry-free setup (packing lists, guidance, gear rental), and experts love the break from all the planning and cleanup. Everyone gets to just enjoy the best parts of camping.
What if I don’t own gear?
No problem. We rent high-quality tents, sleeping bags, and pads through our Basecamp Brooklyn rental shop. Just add what you need at checkout, and we’ll bring it to camp for you. If you haven’t set up a tent before, don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it.
Will someone help me set up my tent?
Absolutely. We’re always happy to help new campers (and honestly, setting up together is part of the fun).
Community & Vibe
Do I need to come with a group?
Not at all. Many campers come solo and leave with new friends. We’re all one big community here.
Is Basecamp Brooklyn an inclusive space?
Absolutely. Our community is built on kindness, respect, and adventure. We welcome campers of all genders, ages, backgrounds, and identities. Whether you’re arriving solo, with friends, or with family, you’ll find a safe and welcoming space here.
Is there cell service/WiFi?
Cell service at camp itself is generally good, though coverage can get spotty in other parts of the Catskills. That’s why we recommend downloading your event PDF at home so it’s handy on your phone, and if you need WiFi during your free time Saturday, you’ll find it in nearby small towns.
We love that campers can both capture photos of the weekend and set their phones aside to truly relax—it’s the best of both worlds. There’s no WiFi at camp, just real-life connection.
Is this family-friendly or adult-only?
Our weekends are designed with adults in mind. Occasionally, campers ask about bringing kids—if that’s you, just reach out before purchasing tickets. We’ll chat through a few ground rules together to make sure it’s a good fit, since these aren’t really set up as family-style events.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are allowed! We just ask that they’re friendly, well-behaved, and comfortable around groups of people and campfire settings. Because of the local wildlife, dogs must stay on leash at all times. Please bring your own camping leash setup—we don’t provide these at camp—and be sure to clean up after them.
Event Details
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is Friday 4–7 pm (or later if needed). Check-out is Sunday by noon.
What happens if it rains?
We roll with it. Our pavilion keeps meals dry, and our community fire burns bright no matter the weather. Some of our favorite memories have been made dancing in the rain. And since we know the area inside and out, we can always pivot and recommend rainy-day adventures so you’ll still have plenty of fun no matter the forecast.
Do you run events year-round?
Our main season is June through October, but make sure you’re on our email list—we sometimes host special off-season gatherings in NYC and The Catskills.
Still have questions?
Reach out anytime—we’re happy to help. And if you want a deeper dive into the full Basecamp experience, check out our post: What to Expect on Your Next Basecamp Brooklyn Camping Trip.