Want to camp next to the trees and for free in iconic NYC parks? Now you can.

The Urban Park Rangers have launched a weekly lottery for the city’s Family Camping program, granting New Yorkers the rare opportunity to camp overnight in parks where the practice is typically prohibited. Interested residents can apply for various dates and locations, including a Central Park excursion scheduled for August 14.

The program is free and provides tents, though participants must bring their own sleeping bags and food. Each session hosts approximately 30 people and features activities such as night hikes to observe wildlife and stargazing.

Applications open on Mondays for excursions taking place roughly 10 days later. The season concludes on September 18 with trips to Staten Island’s Blue Heron Nature Center and Rockaway Beach.

Summary by Dispatch AI — read the full story at Gothamist.