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Close to Home: A Guide to Major City Urban Camping

Molly Harris
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A tent is set up among trees sporing fall foliage at the edge of a green space in a city.

Camping can be a wonderful pastime but it can require quite a lot of gear as well as travel to get away from home in some cases. That’s why urban camping is such a great alternative for those who are just getting into camping or who can’t slip too far away from their home in the city. Not to mention, some urban camping experiences require a lot less gear, so there’s no need to invest in a lot before you take off.

Not only does urban camping make for a great staycation when you need a change of scenery, but can’t get away. Urban camping will also give you the ability to pop home easily anytime you want to be back in the comfort of your home again. Start by trying out these urban camping sites for a fun introduction into the niche.

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Liberty Harbor, New York City

Looking down a street in New York City with skyscrapers in the distance.
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New Yorkers who want to pull out their tent or rent an RV for a weekend can pull it out and set it up at Liberty Harbor. The RV park is just across the Hudson River in Jersey City and is even accessible by public transit. At just $110 per night, this urban camping site is quite affordable and affords city dwellers who call the Big Apple home an easy outlet for connecting with nature.

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Read more: New York City Travel Guide

Governors Island, New York City

A large event tent is set up on an expansive deck on Governor's Island overlooking New York harbor with the skyline in the distance.

Those living in New York City who do not have a tent, a sleeping bag, or other essential camping gear might need another alternative. That’s why Governors Island is worth considering. This glamping site will outfit you with everything you need to have a luxurious stay outdoors without leaving home for long. Ride bikes, barbecue, and listen to your surroundings while just a short ferry ride from the city. Governors Island is one of the easiest staycations that will feel like you’re much farther away.

Kirby Cove Campground, San Francisco

A tent glows from within in a night shot with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.

Another excellent camping location just outside of a major city is Kirby Cove. Located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area just across the bay by the bridge, Kirby Cove allows nature-seekers to set up camp for just $30. From the campsite, guests can explore the massive redwood trees in the Muir Woods, that is if they can pull themselves away from their campsite view. The sites are located atop a bluff that overlooks the bay and the city making it a bucket list-worthy camping destination for many. You will, however, have to plan far in advance or be open to a spontaneous trip based on a cancellation since there are only five campsites.

Read more: San Francisco Travel Guide

The Vaudeville!, Chicago

An aerial shot of downtwon Chicago with Lake Michigan visible in the distance.
Pixabay

This urban camping site, The Vaudeville!, is actually right in the center of Chicago. Inside this truly urban campground, you can pitch a tent and enjoy outdoor activities all without leaving the city. Rent a kayak and float down the Chicago river, bike around town, or visit with the farm animals on-site such as chickens and goats. Of course, you can always get home within about 10 minutes should you forget something.

Read more: Chicago Travel Guide

Blue Hills Reservation, Boston

The Boston skyline as seen from the harbor.
Pixabay

Finally, the Blue Hills Reservation which is less than 15 miles outside of Boston is another excellent urban camping destination. This nature park has more than 8,000 acres and 125 miles of trails. That means anyone in need of some forest therapy can easily get to wooded areas and enjoy the great outdoors within easy reach of Boston. There are even laid-back cabins with nothing but the essentials, so you don’t even have to pitch your own tent if you prefer. Just pack some clothes and get out of town.

Read more: Boston Travel Guide

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Minimizing the weight of your backpack lets you enjoy the trail and the scenery around you without that voice in your head telling you to take the weight off your shoulders. You can also move faster, cover more distance, and make the most of your time off. Our ultralight backpacking list is perfect for fastpackers, thru-hikers, or anyone who wants to hit the trail ahead with fresh legs and lightweight gear.

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Packing for a holiday is usually a case of squeezing everything into a bag until it closes. If you're really lucky, it might even still be under the weight allowance for your airplane or fit in the overhead locker. But what if your idea of a holiday involves walking for hours at a time and pitching a tent under the stars?

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