As winter loosens its grip and the first signs of spring emerge, outdoor lovers know one thing for sure: camping season is back! If you've been counting down the days until you can sleep under the stars, now is the perfect time to dust off your gear (or rent some from us!) and embrace everything spring camping has to offer. Here’s why spring is one of the best times to camp, what to expect, and how to prepare for the season ahead.

Top 3 Reasons Spring Camping is Worth It

Many campers wait until summer to pitch their tents, but by then, campgrounds are packed, trails are crowded, and the best spots are booked. Spring, on the other hand, offers a quieter, more refreshing outdoor experience.

1. Fewer Crowds, More Peace

Spring is the perfect time to escape into nature without the summer rush. Popular campgrounds and hiking trails are far less crowded, making it easier to find a prime campsite and enjoy the serenity of the outdoors. If you’re planning to split your time between nature and window shopping, you’ll find the local towns less crowded too. Catskills favorites like Woodstock, Livingston Manor, Phoenicia, and Callicoon may not have all of their shops open for the season, but they’ll still have coffee and local goods available without all the summer crowds.

2. Comfortable Daytime Temperatures

No sweltering heat or relentless bugs—just crisp, fresh air and mild temperatures perfect for hiking, exploring, and relaxing by the fire. Check out our blogs on building the perfect fire and grilling delicious, hot meals to make the most of the cool spring evenings.

3. Spring Blooms & Wildlife Awakening

Spring camping means witnessing nature come back to life. Trees begin to bud, wildflowers bloom, and wildlife becomes more active, making every hike or paddle an exciting experience. In New York, cherry blossoms and other flowering trees reach peak bloom in late April, creating breathtaking scenery at parks and campgrounds. Meanwhile, bird migrations bring vibrant songbirds back to the area, and mammals like raccoons, squirrels, deer and red foxes become more active. You might even spot baby animals, but remember to observe them from a distance to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors.

Early Season Adventures: Fun Things to Do While Spring Camping

The best way to get a jump on adventure season is to start early! Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner, spring trips set the tone for an epic year outdoors. Here are some great options no matter where you’re camping.

Hiking & Waterfall Chasing – Spring melt makes waterfalls spectacular and trails are filled with fresh, earthy scents.
Foraging – Wild edibles like ramps, fiddleheads, and morels make spring an exciting time for nature lovers.
Campfire Cooking – Warm up with hearty meals like stews, hot cocoa, and roasted treats.
Stargazing – Clear, crisp spring nights make for stunning night skies without summer’s haze.

Top 5 Outdoor Spring Adventures near New York City

1. Maple Sugaring in the Catskills and Berkshires

Why it’s great in spring: Spring in the Northeast is synonymous with maple sugaring. As the days get longer and temperatures rise, sap flows from the sugar maples, and local sugarhouses begin producing some of the best maple syrup in the world. This sweet tradition is celebrated in the Catskills, where Maple Weekend (March 22-23 and March 29-30 2025) invites visitors to explore maple farms, watch the syrup-making process, and sample fresh syrup and maple-based products. During this event, local sugarhouses offer free tours, interactive demonstrations, and maple syrup tastings. Don’t miss out on this quintessential spring experience! Learn more here.

If you’re traveling farther afield to Massachusetts or Vermont, here are our recommendations: Ioka Valley Farm in Hancock, Massachusetts and Glastenview Maple Farm in Shaftsbury, Vermont.

2. Wildflower Hikes in the Hudson Valley

Why it’s great in spring: Spring wildflowers begin to bloom in the Northeast as early as late March. The flowers tend to bloom in waves, with early species like bloodroot and trout lilies emerging as soon as the snow melts and later flowers like lady’s slippers and wild geraniums taking center stage in May. Many of the wildflowers in the Northeast are not just beautiful—they’re vital to local ecosystems. They provide food and shelter for pollinators like bees and butterflies, and their presence signals the health of the forests and meadows they inhabit. The exact timing of blooms varies depending on the altitude and location, but in general:

Early Spring (March–April): You’ll see the first blooms of bloodroot, spring beauties, and trout lilies, especially in lower elevations and along forest edges.
Late Spring (May): As temperatures warm, you’ll find a second wave of wildflowers like mayapples, wild geraniums, yellow lady’s slipper orchids, and Indian paintbrush. Higher elevation trails may see these blooms in late spring.

Tips for Wildflower Hiking:

Stay on the Trails: To preserve the delicate wildflower populations, stick to established trails and avoid picking flowers.
Bring a Field Guide: A local wildflower guide or an app like iNaturalist can help you identify the blooms you encounter on your hike.
Check Bloom Times: Keep an eye on bloom schedules, as wildflowers’ peak times can vary depending on the elevation and the region’s weather conditions.

3. Bird Watching: Spring Migration

Why it’s great in spring: With the arrival of warmer temperatures, migratory birds return to the region, making this the best time for birdwatching. Just a short drive from NYC you can check out the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, a prime spot to observe birds, including the colorful warblers and songbirds that pass through. And, of course, Hawk’s Nest, just a few miles north, is always worth a drive - whether you’re there for the twists and turns or choose to stop for some birdwatching along the way.

Drive a few hours more and you’ll reach the Adirondack Mountains, located well north of the hustle and bustle of NYC and New Jersey. This region is known for its pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. Spring is the perfect time to spot migratory birds returning to the area, including species like the Black-throated Blue Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and Bald Eagle. The High Peaks Wilderness Area is a particularly fantastic spot, offering a range of habitats from dense forests to open wetlands. Bring your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for hawks, woodpeckers, and the occasional moose or black bear as well.

Best Wildflower Hikes in the Catskills, Poconos, and Adirondacks

Kaaterskill Falls Trail and Plattekill Falls Trail (Catskills)
This popular trail offers a chance to see wildflowers like bloodroot and trout lily, particularly in the spring before the dense summer foliage sets in. The waterfall itself is a stunning reward for hikers, making this a perfect spring hike. Bonus! Spring brings a rush of water to the region’s waterfalls, making them especially spectacular. Kaaterskill Falls and Plattekill Falls are at their fullest, cascading beautifully into the valleys below. A hike to these falls offers the combined joy of fresh spring air, rushing water, and surrounding blooms and greenery.
Overlook Mountain Trail (Catskills)
A 4.5-mile trail that takes hikers up to the Overlook Mountain Fire Tower, this trail features various wildflowers along the way, such as wild ginger and wild columbine. The views of the Hudson Valley and Ashokan Reservoir are especially striking in spring.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (Poconos)
Known for its bird-watching opportunities, Hawk Mountain also offers a great place to see spring wildflowers like bluebells and Dutchman’s breeches. The nearby trails wind through woodlands that burst with color in May.
John Boyd Thacher State Park (Capital Region/Adirondacks)
Just outside Albany, this park features trails with beautiful wildflowers like Solomon’s Seal and trillium. The Indian Ladder Trail provides access to dramatic views of the Helderberg Escarpment and the wildflower-filled woodlands below.
High Peaks Wilderness Area (Adirondacks)
For a true wilderness experience, head into the Adirondack High Peaks. Here you’ll find an abundance of wildflowers, especially in the foothills and along the valleys where streams and wetlands encourage species like the yellow lady’s slipper orchid and wood anemone.
Ricketts Glen State Park (Poconos)
Known for its 22 waterfalls, this park is also home to a diverse array of spring wildflowers. The Falls Trail offers hikers the chance to see wildflowers like Virginia bluebells and wild columbine as they make their way through the forested gorge.

4. Whitewater Adventures: Spring Rapids on the Delaware & Lehigh Rivers

Spring is one of the best times to hit the water, with snowmelt and seasonal rains creating the ideal conditions for thrilling whitewater adventures. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly rafting trip or an exhilarating ride through Class II+ rapids, there are plenty of options in the Delaware River region and the Poconos.

Delaware River Whitewater Rafting

The Delaware River, forming the natural border between New York and Pennsylvania, offers exciting yet approachable whitewater experiences. Thanks to spring runoff, the river runs higher and faster in March, April, and early May, making for an exciting ride with fewer exposed rocks and more consistent rapids.

Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River – This stretch features Class I and II rapids, perfect for those seeking a balance of adventure and scenic beauty. Spring’s higher water levels mean stronger currents, making this a great time to go.
Silver Canoe & Whitewater Rafting (Port Jervis, NY) – Located at the southern end of the Upper Delaware, this outfitter offers guided rafting trips ranging from three to five hours. With steady currents and rolling rapids, it’s an excellent way to experience the river’s natural beauty while getting your adrenaline fix.

Whitewater Rafting in the Poconos: Lehigh River

For those looking for even more action, the Lehigh River in the Poconos is a must-visit. Thanks to scheduled dam releases, the Lehigh offers consistent rapids throughout spring. The river features sections ranging from easy Class I floats to exhilarating Class III rapids.

Pocono Whitewater Adventures – One of the most well-known outfitters in the area, they offer spring rafting trips that take full advantage of snowmelt and controlled dam releases. Spring trips often feature swifter currents and bigger waves compared to later in the season.

5. Attending a Spring Festival in the Catskills or Hudson Valley

We highly recommend Le Perche for brunch in Hudson, NY.

Why it’s great in spring: Spring festivals like Hudson Valley Restaurant Week ( 2025 dates not yet announced. 2024 dates were April 8–21) and Maple Festival in the Catskills celebrate local culture and food. They offer a fun way to embrace the season’s flavors, including fresh maple syrup, spring vegetables, and more. The festival atmosphere is vibrant, making it a perfect complement to your spring camping experience.

These activities highlight the best of spring in the Northeast, offering a combination of outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. They’re not only perfect for getting into the spirit of spring camping but also great for making the most of the beautiful, fresh season!

Need Gear? We've Got You Covered

Camping Gear Rentals

from $55.00

Spring camping is incredible—but only if you have the right gear to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. If you’re dusting off your tent for the season and realizing it’s seen better days, or if you’re new to camping and don’t want to invest in all the equipment just yet, we’ve got your back. Basecamp Brooklyn offers high-quality camping gear rentals so you can enjoy the great outdoors without the hassle of buying and storing bulky equipment.

Not sure what you need for a spring trip? Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll cover exactly what to pack for early-season camping and how to layer for unpredictable spring weather!