Camping In The Big Apple

When you think of New York City, your mind probably drifts to thoughts of bagels, Times Square or traffic gridlock.

But a new campground has opened at the end of Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn — allowing tourists and locals alike to try their hand at pitching a tent, starting a fire and sleeping under the stars.

The idea for the campsite, called Floyd Bennett Field, came about in the 1970s. But it wasn't until this July Fourth weekend that 40 spots were opened to the public.

And it's been a booming success, with over 1,200 visitors in less than 2 months. The site has attracted locals and out-of-town visitors, and for $20 a night within 15 miles of Times Square, who wouldn't want to book a plot?

John Warren, the public affairs specialist at Gateway National Recreation Area, told Here & Now's Sacha Pheiffer that there's plenty of nature, and that "the campground itself is definitely on soil [and] it's surrounded by trees. You can't see the historic buildings or the rest of Brooklyn from the campsite."

Warren added that not only is camping a good way for tourists to experience New York City in a different way, but it's a great way for urban dwellers to get a taste of the outdoors without going too far from home.