I recently came across an article discussing the fun to be had at Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn’s only national park. The Community Newspaper Group’s adventure correspondent, Max Jaeger, decided to check it out. Jaeger got to Floyd Bennett Field, the entrance of the park, with bikes. The park offers those interested an archery range, kayak launches and even a remote-control car track. There are a total of 30 tent sites and 20 recreational vehicle hookups in the park, which are typically booked for several months straight in the Summer months. There is also a recreational nature trail, and while it seems fairly isolated, it nonetheless remains within earshot of the nearby JFK airport, so that the sound of airplanes flying just above the trees is a regular occurrence.
For $20 a night, one can rent a campsite, which includes a fire pit, grill and picnic table. While you have to bring your own tent to the site, there is plenty of firewood provided at the park, although it’s quite large, so it might be a good idea to bring a starter to start your campfire up. Dryer lint actually makes for excellent kindling. Unfortunately, if you’re looking to stargaze, then Jamaica Bay might not be the best camping ground for you; New York’s ever-present glow overpowers the majority of the area’s starlight.
Living in the heart of Brooklyn, it can be very easy to forget that many parts of the city, such as Jamaica Bay, offer plenty of peace and quiet for anybody who is looking to spend just a day or even a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of New York City.
Maria Haymandou 