Governors Island Camping Experience Allows You to Sleep Beneath the Stars

Photo courtesy Collective Hotel & Retreats

There aren’t very many places in New York City to see the stars clearly at night or to experience the great outdoors. But starting in May, Governors Island is giving nature-starved urbanites a chance to hide from the looming shadows of skyscrapers with the launch of a new seasonal lodging experience. The Trust for Governors Island announced yesterday that it has signed a three-year license agreement with luxury camping company Collective Retreats, which will transform six acres of the Island into an “environmentally-friendly overnight lodging retreat.”

Photo courtesy Collective Hotel & Retreats

The unique, seasonal opportunity will transform the Western Development Zone, a flat paved site on the Southern portion of Governors Island, allowing New Yorkers to sleep underneath the stars and simultaneously enjoy unobstructed views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. Collective Governors Island, the first New York City-based venture for Collective Retreats, will accommodate up to 100 overnight guests, who will be able to select from a range of lodging options.

Photo courtesy Collective Hotel & Retreats

Photo courtesy Collective Hotel & Retreats

Photo courtesy Collective Hotel & Retreats

The campground, for example, will offer Three Peaks Lodge, as well as premium bell tents with shared bathrooms, and luxury tents with private en-suite bathrooms (check out what each tent includes here). CurbedNY reports that the rates for individual sleeping areas begin at $125 per night on weekends, and $75 per night during the week.

In addition to the retreat experience, Collective Retreats will also open a new, landscaped public lawn, where special arts and cultural events, dining options and free programming (including live music, wellness activities, and more) will be held. According to The Trust for Governors Island, this includes community nights for non-profit youth organizations. During public hours, however, the site’s lawn will be available for all visitors to the Island.

The experience launches on May 1, when Governors Island opens for its 2018 season, and runs through to October 31. For more information, visit the Collective Retreats website.

Next, check out the Top 10 Secrets of Governors Island and check out the 2018 City of Dreams Pavilion Coming to Governors Island.