🏕️ First-Time Camping Experience in NYC: Mongaup Pond Campground

From being a total newbie to setting up my own tent and sleeping like a baby — this two-night trip got me completely hooked on camping! 🥹❤️ 📍 Mongaup Pond Campground Only about 2.5 hours from NYC! We left NJ around 3 PM on Friday and grabbed some amazing Korean fried chicken on the way 🍗 (highly recommend Bloom Chicken — try the garlic soy, miso garlic, and sweet & spicy wings + spicy rice cakes!). Eating it in the car just felt so right for the camping vibe! ⛺ Arrival & Tent Setup Got there around 6 PM and started setting up — no service, which was actually perfect for a digital detox 📵🌲 Here’s my beginner-friendly gear rundown 👇 🟢 Tent: Mountain Hard Wear Aspect 2 (2-Person) Bought it on sale at REI — lightweight, no weird smell, easy poles, around 3 lbs. Love the white/blue color (though it does show dirt easily 😅). 🟢 Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic 20 Down As someone who’s always cold — this was a game-changer! Only 2 lbs, super warm and cozy. 🟢 Sleeping Pad: REI Campwell Regular Tried a bunch and landed on this one — firm but supportive. Not like a bed, but perfect if you like something solid. 🟢 Light & Ground Mat Basic Amazon ground mat — durable and did the job! Black Diamond Moji R Lantern — small but mighty! Bright, soft light, and you can clip it anywhere — tent, belt, anywhere! 🟢 Chair: REI Flexlite Camp Chair Super light… but I almost tipped over twice 😂 Returning this one lol. 🛏️ Slept like a dream both nights — gear success! 🍳 We Ate Like Kings Shoutout to my camping squad — we had grilled meat, stir-fry, you name it. Felt less like wilderness and more like a backyard party! 🥩🔥 🏕️ Site 112 = Highly Recommend! Right by the lake with beautiful views ⛰️🌊. Close to restrooms, and showers are a short drive away (with HOT water!). Nothing beats a warm shower before crawling into your sleeping bag, roasting your back by the fire… pure bliss. My favorite part? Waking up and unzipping the tent to that fresh, earthy morning smell — pure magic 🌄🍃 Ready to go back already! #OutdoorAdventure #NYCamping #BeginnerCamping #CampingGear #CampingLife #USCamping #EscapeTheCity #NatureNY #WeekendGetaway #SummerInNY #CampfireVibes #ExploreNY #CampingDiaries #GetOutside #WildernessCulture