Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Lodging Options at Collective Governors Island

Operated by Collective Retreats, an “experiential travel company,” glamping lets you experience Governors Island in a whole new way. There are several types of accommodations to choose from. Summit and Journey Tents are more rustic and similar to traditional-style tents but with comfortable bedding, air-conditioning, coffee bars, and outdoor living spaces. If you’ve got kids, the Journey Family tent lets you pair an adjacent tent that fits up to two kids.

RELATED: Camp Rockaway Brings Family-Friendly Glamping to Riis Beach

Collective Governors Island elevates the camping experience with sturdy tents, luxurious bedding, and indoor plumbing.

My family and I opted to stay in an Outlook Shelter, a stand-alone, fully enclosed structure that’s a cross between an upscale hotel room and a steel trailer. These rooms also feature high-end amenities, spa-like bathrooms, king-size beds, and private terraces. We were able to add on a twin-size bed for our 5 year old. The bed was supremely comfortable, and we slept through the heavy thunderstorms that passed through the night. There is Wi-Fi throughout the campground.

RELATED: Governors Island in 2021: Best Things To Do With Kids

Collective Governors Island is close to the city but also a world away.

No matter which lodging option you choose, you’ll have amazing views of the Statute of Liberty, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan and New Jersey skylines. Depending on the type of accommodation and time of the year, prices range from $250-$750 per night. Make sure to book reservations early as they book up rather quickly during the peak summer season. In general, Collective Governors Island season runs concurrently with Governors Island's public season.

RELATED: 12 Pocono Cabin Rentals with Big Perks for Families

Three Peaks Lodge offers an elevated, seasonal menu with an open kitchen that makes you feel like you're enjoying a chef's table experience. Photo by Jody Mercier

Where to Eat at Collective Governors Island

The camp has an on-site restaurant, Three Peaks Lodge, which offers a chef’s tasting menu and a la carte options. The focus is on fresh, farm-to-island fare, grilled to order. For dinner, we had grilled romaine salad, grilled chicken, and pork chops, plus a delicious berry dessert—they offer a rotating cobbler of the day—that my son couldn’t get enough of. The restaurant is also open to non-guests who can book a reservation online to dine at the resort.

A sweet treat for overnighters: Guests can visit the S’mores Pantry Station around the main campfire. The bar stays open until the last guest retires.

Come morning, Collective Governors Island delivers a complimentary breakfast to each tent with a selection of pastries, yogurt, cheese, and meats. Everything was fresh and delicious. Collective Retreats also offers various culinary experiences, from cooking classes to lessons in oyster shucking and mixology.

RELATED: Family-Friendly Campgrounds Near NYC for Summer 2021 Camping

Enjoy family playtime at Collective Retreats or on the expansive public park surrounding it.

Fun Things To Do at Collective Governors Island

In addition to culinary experiences, there are also a slew of other activities you can enjoy as a guest, like yoga, outdoor movie screenings, and live entertainment. But you’ll want to venture off the camp's grounds to explore the rest of the island and enjoy all it offers.

My family’s favorite activity is to rent a surrey and ride around the whole island to see everything. My kids particularly love Slide Hill, the adventure course, and relaxing in the hammocks. Remember to be back at the campsite by 6pm when the island closes to the public. If you're camping overnight during the week, it feels like you have the whole island to yourself.

Follow the signs to fun at Collective Governors Island. Photo by author

How to Get to Collective Governors Island

The campsite is located on the western end of Governors Island. Public ferries run daily from Lower Manhattan. On weekends, visitors can catch the ferry from Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 or Atlantic Basin Red Hook, too. Ferry schedules can be found online. Reservations are required and cost $3 for adults; they're FREE for children under 12. Collective Retreats also provides guests with complimentary use of its private water taxi to and from the island if you want to skip the public boat.

When you're en route, you can text the front desk, and someone will pick you up in a golf cart from the ferry terminal on Governors Island to take to the campsite. The concierge desk was super helpful and made sure every part of our stay was comfortable, and we had everything we needed.

Unless noted, all photos courtesy of Collective Governors Island