Rockaway Beach, known as the “Hipster Hamptons,” provides a peaceful haven for those New Yorkers who get sick of the rat race. Just a 90-minute train ride from Times Square, Rockaway has waves to please surfers, and plenty of sand for those who just want to lounge. However, Hurricane Sandy devastated the area five years ago, and according to Conde Nast Traveler, the government devoted time and resources to rebuilding the boardwalk and getting new business to the area.
One of those businesses is Camp Rockaway, a glamping pop-up inside Fort Tilden National Park that open this week, reports Conde Nast Traveler. Architect Kent Johnson first moved to New York City from the Catskills in 2005 and found the Rockaways while looking for somewhere to surf, Conde Nast Traveler writes. He learned the Rockaways had been the first seaside escape for New Yorkers, and you used to be able to buy tents for a getaway from the city.
Inspired by this, Johnson launched a Kickstarter campaign three years ago to develop a campsite in the Rockaways.” Then, the National Park Service solicited suggestions on how to add value to the decommissioned military base it operates in the Rockawasy, and Johnson saw his opportunity to launch Camp Rockaway, Conde Nast Traveler. The site is a minutes’ walk from the beach, and will have Casper mattresses, Brookline sheets, solar power and a cell phone signal booster — no Wifi though. There will also be a fire pit for people to congregate around.
Away from the campsite, there are also great places to check out in Rockaway, like the Rockaway Brewing Co. or Riis Park Beach Bazaar.
Camp Rockaway is currently a six-week experiment, according to Conde Nast Traveler, but Johnson is hoping the National Park Service will someday make it a permanent fixture. Check out some images below.
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