A quick ferry ride from downtown Manhattan can now bring you to a peaceful glamping oasis that is nestled near the hills of historic Governors Island. Yes, you read that right – glamorous camping, otherwise known as GLAMPing, has made its way to New York City, These unique accommodations offered by Collective Retreats are more luxurious then most NYC apartments. (Seriously!) It’s a staycation retreat that feels 1,000 miles away from the city with a view unlike any other in the world. Welcome to Collective Retreats Governor’s Island.
Glamping in the City
Outside of these perfectly erected tents is something so spectacular a typical camper would never ever dream to expect: unparalleled, jaw-dropping views of the Statue of Liberty, and the twinkling lights of the Manhattan skyline, all from your tent! It is truly a bucket-list experience that everyone must witness – and the best part? It’s great for kids. Read on as we go behind the tents and highlight the entire experience of this amazing new island oasis.
Island Time
Just where and what is Governors Island? Governors Island is a 172-acre island in the heart of New York Harbor. It’s only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan, but a world away from city living. This car-free sanctuary is filled with (gorgeous!) rolling green hills, bike paths, amazing playgrounds and slides, incredible restaurants, and unparalleled views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Dubbed the “Central Park of Lower Manhattan,” this amazing recreational island and culinary destination (Island Oyster!) must be accessed by ferry – which is a fun ten-minute adventure in itself, and super easy, and offers amazing views of the Statue of Liberty.
The island offers tons of kid-friendly activities, including mini-golf, ziplining, and rock climbing. There is a Farm and Teaching Garden with goats and chickens, water sprinkler pools, playgrounds, and climbing apparatuses. Rent a bike from an island rental company and explore the hills, the slides, take in an art show, or just simply take a ride around one of the most picturesque islands there is. A trip here wouldn’t be complete without a (very easy) hike to the top of The Hills for a view that you will never forget.
Behind the Retreat
This is not the first campsite from Collective Retreats, which has become a top company in the glamping field since opening its first site in Vail in 2015. They currently have glamping experiences in Vail, the Hudson Valley, Yellowstone Park, and Hill Country. The Governors Island retreat has room for around 100 guests, making it the biggest outpost so far for the company. There are large Summit Tents smaller Journey Tents, and a few mini cabins called Outlook Shelters. The large main tent is dubbed Three Peaks Lodge and holds the reception as well as the on-site restaurant.
The Campground Retreat
The Governors Island site is conveniently located near The Hills and perfectly perched between views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan. There are countless activities on-site, including croquet, corn hole, and (large/over-sized) Jenga and lounge chairs available on the sprawling lawn. Scrabble, Uno, and other games were available inside the main tent. A small library of books (including great Governors Island history selections) are available for guests’ enjoyment as well.
Inside the Tents
The masterfully designed interiors are fully equipped with luxurious bedding, electricity, and even a city dwellers’ favorite (and needed) drink of choice: coffee! Each room or outfitted with (included) water bottles, and lantern lights that you may borrow that help you find your way around the site at night. There are two types of glamping options to suit any price point or family size need. We stayed in a Journey Tent during our visit – which can be configured in either 1 Queen or 2 Twin Beds and has a maximum of 2 guests. The Journey Tents do not have an en-suite bathroom, but we didn’t find this to be an issue as they were only a few steps away if needed (no porta-pots here – showers as well as bathrooms are located in large luxury trailers). There is a new option to add a smaller “family tent” next to the Journey tent for traveling families. More on the Journey Tent:
- Queen bed or two single beds
- 1,000 thread-count linens, down comforter, and designer-curated blanket
- Electricity and ample bedside sockets to charge gadgets
- Large cooler with ice packs for storage
- A small safe for valuables and wallets
- Fans and heating elements
- Plush Turkish towels
- Shared bathroom with private toilets and showers
Collective Retreats also offer (much larger) Summit Tents.
- King bed or two single beds (a rollaway bed can be added upon request at an additional cost)
- Private, en-suite bathroom with rain-style shower, full flush toilet, and hot running water
- Complimentary daily breakfast and campfire s’mores kit
- Environmentally-friendly spa bath products and amenities, spa robes, and plush Turkish towels
- As well as all of the amenities of the Journey Tent as listed above
When Night Falls
Magic comes over the grounds as night falls. As the campsite has an unobstructed, 360-degree view – the stunning sunsets engulf the entire campsite, highlighting the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline. As night fell during our stay we enjoyed a twinkling night sky of stars overhead, saw dozens of fireflies, and fell asleep to a chorus of birds chirping from the sky. It felt like (real!) camping and millions of miles away from lower Manhattan. Seeing the Statue of Liberty at sunset directly from your tent will surely be a memory you will never forget.
For entertainment, the campsite offers lawn games, and a nighttime bonfire, with fun smores packages for purchase (free for Summit Tents).
The food served at Collective Retreats couldn’t be further from a typical campsite pork and bean menu. Three Peaks Lodge offers a traditional restaurant experience and is helmed by an onsite extraordinary chef that creates multi-course menus for all guests. Harbourside BBQ more your style? Collective retreats will prepare you a BBQ box-to-go, and even start the grill for you (and come get you when the coals are ready). Take away menu with salads sandwiches and snacks is available for island exploring as well.
The Collective Breakfast was our personal favorite, with a mix of bagels and pastries, pancakes, eggs, and breakfast meats – all prepared fresh – and seriously were some of the best pancakes we have ever had!! The retreat also offers breakfast in bed option for those who would rather eat in their tent.
Water and coffee are available throughout the day in the main tent and are free of charge.
Know Before you Go:
- Dates fill up fast, be sure to make your reservation in advance online.
- Governors island is MASSIVE and if you are hoping to explore multiple areas, it is best to bring a bike or a scooter for little adventurers.
- Collective Retreats offers free Golf Cart rides to the site for guests.
- The on-site restaurant is open to the public during Governors Island operating hours.
- While the tents are luxurious, there are no TVs or screens. Consider bringing an ipad or similar for little ones for a special nighttime movie.
- We enjoyed the bird’s night music, but it could be distracting for some. Earplugs and/or noise-canceling headphones should be packed just in case needed.
- Depending on the day of the week Governors Island may close a bit early (some days until 6:00 pm, until 10:00 pm on certain weekend days). Once the island closes it is important to note that all guests must remain on the campsite through the evening, and cannot leave.
- After sunrise, the island is completely yours to explore – BEFORE the island opens its doors (completely free of people!). A magical experience that you must take advantage of.
Collective Retreats Governors Island
More on Collective Retreats Governors Island and to make camping reservations HERE
Read more on what Governors Island has to offer HERE
