State will make happy campers

NEW YORK families who have never camped have the chance to see if they might enjoy the great outdoors before making a commitment to buy all the gear.

Free first-time camper weekends are being offered at 13 parks around the state throughout the summer.

However, reservations are required and the application signup period for the new lottery system runs through Sunday.

New campers will be provided with a family tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp chairs, camp stove, lantern, even firewood. They’ll also be greeted by a camping ambassador to help them get everything set up.

The program is available only to New York residents and space is limited. Participants will be randomly selected to fill the slots.