The warm summer weather is finally here, which means it’s time to start planning a summer camping adventure. And even those who live in New York City can easily get in on the action.
On June 4, Collective Retreats Governors Island announced the reopening of its 172-acre retreat for the 2025 season. “As the only overnight lodging destination on Governors Island, the retreat offers 29 immersive glamping-style accommodations at the historic destination that allow guests to unwind and connect with nature in a secluded environment along the shores of New York Harbor,” the company shared in a statement with Travel + Leisure.
Getting there is easy. All you need to do is take the Governors Island Ferry, which runs daily from the Battery Maritime Terminal in Lower Manhattan starting at 7 a.m. Once you arrive—the journey takes eight minutes—you’ll be treated to all-new culinary offerings, programming, and a stay that feels an entire universe away from the city.
Guests can choose from a range of accommodations, including glamping canvas tents, tiny cabins, or glass-walled retreats, all featuring cozy bedding, en-suite bathrooms, and stunning views of the water, the Manhattan skyline, and the Statue of Liberty. They also each have air conditioning and heating for ultimate comfort. However, for the most over-the-top stay, guests can book the Summit Suite, which includes curated furnishings, expansive layouts, and spa-style bathrooms.
And like any great summer camp destination, Collective Retreats also has a fantastic Great Lawn, where guests can gather for games, lounge in hammocks, or sit around the fire pits and roast a few s’mores. During their stay, guests can also take part in daily recreational programming, including yoga and live music to “foster connection, relaxation, and play.” Guests can also explore the rest of the island thanks to its hiking and biking trails, including sightseeing at its historic landmarks, Fort Jay and Castle Williams.
When guests are ready for a good meal, they can head right to the Three Peaks Lodge, which offers farm-to-Island dining every day starting at 5 p.m. “Woodfired techniques shape fresh, seasonal dishes enjoyed alongside views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the harbor,” the company noted. Guests can also indulge in a complimentary continental breakfast or enjoy a drink on the Sunset Terrace starting at 3 p.m. each day (after all, it’s vacation, so go for it).
Want to really unwind? The glamping retreat has partnered with QC NY Spa to offer guests a preferred rate, allowing them to soak in the outdoor pools, work up a sweat in the saunas and steam rooms, and book massage treatments.
The retreat is open now through November 2025, with rates starting at $249 per night, which includes complimentary ferry service, Wi-Fi in common areas, daily breakfast, and, of course, nightly s’mores.
