June Is Great Outdoors Month: Why Getting Outside Is One of the Best Things You Can Do for Your Health
June is officially Great Outdoors Month, a nationwide celebration of the parks, trails, campgrounds, waterways, and outdoor spaces that help make America healthier, happier, and more connected.
Across all 50 states, millions of people participate in outdoor activities and events throughout the month, from camping and hiking to fishing, boating, and volunteering on public lands. It's also a time to recognize something many of us instinctively know: spending time outdoors makes us feel better.
At Camp New York, we believe camping is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to reconnect, with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway in the Adirondacks, a family camping trip in the Catskills, or a lakeside retreat in Western New York, Great Outdoors Month is the perfect reminder to make time for nature.
Nature Is Good for Your Mental Health
Research consistently shows that spending time outdoors can improve mental health, reduce stress, and boost overall well-being.Here are a few compelling findings:
Just 20 Minutes Outside Can Lower Stress
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that spending just 20 to 30 minutes in nature significantly reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol.Time in Nature Reduces Anxiety and Depression
Researchers reviewing dozens of studies found that exposure to natural environments is associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress.Outdoor Recreation Improves Overall Happiness
According to a study published in Scientific Reports, people who spend at least 120 minutes per week in nature are significantly more likely to report good health and higher levels of well-being than those who spend no time outdoors.
Camping Helps Families Connect
In an increasingly digital world, camping offers something many families are craving: uninterrupted time together.Research from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) shows that outdoor recreation strengthens social connections and contributes to healthier communities by encouraging shared experiences and active lifestyles.
Why Camping Is the Perfect Great Outdoors Month Activity
Camping combines many of the benefits researchers associate with improved mental and physical health:- More physical activity through hiking, biking, paddling, and exploring
- Reduced screen time and digital distractions
- Better sleep from exposure to natural light cycles
- Increased family bonding and social connection
- Opportunities for mindfulness and stress reduction
- Greater appreciation for nature and conservation
Outdoor Celebrations Happening This June
Great Outdoors Month is packed with events and activities designed to inspire people of all ages to get outside:- National Camping Month (June)
- OHV Safety RIDE Day (June 5-6) Coordinated by ATV Safety Institute and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association
- American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® (June 6)
- Fee-free day at U.S. Forest Service (June 6)
- National Fishing and Boating Week (June 6-14)
- New York Get Outdoors & Get Together Day (June 13)
- National Go RVing Day (June 13) – coordinated by Go RVing
- OHV Safety Week (June 13-21) — coordinated by Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America
- Great American Campout – coordinated by the National Wildlife Federation
- National Marina Days – coordinated by the Association of Marina Industries
- New York State Free Fishing Day - NYS DEC (June 27–28)
Celebrate Great Outdoors Month in New York
New York offers some of the most diverse camping experiences in the country, from mountain vistas and forest retreats to waterfront campgrounds and family-friendly RV resorts. As we celebrate Great Outdoors Month and National Camping Month, we encourage you to make time for nature this June. The benefits are real, the memories are lasting, and the adventure is closer than you think.Pack the tent. Reserve the campsite. Gather the family.
And join us in celebrating the great outdoors all month long.
See you around the campfire!
