2026 Veterans Camping Trip
WILDWOOD STATE PARK | WADING RIVER, NY
More than 40 Combat Veterans and their families gathered at Wildwood State Park, NY for a weekend of hiking and camaraderie during the 2026 Veterans Camping Trip. Veterans Rebuilding Life organized and funded the annual wilderness excursion sponsored by the NYS Division of Veterans’ Services through the Outdoor RX Grant Program, which supports therapeutic alternative initiatives for veterans.
The initiative works to increase access to outdoor therapy programs as part of the Division’s broader effort to support the health and well being veterans and their families. VRL’s annual Veteran Camping Trip provides a weekend where veterans can step away from daily stress to reconnect, and take in the benefits of being outdoors in nature.
Wildwood State Park spans 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest, with hiking trails that overlook the Long Island Sound. It’s protected shoreline is open for swimming and fishing from the park’s beach. Unlike the vertical climbs of last year’s Appalachian Trail retreat, Wildwood was selected intentionally because it offered terrain accessible to veterans of every ability level, and to families with young children.
The event was built around camaraderie rather than physical challenge, hiking nature trails through the forest and beaches, cookouts, bonfires, and smores in the evening. Every veteran received their own camping equipment at no cost. Meals and beverages were provided, and all expenses were covered by VRL, so that no veteran had to weigh cost against attending.
The goal of the annual Veterans Camping Trip is to provide evidence-based outdoor therapy that utilizes physical activity, and unstructured peer connection to support social well-being. Isolation remains the most persistent challenge facing the veteran community. This program works against isolation by providing the extended time, and intentional space for veterans to re-connect.
Family presence matters. A veterans spouse and children also carry the weight of military service, and isolation from friends and family is a key risk factor toward negative outcomes. Reconnecting with family and community is central to Veterans Rebuilding Life’s mission.
Building on the success of this year’s campout, we are excited about the future of the Veterans Camping Trip and the impact it will continue to have. In the coming years we hope to expand the program, giving more veterans and military families the opportunity to experience shared time outdoors.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Division of Veterans’ Services for their continued support of the veteran community. We also thank every veteran and family member who attended. Your energy made the event the celebration that it was. If you would like to support programs like the Veterans Annual Camping Trip, please make a donation here.