
Best Backpacking Destinations in Queens, New York, United States
1. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Largest park in Queens with cultural landmarks like the Unisphere and USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
- Plenty of Space: Offers a spacious environment for outdoor activities and camping.
- Cultural Landmarks: Includes iconic structures that represent Queens' rich cultural heritage.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible via public transportation.
2. Fort Totten Park
Urban park with a pond, sports facilities, and historic fort ruins.
- Historic Sites: Allows visitors to explore remnants of an early 20th-century fort.
- Nature and Recreation: Provides a tranquil environment for relaxation and outdoor activities.
- Public Transportation Access: Easily reachable by the M line on the New York City Subway.
3. Alley Pond Park
Urban oasis featuring a wildlife sanctuary, wooded trails, and a lake.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: A rare opportunity to observe local wildlife in an urban setting.
- Nature Trails: Offers beautiful woodland paths for hiking and exploration.
- Proximity to NYC: Situated within the bustling city, yet providing a peaceful escape.
4. Fresh Meadows Park
Spacious park featuring sports facilities, playgrounds, and walking paths.
- Sports Facilities: Equipped with various sports courts for active travelers.
- Open Space: Provides plenty of space for picnics, relaxation, and other outdoor activities.
- Public Transportation Access: Easily accessible via the QM7 bus or the E subway line.
5. Astoria Park
Waterfront park with a pool, sports facilities, and beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline.
- Waterfront Location: Offers stunning views of Manhattan and the East River.
- Sports Facilities: Includes a swimming pool, ballfields, and tennis courts.
- Nighttime Activities: Hosts popular events like movie nights during the summer.
6. Cunningham Park
Large park featuring sports facilities, playgrounds, and walking trails.
- Sports Facilities: Equipped with multiple ballfields, basketball courts, and a swimming pool.
- Open Space: Provides ample space for relaxation, picnics, and other outdoor activities.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible via the E, F, M, R subway lines.
7. Forest Park
Largest park in Queens with a golf course, zoo, and scenic views of the city.
- Golf Course: Features an 18-hole public golf course for golf enthusiasts.
- Queens Zoo: Home to a variety of animals, including llamas, reptiles, and birds.
- Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking panoramas of Manhattan and the Queens skyline.
8. Ravenswood Park
Urban park with a pond, walking trails, and sports facilities.
- Walking Trails: Offers peaceful woodland paths for exploration.
- Sports Facilities: Equipped with multiple sports courts and fields.
- Public Transportation Access: Easily accessible via the M line on the New York City Subway.
9. Baisley Pond Park
Urban oasis featuring a pond, sports facilities, and walking paths.
- Pond and Wildlife: Home to various birds and waterfowl, as well as a scenic pond.
- Sports Facilities: Includes sports courts for basketball, tennis, and handball.
- Public Transportation Access: Easily accessible via the E subway line or the Q10 and Q34 buses.
10. Oakland Grove Park
Urban park with a pond, sports facilities, and playgrounds.
- Pond: A serene body of water perfect for relaxation.
- Sports Facilities: Equipped with basketball courts, soccer fields, and tennis courts.
- Playgrounds: Offers fun spaces for children to play.
11. Morris Park
Park featuring sports facilities, a playground, and walking paths.
- Sports Facilities: Includes basketball courts, soccer fields, and a baseball diamond.
- Playground: A fun space for children to enjoy.
- Walking Paths: Offers scenic paths for leisurely strolls.
12. Springfield Park
Park with a lake, sports facilities, and walking trails.
- Lake: A peaceful body of water ideal for relaxation.
- Sports Facilities: Includes basketball courts, soccer fields, and a baseball diamond.
- Walking Trails: Offers scenic paths for leisurely walks.
13. Roy Wilkins Park
Large park featuring a lake, sports facilities, and walking trails.
- Lake: A serene body of water perfect for relaxation.
- Sports Facilities: Includes multiple ballfields, basketball courts, and a swimming pool.
- Walking Trails: Offers scenic paths for leisurely strolls.
14. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Urban wildlife refuge offering nature trails, birdwatching, and coastal views.
- Nature Trails: Provides a unique opportunity to explore urban wetlands.
- Birdwatching: Offers a chance to observe various bird species in their natural habitat.
- Coastal Views: Provides stunning views of the Jamaica Bay coastline.
15. Queens Botanical Garden
Urban oasis showcasing diverse gardens and cultural exhibits.
- Diverse Gardens: Features a variety of themed gardens representing different cultures.
- Cultural Exhibits: Showcases the rich cultural heritage of Queens' diverse communities.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops and events for visitors to learn about horticulture and conservation.