Outdoor Space Rentals
Need Outdoor Space for Your Next Event? Rent Space at Camp Bernie!
If you have ever tried to plan a school field day, a laser tag battle, a fun fair, or a farmers market and hit a wall looking for the right location, you already know the problem. Most venues are either too small, too indoors, or too expensive for the amount of space these events actually need. YMCA Camp Bernie sits on 247 acres in the Schooley’s Mountain Range in Warren County, NJ, and that means we have something a lot of venues cannot offer: real, open, outdoor room to work with.
Why an outdoor venue rental makes sense
Renting empty indoor square footage by the hour adds up fast, and most banquet halls were never built with outdoor games, or a fleet of vendor tents in mind. An outdoor rental at Camp Bernie gives you room to spread out, natural scenery for photos, and the flexibility to bring in outside vendors and equipment instead of being locked into whatever a venue already has on site.
Popular uses for our outdoor rental spaces:
Laser tag
Our Athletic Field is a large, open grassy area normally used for soccer, lacrosse, and flag football, which also makes it a great fit for a laser tag setup brought in by your own vendor. Wooded edges and open sightlines give organizers room to design a course that would not fit in a typical backyard or parking lot.
Fun Fairs + Carnivals
Picture a fun fair with inflatables, games, and food vendors spread across a real field instead of a parking lot. The Athletic Field and the Grassy Knoll both offer the flat, open ground that a fair needs, and our on-site parking can handle guest and vendor traffic for larger community events.
Farmer and Craft Markets
Our open fields and pavilions give a market room to breathe, with covered pavilion space nearby for vendors who need shelter from sun or rain. The Barbarito Pavilion and Lower Pavilion both offer electricity and lighting, which is a real help for vendors running card readers, coolers, or a sound system.
Reunions, celebrations + community gatherings
Need a large space to gather all your friends and family? A flexible space that is perfect for all members of your group? Our open spaces are perfect for party tents, food trucks, inflatables, and just about anything else you can dream up! Our amphitheaters provide a great place to gather
Outdoor obstacle courses or adventure races
Our 247 acres of natural, varied terrain, open fields, wooded trails, and plenty of room to spread out. With space to run, climb, navigate, and challenge your participants, it’s a setting that turns an ordinary event into an outdoor adventure.
Team Sports, Tournaments + Field Days
Beyond one-off rentals, the Athletic Field includes permanent goals and a disc golf course, so leagues, school groups, and company field days already have a head start built in.
What comes with an outdoor space rental?
Camp Bernie is is an ideal outdoor location for Parties + Events. Rentals include some helpful basics:
- Ample on-site parking, including room for school buses and large groups
- Access to nearby pavilions with electricity and lighting for vendors or staging
- Restroom and Wi-Fi access through nearby camp buildings
- A scenic, private setting away from busy roads and neighborhoods
- The option to add on activities like archery, campfires, or the low ropes course if your group wants to build a full day around your event
Every rental is different, and our team works with you to match the right stretch of camp to the size and shape of your event. For a full look at everything from lodges to fields, visit our Program Spaces page or check the camp map to see how the grounds are laid out.
Frequently asked questions:
Can we bring in our own laser tag or inflatable vendor? Yes. Many groups rent open space at Camp Bernie and bring in their own outside vendors and equipment. Since setup needs vary, it’s best to share your vendor’s requirements when you submit your booking inquiry so our team can recommend the best space and confirm logistics ahead of time.
How much space is available for a fun fair or market? Our Athletic Field and Grassy Knoll are both large, open, grassy areas suited to fairs and markets, with nearby pavilion space for vendors who want cover. Exact capacity depends on your layout, so reach out with your vendor count and footprint and we will help you plan the space.
Do we need to rent the whole camp for an outdoor event? No. Outdoor space rentals can be scaled to fit a small gathering or a large community event. You are welcome to rent just a field or pavilion without booking cabins or the full property.
What if it rains? Our covered pavilions, including the Barbarito Pavilion and Lower Pavilion, give outdoor events a backup plan without losing the outdoor feel, since large sliding doors and open sides let you adjust for weather on the fly.
How far in advance should we book? Popular summer and fall weekends fill up quickly, so it’s worth checking availability early, especially for larger events like fairs or markets that need extra lead time for vendors. For more planning details, visit our Rental FAQ page.
Ready to bring your event to life?
Whether you’re organizing a laser tag showdown, a community fun fair, or a Saturday farmers market, Camp Bernie’s open fields and pavilions give you the room to make it happen. Reach out to our team through the Booking Inquiry Form to check availability and start planning, or browse our full Rentals page to see everything from cabins to conference space.
Don’t just host an event. Create an adventure. Rent Camp Bernie today.