Overnight On NYC’s Tiniest Island

We're crossing New York's East River for a solo camping mission to make the city’s smallest island our home. Rooms average $300-400 a night here… and they don’t even have this view!!
Music: Mo Green - [e-mail]
www.mogreen.store/
HELP SUPPORT THE ADVENTURES 😊
As an Amazon Associate, I get a small commission with no extra cost to you if you purchase from some of these links… thank you for your support 🙏
KAYAK GEAR:
Kayak: amzn.to/3Un0NMA
Paddle: amzn.to/3UCEzHI
Life jacket/PFD: amzn.to/4cQlAAT
Marine radio: amzn.to/43GCZHP
Waterproof backpack: www.patagonia.com/product/gui...
Paddling gloves: amzn.to/3TCL7Vm
Dry bag (large): amzn.to/3X8IPjR
Dry bag (medium): amzn.to/4czrvZR
CAMPING GEAR:
Tent: amzn.to/43CrKQP
Tent footprint: amzn.to/43HS38k
Cot: amzn.to/3xrIher
Sleeping bag: amzn.to/43Dj4te
Pillow: amzn.to/3TDhhzV
Chair: amzn.to/3THA9Op
Table: amzn.to/3xfGWY3
Headlamp: amzn.to/3VzNlr3
Lantern: amzn.to/4ay6Cx7
Multi-tool: amzn.to/4azZOzf
CLOTHING:
Sun hoody: www.patagonia.com/product/men...
Boardshorts: www.patagonia.com/product/men...
Water shoes: amzn.to/43EgDqw
Paddling gloves: amzn.to/3TCL7Vm
Hat: www.kuhl.com/kuhl/other/bags-...
Sunglasses: amzn.to/3KAUD6Z
TECH/FILM EQUIPMENT:
GoPro camera: amzn.to/3J5VVGl
DJI camera: amzn.to/3VGiYiG
360 camera: amzn.to/3vpKrdV
Mic: amzn.to/4acO0Dh

[@CasperJLT707]

This is the perfect example of when a hammock is a superior equipment.

[@KarenLee-bs5ms]

Those innocent children asking you if you needed help oh so beautiful😂😂 nice video

[@guaporeturns9472]

How do you know they are innocent?

[@KarenLee-bs5ms]

@@guaporeturns9472 well I'm hoping they are innocent.. cool video not too sure if I would want to do that with all that bird poop around..

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@KarenLee-bs5ms Just clowning.. they are adorable… and yeah , bird poop combined with rat and fish carcasses sounds kinda unhealthy

[@KarenLee-bs5ms]

@@guaporeturns9472 I would say be careful when you're doing something like that.. I have been camping for years and I usually pick myself out a clean place

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@KarenLee-bs5ms Same here… but this is a little different kind of camping. Seems he does it just to make a video and be unique , not necessarily to have a nice , relaxing camping trip. I would never camp there but it’s cool if he wants to. I’d rather hike up to a high mountain lake in a roadless area and catch trout for dinner

[@biffbouse]

I've been working on improving my response to anxiety over the last couple of years, and I'm finally making some significant improvements. One of my triggering anxieties is/was leaving home and sleeping someplace different or unknown. Watching stealth camping videos has helped calm my nerves, but your videos, in particular, have really pushed me. I don't think I'm ready to paddle to a rocky "island" in the East River, but you inspire me to go outside my comfort zone. Thanks for these entertaining and inspiring videos, Wes!

[@taylorshank9443]

Steve Wallis is like “oh that security guard is really close, I hope he doesn’t see me” *pans to guard 200m away*. You set up a camp in direct view of literally thousands of apartments and office buildings 😂

[@ba-je3hu]

Lol ...legit comment!!!

[@WesWherever]

Lol I'm a shameless camper!! And gotta love Steve, he is one of my greatest inspirations 💙

[@lakraknjeprak2536]

😂😂😂 you had me cracking but steve is in another country. i'd like to see if he visits nyc just to stealth camping though.

[@P.Fisher]

How dare you take Steve's name in vain????? STEVE IS THE MAN RESPECT STEVE

[@mgratk]

Steve is the best of the best. Meanwhile this guy is camping in the middle of untreated sewage.

[@rhino5419]

Amazing views of the city that never sleeps. Seems strange that amid all that urbanisation and noise that places like that little island still exists. Thanks once again for sharing these spots with us. All the best.

[@WesWherever]

True, it was really an oasis of solitude out there! And I liked learning about its origin too. Thanks again for watching Rhino, glad you have been appreciating the adventures 🏕️

[@corinnelaking569]

What an amazing view of the nighttime Manhattan skyline! Looks like you had a blast, thanks for sharing!😎

[@WesWherever]

It was indeed a ton of fun! Thanks for watching, Corinne!!

[@latvianlife2232]

one person of 11milion New yorkers wanted to visit that island that day :D

[@BoopedNose]

Actually there was 2 but the second guy just patiently paddled around waiting till the first guy left

[@suzannelegeza1292]

Hi Wes!! 😀 Wow! This video was awesome! I never saw New York from this perspective before! It was so beautiful at night time. I like how you research the history of the places you go to and then share that info with us 😊 Thank you for another great video! I cannot wait to see your next adventure! ❤

[@WesWherever]

Hi Suzanne!! So glad you enjoyed this one 😊 This was a really unique spot, definitely had a ton of fun here including learning the whole backstory. Thanks again for watching and being so supportive 💙

[@mattravidam4q]

These videos just keep getting better!!!

[@WesWherever]

Appreciate that Matt, definitely trying my best! Glad you have been enjoying 🏕️

[@vincentrizzi9797]

love it dude!

[@gravityjunkie47]

Great views from the island!

[@domn415]

Wes, Thank you so much for taking us along to the tine island in the east river...The views at various times are so wonderful and ones we would have never seen with out your camping trip to the island! THANK YOU again and be safe

[@WesWherever]

Thanks again for coming along, Dom! Glad to be able to share these adventures 🏕️ I will stay safe 👍👍

[@joshwhiteright]

Another great video Wes. Me and wife love your videos and always get so excited when you release them. Thank you Wes and God bless you..😊

[@WesWherever]

Glad you two have been enjoying them, so nice to hear!! Thanks again for watching 😊

[@h2u910]

Great Video Wes, Thank You for sharing it. That island 🏝️ was really cool. Fun hearing the history of the Island

[@WesWherever]

Thanks again Drew, glad you have been enjoying!! I also really enjoyed learning the origin of this little spot... so cool it still stands today 🏝️

[@FallOvSaturn33]

Love the vids juzt wish they were longer😊

[@WesWherever]

I'm definitely working towards making them longer while maintaining the same quality! Hope to do more multi-day trips, and packing more content into each episode 🏕️ Glad you have been enjoying them!

[@atomicenergysociety6038]

Good for you Dude!

[@tooabstract788]

Awesome video and great view! I love the idea of short no-hassle camping trips like this. You didn't have to pack a car with tons of gear and spend a long time setting everything up once you finally got to camp. You and Small Plots with Kevin (not to mention Camping with Steve) inspired me to get out and start small camps like this. It satisfies the itch to camp and can be done during any day of the week.

[@WesWherever]

Yeah, I love how quick & simple (yet fulfilling) camping trips can be. Some people think you have to drive hours away and spend a whole weekend out to camp, but you really don't have to. Thanks Justin, glad you enjoyed!!

[@tomtravis3077]

You took a kayak out onto an estuary of effluvia. You can see the toilet paper scraps in the water. The smell is unbelievable. You're a braver man than me. Fall in that water, and the best you can hope for is a light case of E. coli.

[@campingwithjeffandann]

We enjoy watching your one night adventures, one night is plenty of time to explore, and like you said make some excellent memories. Looking forward to your next adventure!

[@WesWherever]

Glad you have been enjoying!! Thanks again for watching 😊

[@amyvu9402]

Aww the kids helping you push the kayak into the ocean was too cute 😊

[@WesWherever]

I know, they were so sweet! And I really appreciated their help too, no way I could carry the loaded kayak myself haha. Thanks again for watching, Amy!!

[@OzExpeditions]

This was great thanks! Love the trip and the view was amazing.

[@WesWherever]

Thanks for watching! Keep up the good work yourself 🎬💪

[@malonehardwud4660]

Bruh evicted birds to camp 😂😂😂

[@potatothorn]

pretty frikkin cool adventure thanks for sharing!

[@WesWherever]

Thank YOU for watching! 😊

[@heatherlandskron]

great video and great views.!! have a good day and weekend. thank you for sharing. travel safe.

[@WesWherever]

Thanks so much Heather, hope you have a great weekend as well!! Appreciate you watching and supporting

[@heatherlandskron]

@@WesWherever your welcome! Thank you

[@jayrey7]

Dude that was awesome. Amazing lil adventure man. I would literally try to do this if I could. 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@WesWherever]

Thanks Jay, it was really fun and definitely worth doing (although it is a lil risky). Appreciate you watching!

[@Tooeach]

Epic!!!

[@cathpeterson1944]

love the city night views from that little island

[@erod235]

That’s some rough waters on that point, and some good fishing for stripers and blues!! Nice video!

[@WesWherever]

If I wasn't trying to be stealthy I would have for sure been going for them stripers! 🎣 Thanks for watching bro

[@suffolk.candles]

Nice video man, killing it!

[@WesWherever]

Thanks man!! Btw your candles look lovely & unique, I was checking out your website... I may have to order some 🕯️

[@suffolk.candles]

@@WesWherever Thanks dude appreciate that :)

[@kylefromwisco]

Subscribers will come, great videos man !

[@WesWherever]

True man, slowly but surely! Just focusing on the fun content, and letting the rest fall into place 😉 Thanks for watching, Kyle!!

[@caveyak]

Great video. It also inspired me to look up more history of the island’s relation to the creation of the tunnel.

[@WesWherever]

Yeah it was so cool to learn about the origin of this little island. Wild that they were building infrastructure like that tunnel in the 1800's! Glad you enjoyed man, thanks for watching 😊

[@Honk21]

Man that is cool! Great viseo.

[@boratsagdiyev522]

I've always been interested by this small island. Enjoyed the video

[@Share2885]

lovin these cool videos

[@WesWherever]

Glad you are still enjoying them, Share! Thanks again for watching 😊

[@stever3953]

Nice one!

[@glenbearh9109]

Wow this boating style is really neat

[@SirHille]

I'm really waiting for your channel to pop off! Keep them coming and you reach 10k in no time. :)

[@WesWherever]

Thank you kind sir, I will keep em coming 😉

[@ecologygarden]

Would be quite cool to build a little hut out there on the island . You got the same waterfront city views that some people pay miliions for !!

[@robertaldaron8617]

Hey. Really enjoy these vids. That one was a tough paddle. I can recommend some islands in the Delaware and Susquehana rivers here in PA. to camp on. Been canoeing and kayaking out to them for years. ✌️

[@WesWherever]

I am definitely interested in that... PA really has so much to offer!! I'm not sure if it'll fit into the itinerary for this trip, but I will be back of course 👍👍

[@MikeInMexico]

Interesting video. Great content. Stay safe.

[@WesWherever]

Thanks Mike, I will make sure to stay safe 👍👍

[@danbar32]

Dad grew up in Brooklyn in the 1930s and used to talk about going crabbing on the east river. Great video, thanks.

[@WesWherever]

So cool, especially now that they've really cleaned the waterway up I would consider doing that myself! Thanks for watching

[@ammosapien]

Great video

[@mattravidam4q]

The outro music is just synonymous with your videos for me now😂

[@WesWherever]

My homie Nate (Mo Green) makes all the music, gotta love it! That beat basically became the theme song of the channel, always stuck in my head now lol.

[@beckettsmythe7198]

Another class video, no surpise.

[@WesWherever]

Thanks again, Beckett!!

[@JackDogSteve-jr9js]

Interesting, but I'd like to have seen more of that lil island! That was cool.. Thanks

[@WesWherever]

True, I pretty much stuck to my little section of the island so as to not disturb the cormorants. If it was outside of nesting season, I for sure would have wanted to survey the whole thing! 🔎

[@PREPFORIT]

Very cool.

[@pantaraxia]

Hi Wes, nice adventure. I've paddled all the NYC waters, but I don't think I have the stomach to camp around rat carcasses. You might look into bike-rafting, with a packraft and bike, especially a folding bike. I used to bike down to Coney Island, put in, paddle under the Verrazzano, take out in Red Hook, and bike home. The raft rolls down to the size of a large tent and fits on a bike rack. And the bike, especially a folding bike, sits nicely atop the raft. Keep adventuring. Look forward to your next video.

[@shammyshammy407]

Let’s go Wes!!!

[@fellspoint9364]

Next time check the tide tables to see what the current is doing. It can be flooding, ebbing or slack water. Makes things easier and safer.

[@bumpygarage4291]

The graffiti highway would have been a neat place to camp in Centrailia, PA. Unfortunately they covered most of it with dirt.

[@WesWherever]

True, I was really considering checking out Centralia! Seemed like only a small portion of the highway was still visible from what I saw on satellite view. The vents would be cool to see too

[@guaporeturns9472]

There are a bunch of cool uninhabited islands in the lower Colombia river you should check out. From Biggs Jct. down to the mouth where it dumps into the Pacific.. lots of cool islands

[@WesWherever]

So cool, I bet I could make a whole epic weeklong trip riding it out to the ocean or something... sounds like a dream! I will be heading through the PNW, so I will look into it 🔎 Thanks again for watching, Guapo

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@WesWherever Hell yeah! Let me know when you’re in the neighborhood , I’ll wave at ya as you paddle by. (White Salmon Washington)

[@jeloyranque5785]

nice spot!

[@2dthoughts]

Another cool spot That current looked like no joke on the Timelapse

[@WesWherever]

It really was no joke!! At least I got a good workout lol

[@BeachcomberNZ]

New Yorkers be like "Some dude's taking his kayak for a walk. Probably best not to notice." 😉

[@WesWherever]

Yeah a lot of them seemed not to notice/care at all lol. I did actually get a few comments/questions though

[@GuthrieSafari]

Holy cow you really camped there! You have incredible courage. Good thing you werent spotted by the Coast Guard! They do regular patrols.

[@ba-je3hu]

New sub here !!! Im happy i found your channel 👍👍👍

[@WesWherever]

Glad I was able to earn your subscription! Hope you enjoy the future adventures 🏕️

[@jabjab1010]

I can’t imagine the smell. . . Wow.

[@gravedigga314]

WOW! respect for this stealth island camp. Likely you are the only person who has done that. Fantastic

[@StamfordBridge]

Respect for being selfish enough to disturb a bird sanctuary where humans are not allowed?

[@ooigfgnnkhjjnc]

Are aliens allowed?​@@StamfordBridge

[@StamfordBridge]

@@ooigfgnnkhjjnc Depends on the planet.

[@ooigfgnnkhjjnc]

@@StamfordBridge They are being paid to come here by Joe Biden.

[@cheese7fold]

You should look at Starve Island in Lake Erie. Actually there’s a bunch of small, remote islands in Lake Erie. Might be fun!

[@rancidscooter]

Sea rim state park on the texas coast has a floating campsite that is a 2 mile kayak paddle to get to. A really unique campsite.

[@luizantonio9076]

You are doing stuff that many of us, your subscribers , would always like to do. I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'm a doctor here in Brazil and I have very little time to do outdoor activities. Anyway, I am very enthusiastic about camping, stealth camping, remote camping. Cheers man.

[@WesWherever]

So glad I can share it with those who have the same love for the outdoors & camping. Thanks again for watching, Luiz!!

[@Windraesa]

legendary spot. Can't imagine how you're eventually going to top this

[@WesWherever]

If you do imagine something, let me know 😅

[@Windraesa]

@@WesWherever White house lawn. 😅

[@phild8238]

One moment you’re under 100 subs the next you’re over 7k Let’s go!

[@WesWherever]

Right!! Thanks Phil, you've been supporting me since the beginning 👊 Appreciate you

[@CopartAudi]

Don't usually comment much , haven't subscribed to a channel really in years. Just wanted to say keep up the good work and hopefully the algorithm will pick up. Just subbed

[@WesWherever]

Appreciate that man, thanks for reaching out and glad I was able to earn your subscription 🙏 I will keep it up, I love doing these adventures and sharing them to KZbin is cool bonus. But it's the dream to be able to adventure full time if the channel picks up enough! Take care homie

[@Wakis85]

Awesome adventure!!! You can head an hour North to Bear Mountain and Harriman State park (I have a few videos from up that way)

[@derfistendefistus]

Cool Video and good klicks hope you get some new followers from this

[@WesWherever]

Thanks man, glad you enjoyed!!

[@bettyvarone4420]

With all those birds I would fear all the germs you could get. So brave, remember to disinfect everything, the view was magnificent.

[@WesWherever]

Appreciate your concern 💙 I was definitely careful to not touch much with my hands and disinfect periodically. Thanks so much for watching, Betty!!

[@Ghostrider-71]

Incredible. Great video. How could you eat with the smell??? 😂 thank you for posting. NYC pizza for the win.

[@screechingcosby]

Theres this one structure you should consider on the hudson river by riverside park, it used to be a gantry and its now out on the water rusting away, Ive tried to access it but I reckon you need a kayak to get on there

[@WesWherever]

Neat, is it the one by Pier I? Was doing a little searching on maps. That could be a fun spot

[@screechingcosby]

@@WesWherever Ah no, its on the waters of mid-upper west side manhattan

[@clownpocket]

Which cot are you using, and how hard was it to set up on the uneven surface?

[@WesWherever]

It is one of Helinox's cots (got a link in the description). It was easy to set up, but definitely better to use on more even terrain. Had some areas where the ground dipped 3+ inches, and the cot twists/bends to make contact with the ground... I ended up sliding to one side and had to sleep at a weird angle to make it work. Overall though, I really like the cot and it's about as light as they come! 🪶

[@TheSeguiFamily]

Love your content. You should come to Massachusetts. Lots of beautiful places to go and camp. I have a list of places you can go to.

[@WesWherever]

I do plan on it! Want to spend some time at a lighthouse there, and am definitely open to other suggestions if you have them 🤔

[@JuanJDumeP]

Do the Hoffman island and if you are crazy stay at swimborn island.

[@WesWherever]

I have definitely been eyeing those islands up 🤔

[@edgein3299]

Smells nicer on that island than it does in Manhattan

[@AneesMahdi]

I wish your videos were little longer. Love from Pakistan

[@WesWherever]

Thank you Anees, I'm definitely trying to make them longer while keeping them engaging and high quality! Pakistani people seem so kind and hospitable from what I've seen 🇵🇰💙 One day I hope to visit Lahore, Peshawar, and Hunza Valley!

[@monkcheetah8203]

Now someone will what to buy the island and build a house there! That paddle there must be little tough with the current in the tide going against you for sure. I experience the smells of your island at the mouth of the Thames River in New London Ct There is a island called junk Island little bigger than that one but the smells are the same I guarantee it. Hey, that could be one of your next adventures check it out ! Great video love the New York City skyline Specially, when I got dark ! 👍🐆🐆😎

[@WesWherever]

Would be so cool if someone built a house there, for sure! Yeah it was a good workout lol. I am actually headed through CT at the moment! May or may not be doing something around the Thimble Islands 😉 I tried looking for your island, but only see Quinnipeag Rocks and Hobs Island. Is it close to those (or maybe goes by a different name)? Thanks again for watching, Cheetah!! 🐆

[@monkcheetah8203]

@@WesWherever we called it junk island, but it shows up on the map as White rock I believe.

[@paulmcdonough1093]

i kayaked on hudson river hat was from pier 26 free to do

[@bongkidojones1777]

Can you rate the sleep you got from 1 to 10 in every video please

[@WesWherever]

That's a really good idea... I think I will start doing that! Thanks again for watching

[@oaklandmax]

East river is known for some ferocious current! That must have been quite the paddle against the elements. I think the rat carcasses would have been the deal breaker for me though!

[@WesWherever]

Yeah it was a real workout for sure! Thanks again for watching, Max

[@rick3747]

Fish and rat carcasses....aha Brings me back to my dating days. I had low standards in my choices of women back then.😂

[@WesWherever]

LMAO 💀💀

[@anonymouscrank]

Having slept the night under that arch, you're now more One than anyone. U Thant would be pleased.

[@WesWherever]

I was for sure one with the birds that night! 🐦‍⬛

[@jonbroadsword7572]

Surprised someone hasn't already built a Manhattan-adjacent apartment or condo there.

[@patricksanders858]

Hope you know the tides!

[@joshuapaul349]

One bite, everyone knows the rules.

[@hhazelhoff1363]

I stayed at a Holiday Inn express last night.

[@riproar11]

As soon as I saw the video thumbnail I wondered, "How did Wes obtain permission to visit NYC's tiniest island when it's not allowed?" Be cautious about posting this video like Travis Pastrana was found guilty as a result of filming himself doing the illegal jump and abandonment of his airplane.

[@WesWherever]

Thanks man, appreciate your concern and words of caution!

[@PromasterHOF]

BELMONT island is owned by the New York State Government and is currently protected as a sanctuary for migrating birds, including a small colony of double-crested cormorants. The cormorant population more than doubled from 2000 to 2011

[@gregorykohn8487]

Yeah I gave the video to the DEC they are looking into it. They said I wasn't the first to complain about it.

[@cryisfree510]

you should swim there just like Kramer

[@WesWherever]

It's so funny I watched that episode recently, and then here I was! I thought about that a few times when I was out here

[@GenStallion]

Hand sanitizer and a reflective belt make you bulletproof.

[@WesWherever]

The invincibility was coursing through my veins!

[@davidmatten8519]

Also deeply ill advised to be paddling solo in the area without a marine radio. Barges there run all day every day. If you remember Spaceballs, they brake for nobody.

[@WesWherever]

Rest assured - I always carry a marine radio. Thanks for watching!

[@pinkmarshmallow352]

Anxiety level of the Richter scale as usual with your adventures! But love your content and videos. 💕

[@WesWherever]

Thanks again for watching! Yeah some of my adventures can definitely get a bit intense, as you've seen. Plan to have more of a relaxing trip with my mom and fur brother here in a few weeks 💙

[@Colichemarde]

Excellent camping spot!

[@Quadrille763]

no cold pizza!

[@noticestudios]

Great video, how did you get approved for this? I thought this was a protected bird sanctuary

[@WesWherever]

Leave no trace and take nothing but pictures (or video). Most of my spots are not designated campsites, so I try to minimize my impact 🏕️

[@tylerdowd]

epic

[@MrFlyingguy]

great stuff mate..... we have a similar chap in england called "BLOT Outdoors"he isnt quite as adventurouous as you but i think you will find him interesting. subbed

[@WesWherever]

I will check him out!! Thanks for watching and subbing 😊

[@stevetoth5546]

U THANT you didn't mention

[@currentfisher]

Coolest camping spot ever!

[@gr8lefty]

@WesWherever cool adventure! What kayak is that and would you recommend?

[@WesWherever]

It's the Sea Eagle 385FT. I would definitely recommend it, it's basically bulletproof and handles about as well as an inflatable possibly can 💪 Also hear good things about Oru kayaks (they fold instead of inflating)

[@Taras-Nabad]

I can see how the birds get there but how do the rats get there.

[@WesWherever]

My only guess is that the birds carry them over there to feast on them 🐀🍴

[@mikeh5039]

Where is the bathroom 😊