An annual Arizona State Parks and Trails program aims to introduce families to the joys of camping in the Grand Canyon State.
The department's Family Campout Program is now accepting registrations for its 2017 fall season, which features seven of the state's most popular parks. The weekend program provides tents, sleeping mats, flashlights, chairs and equipment for activities, which vary depending on the park but include archery, guided hikes, live animal demonstrations, birding and astronomy.
Participants are responsible for bringing sleeping bags, pillows and personal items, plus food for lunch and dinner Saturday and breakfast and lunch Sunday (but the program provides propane stoves for cooking). The program is designed for those with little to no camping experience; they'll learn how to set up a tent and cook outside, along with other outdoors skills.
The Family Campout Program costs $90 for a family of four; additional family members are $5 each, but children under age 5 and pets are not allowed. The fall schedule is as follows:
September 16-17: Cattail Cove State Park, Lake Havasu City
September 23-24: Homolovi State Park, Winslow
October 7-8: Lyman Lake State Park, St. Johns
October 14-15: Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area, Show Low
October 28-29: Kartchner Caverns State Park, Benson
November 4-5: Picacho Peak State Park, Eloy
December 2-3: Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction
Space in the program is limited, so you'll want to register soon. For more information about the Family Campout Program, or to register, click here.