Campfires, s'mores and ghost stories are among the many joys of camping. Don't know how to get started? An Arizona State Parks program happening this spring and summer can help.
The Arizona Family Campout Program is designed for families with little or no camping experience. The weekend program provides tents and sleeping mats, along with activities such as mountain-biking, hiking, fishing, archery, geocaching and birding. Families will also work on a service project, Arizona State Parks said in a news release.
Participants must provide their own food, bedding, flashlights and other personal items. The cost is $70 for a family of four, and additional family members are $5 each. Children under age 6 and pets are not allowed.
The campouts will be happening at the following state parks:
- Catalina SP, Tucson (Session A): March 7 & 8
- Lost Dutchman SP, Apache Junction (Session A): March 14 & 15
- Cattail Cove SP, Lake Havasu City: April 11 & 12
- Kartchner Caverns SP, Benson (Session A): April 11 & 12
- Catalina SP, Tucson (Session B): April 18 & 19
- Lost Dutchman SP, Apache Junction (Session B): April 18 & 19
- Kartchner Caverns SP, Benson (Session B): April 25 & 26
- Red Rock SP, Sedona: May 2 & 3
- Dead Horse Ranch SP, Cottonwood: June 6 & 7
- Lyman Lake SP, St. Johns: June 6 & 7
For more information on the Arizona Family Campout Program, or to register, visit www.azstateparks.com/family. And if you're looking to learn more about camping before you go, pick up a copy of our Arizona Highways Camping Guide, which features 100 of the state's best campgrounds.
Photo: Chris Frailey | Lost Dutchman State Park