Arizona State Parks' Family Campout

After the success of the debut dates in the spring, Arizona State Parks' Arizona Family Campout Program has announced fall dates. The program is designed for families who have little or no experience camping. It will introduce them to outdoor experiences over one weekend at a state park and inspire them to continue to explore Arizona.

The state parks that are participating this fall are Lost Dutchman in Apache Junction (Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 12-13), Kartchner Caverns in Benson (Oct. 5-6 and Oct. 19-20), Patagonia Lake in Patagonia (Oct. 26-27) and Catalina State Park near Tucson (Oct. 26-27 and Nov. 2-3).

Many Varied Activities

The activities families will experience may include (depending on the park attending) mountain biking, hiking, fishing, archery, geocaching, animal demos, campfire stories, birding, and more.

Families should bring sleeping bags or any bedding, pillows, clothing, sturdy shoes and personal items including toothpaste, towels, soap, etc. However, the following will be provided: tents, sleeping mats, chairs, lanterns, flashlights, GPS units, and all activity equipment — plus water, lemonade, coffee and all food including one lunch, one dinner, one breakfast, snacks and campfire treats.

The registration fee is $85 for a family of four and any additional family member is $5 for each person. Children 5 years and younger and pets cannot attend this program. The registration is limited. To register or for more information, visit AZStateParks.com/family.

Program Has Generous Sponsors

The Arizona Family Campout Program is made possible by an AmeriCorps grant through the Arizona Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism. AmeriCorps is a National Service initiative, promoted and supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The program is also supported by a generous donation of equipment by Lower Gear Backpacking Center.

For information about all 27 Arizona State Parks, the Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Programs and State Historic Preservation Office call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703), visit the website and online camping reservations at AZStateParks.com, Twitter/Facebook AZStateParks.