Have you thought about taking the family camping but didn’t feel confident in your wilderness skills — or your kids’ attention spans for roughing it? Here’s a fun way to experience camping with a little expert help. Sign up for the Arizona State Parks Family Campout Program, designed for families with little or no camping experience and meant to encourage an appreciation for the great outdoors.
During activity-filled weekends in parks across the state, camping experts will teach kids and families how to set up tents, build a campfire and prepare food. Participants enjoy activities such as fishing, archery, mountain biking, guided hikes, geocaching and a service project during the two-day, one-night trips.
The Arizona State Parks program is $90 for a family of four, plus $5 for each additional family member (10 campers maximum). Children must be 6 or older to attend, and pets are not allowed.
Tents, sleeping mats, flashlights, chairs and all activity equipment is provided. Families should bring food (enough for two lunches, dinner and breakfast), sleeping bags and bedding, camping chairs, clothing, sturdy shoes, towels, soap and toiletries.
Reserve a spot in the Arizona Family Campout Program at azstateparks.com/family
2020 spring dates
- March 14-15: Lost Dutchman State Park – Apache Junction
- March 21-22: Catalina State Park – Tucson
- April 4-5: Patagonia Lake State Park – Patagonia
- April 18-19: Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area – Show Low
- April 25-26: Red Rock State Park – Sedona
- May 9-10: River Island State Park – Parker
- May 16-17: Dead Horse Ranch State Park – Cottonwood
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