Arizona takes getting outdoors seriously!
Would you like some “pro” guidance on getting outdoors and camping? And especially for the kids so they have a good initial outdoor experience?
Arizona State Parks and Trails has a treat for you … the Family Campout Program. Families that have little or no experience camping can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and a night sleeping under the stars. The guides introduce participants to the great experiences that a family can share and be inspired to continue to explore the great outdoors!
Click the image to see a video about the program:
Learn about tent camping, fishing, hiking, cooking, etc. Activities vary depending on the park, participant ages and weather conditions. Here’s a partial list:
- Guided Hikes
- Mountain Bike Clinic
- Geocaching
- Fishing Clinic
- Archery
- Live Animal Demonstrations
- Presentations
- Geography
- Birding
- Geology
- Astronomy
The program provides:
- Tents
- Sleeping mats
- Camp chairs
- First aid kits
- All activity equipment
- Water, coffee, tea, sports drinks, daily snacks,
- Dutch Oven dessert for dinner
- Campfire treats
Families are responsible for bringing two lunches, dinner and breakfast, as well as sleeping bags or any bedding, pillows, camping chairs, clothing, sturdy shoes and personal items including toothpaste, towels, soap, etc.
Sorry but children under 6 cannot attend this program, nor pets. And since the focus is on learning to tent camp, RVs are not allowed
The cost is $90 for a family of up to 4. Special arrangements are needed for families greater than four members, and the additional members are $5 each.
To learn more about camping and recreation opportunities in your Arizona State Parks, see this comprehensive guide.
2019 Spring Dates
- March 16-17, 2019 – Lost Dutchman State Park – Apache Junction
- March 23-24, 2019 – Catalina State Park – Tucson
- April 6-7, 2019 – Patagonia Lake State Park – Patagonia
- April 13-14, 2019 – Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area – Show Low
- April 27-28, 2019 – Red Rock State Park – Sedona
- May 11-12, 2019 – River Island State Park – Parker
- May 18-19, 2019 – Dead Horse Ranch State Park – Cottonwood
2019 Fall Dates
- September 14-15, 2019 – Tonto Natural Bridge State Park – Payson
- September 21-22, 2019 – Slide Rock State Park – Sedona
- October 5-6, 2019 – Cattail Cove State Park – Lake Havasu
- October 12-13, 2019 – Kartchner Caverns State Park – Benson
- October 26-27, 2019 – Roper Lake State Park – Safford
- November 2-3, 2019 – Oracle State Park – Tucson
- November 30-December 1, 2019 – Lost Dutchman State Park – Apache Junction
