Arizona State Parks and Trails announces increased capacity for first-time campers in its Arizona Family Campout program this fall, with registration open today, August 4, 2026. Ten weekend campout events are scheduled across Arizona's state parks from September through December.

The award-winning program introduces families with little to no camping experience to outdoor recreation, with all necessary equipment provided. Thanks to additional staffing by the agency and to increased equipment made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF) in fiscal year 2026, the program has nearly doubled the number of scheduled events available for registration this fall.

"The Arizona Family Campout program is one of best ways we can welcome new families into a lifetime of loving the outdoors and appreciating Arizona," said program manager Jennifer Woodrum. "The staff, volunteers, and parks we have lined up this fall — more than ever before — are a great opportunity for people to try camping in a safe and comfortable environment. We promise to help our camping families have a great experience."

The 2026 fall locations include parks already popular for the program like Kartchner Caverns, Roper Lake, Buckskin Mountain, Picacho Peak, and Lost Dutchman state parks. The fall events will also give participants the exclusive opportunity to camp at parks typically only open for day use, including Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Oracle State Park, and Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. The program will host campout events for the first time ever at two state parks: Homolovi State Park in Winslow and Cattail Cove State Park in Lake Havasu City.

Participants are provided with all necessary camping equipment, including tents, sleeping pads, camp chairs, stoves, and lanterns. Park rangers provide instruction on camping safety and lead activities such as fishing, archery, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and geocaching, with all activity gear provided.

Each campout includes a conservation project, such as litter cleanup or native tree planting, designed to encourage environmental stewardship in participating families.

The program costs $90-110 for a family of four, with additional family members at $5 per person. Children must be at least 6 years old to participate. Accessible campouts are available for people with disabilities and group campouts are available for nonprofits, scout troops, and other educational groups. Additional program details and registration information are available at AZStateParks.com/Family.

In 2024, the Arizona Family Campout Program received an Award of Distinction for Environmental Education and Communication from Arizona Forward. 

Connecting people with the outdoors and history of Arizona to build a lifetime of memories.

For information about Arizona State Parks and the many recreational, historical and cultural programs, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 - Email: pio@azstateparks.gov