Georgia’s State Parks have a new program where first-time campers can try out borrowed gear and enjoy a helping hand. The First-Time Camper Program is a bargain weekend getaway for you and your family.
For $45, you spend two nights in a modern campground, trying out gear from REI — including a six-man tent, sleeping pads, chairs and camp stove. Park staff will help you set up your tent, make a campfire and even give you a Camping 101 lesson.
“We realized that some people like the idea of camping, but they’re a little intimidated and don’t know if they can do it,” said the program’s coordinator, Cindy Reittinger. “When they discover that it’s easier than they think to pitch a tent, or when they experience the thrill of hearing their first owl, they’ll realize how much fun camping can be.”
Choose from six parks for your first-time camping adventure:
- A.H. Stephens State Park
- Fort Yargo State Park
- James H. Floyd State Park
- Reed Bingham State Park
- Skidaway Island State Park
- Victoria Bryant State Park
Reservations are required and can be made by calling the individual parks or the program coordinator, Cindy Reittinger, at 404-657-0029.