Want to try camping in MS? MDWFP is making it easy with this event

Brian Broom, Mississippi Clarion Ledger

Spring is here and it's a great time to go camping and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is making it easy, particularly if you're new to spending the night outdoors.

The agency is hosting an event where you can learn the basics of camping and see what Mississippi's state parks have to offer.

"Basically, this will be a family-oriented event," said JaNiya Rankin of the Parks Division customer service. "You'll learn how to set up a tent, build a fire and learn how to kayak in the lake. You'll have the camping experience and experience LeFleur's Bluff State Park."

The event takes place May 17 at LeFleur's Bluff State Park. Registration is required and ends Friday, May 10. The event fee is $15 per person.

Hot dogs and s'mores will be cooked over a fire for dinner and breakfast casserole prepared in a Dutch oven the following morning.

Four-person tents and sleeping pads will be provided with additional tents available for larger families. Participants must bring their own sleeping bags or bedding, chairs, optional air mattresses, toiletries, and additional snacks. The agency should be contacted in advance with any allergy information or special requests.

Rankin said the event is an introduction to camping and LeFleur's Bluff State Park. It's also an introduction to Mississippi's state parks in general.

"We do have 25 state parks," Rankin said. "Right now our main goal is to get people out to our parks and experience the amenities themselves. We offer something for everyone."

More: Cicada hatch 2024: How loud will it be and when will noise stop? Curious Mississippi answers

What you need to know

Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Learn camping basics and have fun at this MDWFP event

Advertisement