Never Been Camping? Try It at Fort Yargo

Want to try camping? Not sure how to start? The Georgia Department of Natural Resources wants to help. 

The state park system's first-time camper program is being offered at Fort Yargo State Park in Winder — participants can use borrowed gear, get expert advice, take advantage of two nights’ accommodations and experience camping for the first time. 

What's the cost? Just $50. Who can participate? Anyone who has never camped in a Georgia state park. 

When first-time campers arrive, park staff will help you set up camp and will provide insider tips. Equipment includes one six-person tent, four sleeping pads, a camp stove with fuel, four roasting forks, a lantern and two camp chairs. Participants must bring sleeping bags or blankets and pillows. 

The DNR recommends aspiring campers make reservations at least two weeks in advance. For questions, contact program coordinator Cindy Reittinger by calling 770-389-7279 or e-mailing cindy.reittinger@gadnr.org. You can also call Fort Yargo at 770-867-3489. 

Want to make your first camping trip a weekend get-away? These parks are offering the first-time camper program: 

• A.H. Stephens State Park in Crawfordville
• F. D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain
• Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth
• General Coffee State Park in Nicholls
• James H. Floyd State Park near Rome
• Reed Bingham State Park in Adel
• Skidaway Island State Park in Savannah

You can find out more about the program in the PDF to the right of this text. The DNR suggests checking out Reader's Digest's seven reasons why camping is a great activity. 

Subscribe to Barrow Patch’s newsletters, follow us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook.