CAMPING IN STATE PARKSState Parks are YOUR parks. They’re public lands to be enjoyed by all. Many state parks offer camping, from primitive sites and backpacking to full service campgrounds with every amenity you can imagine. Some even offer cabins, yurts, lodges and equestrian sites! There’s no better way to connect with nature, relax, explore and have fun than byvisiting a state park. We can help ensure the future of parks by visiting them often andtaking advantage of all they have to offer.

Types of Camping

CAR Camping

Campsites are accessed by car or RV.

Campers sleep in tents, RVs ortrailers with cars nearby, so there is no need to pack light.

Amenities vary by campground.

Backpacking

Backpacking involves hiking a distance with all your supplies (tent,clothes, food, water, and other gear) in your backpack.

Gear should becompact and light!

ULTRA Light

Ultralight is a form of backpacking that emphasizes lightweight gear and only packing the absolute essentials.

An ultralight hiker can go faster and farther!

TYPES of CAMPSITES

Full service sites offer electric hookups for RVs, water and amenities like flush toilets, dumping stations and sometimes showers.

FULL SERVICE

Tent only sites do not allow RVs or trailers. A site for your tent is

provided, but no other amenities (amenities may be located elsewhere in the campground)

TENT ONLY

Primitive sites usually require hiking in from a distance, so you must:

pack in all your supplies (tent, sleeping bag, food, gear).

No amenities are provided

PRIMITIVE

TENT SLEEPING BAG CLOTHES FOOT GEAR, AND RAIN GEAR BACKPACK FOOD AND WATER CAMP STOVE AND MATCHES FLASHLIGHT/LANTERN WITH XTRA BATTERIES FIRST AID SUNSCREEN BUG REPELENT

GEAR LIST ESSENTIALS

Plan Ahead and Prepare Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies

• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites,

rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. • Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. • Leave What You Find

Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them • Minimize Campfire Impacts

Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

• Respect Wildlife Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach

them. • Be Considerate of Other Visitors

SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF “LEAVE NO TRACE”