Great American Backyard Campout at Elk Knob State Park June 27

Story by Sam Calhoun

In honor of The Great American Backyard Campout, the staff of Elk Knob will be hosting an overnight camping experience for local families beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. Photo by Sam Calhoun 

Elk Knob State Park is participating in a National program called The Great American Backyard Campout. To celebrate this event the staff of Elk Knob will be hosting an overnight camping experience for local families beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27. 

“We encourage families who have never camped before to sign up for this free event and experience what the outdoors have to offer. If your thinking this sounds fun but you do not have a tent, not to worry, REI of Asheville has generously donated tents for use at this event so do not let anything hold you back from signing up,” said a staff member at Elk Knob.  

Once campers sign up, Elk Knob staff will provide a list of things that campers may want to bring to make their experience more enjoyable. Staff will offer some nature based programs, storytelling around a campfire, basic orienteering lesson, a night hike, stargazing through a telescope and, of course, no campout would be complete without s’mores, which staff will provide along with a hotdog dinner for Saturday night.

Park staff asks that campers bring non-alcoholic beverages for their family, breakfast for Sunday morning and any snack foods they might need. Elk Knob does not allow camping in the park, so this is a one-time opportunity to be able to camp.

“Don’t miss out, please join us for this evening of fun,” added the staff member.

Registration is required for this free event and space is limited. Campers must be age 6 or older and accompanied by a parent.

For more information and/or to register, call the park office at 828-297-7261 by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19.

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