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Camping can be a lot of work – packing, driving, getting used to nature – but sometimes all you need is a night under the stars.
To make the camping experience more accessible, Los Angeles County is hosting a summer series where families and friends can camp overnight on Fridays at one of five regional parks: Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, Castaic Lake Recreation Area, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, Santa Fe Dam Regional Park and Whittier Narrows Recreation Area.
“People tend to come early to get the best spots, so it’s first come, first served,” said Santa Fe Dam manager William Mercado, who also helps coordinate a family camping program that wraps up in late August. “They come to the area, pitch their tents, spend the day in the sun, swim at the beach and have a great time.”
Campers can reserve tickets online or show up in person. General admission is $15 and children under 13 are free.
The park will offer recreational activities on Friday during a program starting at 6 p.m.
“Most areas have fishing, night hikes, movies, free drawing and live animal exhibits,” Mercado said. “Some have DJs and live music, kayaking, biking, face painters and coloring zones for kids.”
The park gates close at 10 p.m., so Mercado recommends running to the market before then to grab everything you need. He also recommends bringing along sunscreen, swimming gear, and bug spray before spending the night in nature.
Mercado said the series began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 as a way to provide families with a safe outdoor experience and reduce mental stress. Last year, the program saw more than 16,000 campers participate, and this year they expect more than 18,000 participants, he said.
Most campers sleep in tents, but Mercado said he has seen many first-time campers lay mattresses or blankets on the grass with pillows.
“They’re out here sleeping under the stars and just having a good time. It’s so cool to know that some of them have never even experienced camping,” Mercado said.
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