Maricopa County

Events

 

Camp Like a Ranger - A National Camping Day Family Adventure!

Thursday, November 19, 2026
02:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Usery Mountain Regional Park
3939 N. Usery Pass Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85207

(602) 506-2930 ext 4


Join Rangers Jacque and Derik for a hands-on National Camping Day experience featuring campfire cooking, outdoor survival skills like wildlife tracking, stargazing, and more! All ages welcome. Registration required. Click program title for details.

Celebrate National Camping Day with a unique, family-friendly camping experience! Led by Rangers Jacque and Derik, this extended program is designed to give families a fun and accessible introduction to the skills and joys of camping in our county parks.  

Throughout the afternoon and evening, participants will engage in several hands-on activities, including: 

  • -Camping 101 & Leave No Trace: Learn how to set up camp and protect our wild spaces. 

  • -Desert Survival & Tracking: Discover how to track local wildlife and master essential outdoor survival skills, including fire-starting. 

  • -Edible Desert Plants: Identify native plants that have provided food and medicine for generations. 

  • -Campfire Cooking: Learn how to use a dutch oven, and cook your own food over the fire. 

  • -Storytelling & Stargazing: Gather around the campfire for cultural storytelling, followed by night sky viewing. 

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A camp cookout dinner and dessert are provided. Program cost is $15 per person or $60 per family up to 5 members. Day use entry ($10 per vehicle or county parks annual pass) not included. Please wear layered clothing appropriate for shifting evening temperatures, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on. 

MEETING LOCATION: Usery Mountain Regional Park Group Campground C&D (Follow signs from the main entrance) 

Precise meeting location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XNxNYeuPhAh5pn9p8

Limit 30 participants. There is a $15 per person program fee or $60 per family up to five members to cover the campfire meal and supplies. Park entry fee applies ($10 per vehicle or covered by an annual Maricopa County Parks pass). You are not required to stay for the whole program and can attend in parts as your schedule allows. To register or ask questions, please message both park rangers in an email with National Camping Day in the subject line (derik.rodgers@maricopa.gov; jacqueline.vallejos@maricopa.gov) with your name, phone number, and the number of people in your party. Complete itinerary and details on how to submit payment will be sent in your registration confirmation email. If you find you cannot attend after registering, please email back ASAP so those on the waiting list may be contacted. Registration for this program will close on 11/17/26. 

 
 

Phone: 602-506-2930

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