Great American Campout July 25

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville has rescheduled its 11th Annual Great American Campout, presented by the National Wildlife Federation, to July 25.

The annual event encourages people of all ages to camp in their backyards, neighborhoods, parks and campgrounds, as a way to reconnect with nature.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park invites families to camp under the stars in the picnic grove area of the park. (The original camping night in June was canceled due to bad weather).

The day will begin with tips and tricks on basic campsite set-up including learning about the Leave No Trace ethics from the park naturalist. Families will have the opportunity to learn archery, go on guided hikes, participate in field games, take a dip in the swimming pool, listen to stories while making s’mores at the campfire, and do some stargazing. The Louisville Astronomical Society will be conducting educational sessions.

The fee is $25 per family of four, $5 each additional family member and includes all activities and a hot dog and chips dinner. Campsite set up begins at 2 p.m. with activities to follow beginning at 4 p.m. Contact the park at 502-429-7270 for registration details.

For more information about this event or to get involved, contact Lora Sekeres, 502-429-7270, lora.sekeres@ky.gov

To visit E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, take the Gene Snyder Freeway (Interstate 265) to Exit 32. Go west on Westport Road to Freys Hill Road. Take Freys Hill Road into the park.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer is one of the most unique state parks in Kentucky. The 550- acre park is located in Louisville in the northeastern part of Jefferson County off Westport Road. Named in honor of former Jefferson County Judge Executive Erbon Powers Sawyer (1915-1969), the Commonwealth of Kentucky originally purchased the land for the park in June 1969 from the Kentucky Department of Mental Health. The Kentucky Department of Parks leased the land and the buildings in 1970 and the park opened in 1974. A portion of the property had once been used for farmland for the mental health hospital.

E.P. “Tom “Sawyer State Park is an extraordinary urban park. There are activities and events that offer something for even the most demanding individual. The park is open throughout the year.

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 49 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit their website at http://www.parks.ky.gov