AboutTom Newman Expertise Scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 43 in Fort Wayne, IN. We have an outing every month. Most months involve tent camping, usually in State Parks. We have made 4 trips where we have hiked 50+ miles on the Appalachian Trail. We expect to continue this until we have hiked the whole trail... (40+ years).
Question hi my name is jerry am looking for a place to camp that is primative were we can backpack in but not to far do you know of a place or two it is my 9 year sons first time and i want to make it fun for him thank you
Answer Hi Jerry,
I am a Scoutmaster in Fort Wayne, Indiana we are about 20 miles from Ohio and 40 miles from Michigan. I don't know of a place which you describe in the area. Most of the areas that fit your description are in the mountains as either State or National parks. Since we don't have any mountains in this area primitive camping and hiking are limited.
If you are really interested in primitive camping, the Indiana State Parks offer Youth Tent camping areas. These are supposed to be reserved for groups of youth but as long are you pay the group rate you might be able to use them. They have pit toilets with no showers or electricity. The camp sites are isolated from the electric sites and usually only have 4 or 5 sites. often when we camp at these sites we are alone or there might be one other group. You can find information on reservations at...
If you are more interested in hiking the State Parks in the area most are good for hiking especially for a 9 year old. Here is a list of Indiana State Parks...
One other thing that you should do is to sign your son up for Cub scouting. He is a year or two from Boy Scouts but, some Cub Packs go camping on their own and many others go camping with their associated Boy Scout troops (However, some don't camp at all). Make sure that you find a Pack that fits your needs.
Finally, there is a really neat event going on North East of Indy for kids on September 26 and 27, which would really be great for your son. You can check it out here...
I hope that this information will be helpful in finding the exact type of experience that you are looking for.
If there is any thing else that I can help with or give you specific recommendations please feel free to contact me here or directly at scout043@aol.com.
