For those students looking for s'more fun things to do on the fall weekends, here's the answer: camping at Chewacla State Park.
The park offers camping year-round and is a popular activity for Auburn students looking for something different on the weekends.
"We offer a wide area and a variety of activities where students can come to get away from the hustle and bustle of Auburn life," said Chewacla Park Ranger Dell Banks.
Camping at Chewacla Park is offered three different ways: For students who prefer traditional camping, there are 15 primitive campsites.
These sites have no hookups and are for tent camping only.
"About 80 percent of campers in the primitive areas are students," Banks said.
Primitive area camping is the most cost effective at $13.95 per night.
Chewacla also offers improved camping sites, which include water, sewage and electrical services for RVs and tent camping.
There are six newly renovated cabins for students who prefer a less rustic way to spend time in nature.
"Many students will rent cabins with their parents when they come in town," said Chewacla State Park employee Trey Headrick. "These cabins are fully furnished, air-conditioned and equipped with a T.V."
The rules for campers are no alcoholic beverages, no loud music and standard leash laws.
"Public parks like Chewacla are a great way to escape reality," said Chad Adams, a junior in international trade. "It's a clean park with lots of stuff to keep you occupied and active."
Students can make reservations Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
There is a two-night minimum, and campers are required to put down a one-night non-refundable deposit.
Campers staying in Chewacla Park have a variety of activities from which to choose. Lake Chewacla has a "bring your own boat" policy.
Although Chewacla does not rent boats, students are allowed to bring their own small watercraft as long as they are able to hand-launch it and it does not have a gasoline motor.
Fishing is allowed inside Chewacla Park on the lake or in the two creeks as long as the guests have a valid Alabama fishing license.
The park has eight different hiking trails for students to choose from, ranging from a 20-minute walk to a one hour and 20 minutes hike.
Students can stop to hang out by the streams, lounge near the 30-foot waterfall or lay out on the unique rock formations.
The swimming area and lakefront beach area are open year-round for guests.
Picnic areas and grills are located throughout the park and are available to campers and guests on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For students looking to have a group function at Chewacla Park, three large picnic pavilions are available by reservation.
Each offers different amenities, one in particular offering a fireplace for cool-weather heating or cooking.
Pavilion rentals are $50 per day plus entrance fees.
Students also come to Chewacla to camp and study for big tests over the weekend.
"Chewacla Park is a great area to study, a very quiet, peaceful place where students can be undisturbed," Banks said.
Chewacla State Park is now working on getting a Wi-Fi connection in certain areas of the park to better accommodate students interested in a peaceful area to study.
Chewacla Park is quickly becoming a favorite weekend activity for Auburn students.
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