With school back in session, summer is slowly saying goodbye and the stress of the new year creeps toward us. It won’t be long before everyone will need a little break from life on campus.
Many students already feel overwhelmed by the amount of work they will have this semester and just don’t want to leave summer behind.
Camping is a great way to get away from it all.
There are two campsites near Auburn with everything needed to have an unforgettable weekend in the great outdoors and bring out the adventurous side in anyone.
Wind Creek State Park
This camping ground is about 45 minutes away from campus, but it is completely worth the drive due to its unique lakeside location and other area attractions.
"It's the only public campground on Lake Martin,” says Officer Will Queen, one of the park's employees.
This campsite is ideal for first timers, offering an already installed fire pit for easy campfires and flat spaces for setting up tents with ease.
If anyone is worried about becoming the next victim in a horror movie and camping sounds like Friday the 13th come to life, this campsite has several security measures, such as a gated entrance with coded entry and security truck patrols.
There are a variety of campsites available, such as waterfront, base and camping cabins. The waterfront comes with spaces directly on the edge of Lake Martin and picturesque views of the lake at sunrise and sunset.
Base spaces give you a more secluded and strictly wooded area to enjoy. This is a great option for people who want a more classic camping experience, with a tent surrounded by woods, but still have the option of lake access during the day.
The camping cabin is also an option for those who aren’t ready to completely rough it in a tent just yet. With a bed, private bathroom and air conditioning, it is a nice option for bigger groups or better rest and relaxation compared to tents.
This campsite also offers other attractions including: hiking, swimming, zip-lining, fishing, archery and horseback riding.
There are several restaurants and a creamery, as well, for something more than s’mores and hot dogs.
There are bathrooms and showers on site that are well-cleaned, and the site is open daily from 7 a.m. until dark, so it is easy to come and go on any day of the week.
Chewacla State Park
This campsite is definitely more convenient for students, since it is only about 10 minutes away from campus.
It is easy to go back into town to grab coffee and breakfast in the morning then head back to the campsite for some hiking and exploring.
This site includes 696 acres of hiking and biking trails, creeks, picnic areas and a beach area for swimming. The large amount of acreage gives ample room for explorations and discovering intriguing places, such as the waterfall and several lookout points.
Kayaks, canoes, or fishing gear can also be brought for a relaxing afternoon on the lake.
There are primitive campsites, full hookup sites for RVs and cottages.
The primitive campsites are first come, first served and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so it is important to get to the park as early as possible on the day you want to reserve it.
The park's hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Full hookup sites are great for families with RVs, especially as a place to stay for game-day weekends when everything on or around campus is packed.
The cottages are the most comfortable option, with newly renovated bathrooms and flooring, as well as a television, air conditioning and a fire place. These cottages would make for a luxurious stay, but prices start at $129. It makes roughing it in a tent seem a little better knowing you only have to spend $25.
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