Spend a restorative weekend camping, paddling, and learning at the Town Creek Primitive campground on Lake Guntersville in Alabama. It is free to attend, registration is required, and beginners are welcome. Thanks to North Alabama State Parks, the focus is relaxed flatwater kayaking with an emphasis on having fun, trying new things, and heading home happy. Guiding the experience is Trey Reaves, who holds the fastest known time for kayaking the full 652 miles of the Tennessee River in six and a half days.
Beyond the paddling, the schedule features optional birding, fishing, outdoor games, music, storytelling, and presentations about the land and its history. A community dinner is planned for Saturday night, and mystery awards add a playful touch. Friday begins with sign in along with snacks and refreshments, followed by campsite and kayak selection and setup, an initial paddle to assess stability, introductions and announcements, then dinner and entertainment. Saturday brings breakfast, a mid morning kayak, time for games or fishing, lunch, an afternoon paddle, and evening entertainment. Sunday includes breakfast, a final kayak before lunch, breaking down campsites, returning equipment, and then heading home.
The setting includes a road into camp and a gentle grade up to the showers. Some areas have exposed roots, and the shoreline is grassy with a soft slope to the water. Seating on shore can be arranged for participants as needed, and assistance will be provided for transfers into kayaks with attention to safety and comfort. Restrooms and showers are available. While the shower stalls do not have built in benches, two ADA approved extended benches will be provided, along with two ADA portable restrooms. Electricity from multiple generators will be available for charging phones, lights, or medical devices. Catalyst is co hosting with Yellow Hammer, Alabama State Parks, and RC&D, Alabama’s Mountains, Rivers and Valleys Resource, Conservation and Development.
