Charlotte, NC—  Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation invites campers and anyone  who wants to try camping to join in the fourth annual Great American Backyard Campout Saturday, night June 28, 2008.  The Campout is sponsored the National Wildlife Federation to introduce youngsters and adults to the fun of camping and the serenity of the great outdoors. 

Park and Recreation's McDowell Campground is an official host venue, with 56 camp sites in McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road (NC Highway 49 South). The year-'round campground is part of a wooded, 1100 acre preserve on the shores of Lake Wylie. It offers options for primitive camping, tent camping, or camping with a recreation vehicle at various prices, $6-$18 a night. A limited number of rent-a-tent sites with 9x12 ft. tents and two cots are also available for an additional charge. 

Most campsites include access to water, grills, picnic tables, electricity, and shady tree cover. The campground has a new $400,000 bathhouse with individual restrooms and shower rooms. The preserve also has a nature center with many exhibits. Park and Recreation will offer a variety of instruction on environmental matters and camping during the weekend. To reserve a campsite call 704 583-1284. 

Across America last year more than 40,000 campers participated in the Great American Backyard Campout. U.S. National Whitewater Center is also a host of the event this year.