Camping In Faith

For me, a place to camp is as important as a place of worship because the natural setting deepens my connection to the Creator. The bond between camping and worship is truly inspiring, rooted in the quest to discover the Creator and connect with something far greater than me! When I step into nature—surrounded by majestic trees, flowing streams, and boundless skies—I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and reverence. This vibrant experience beautifully mirrors the faith I practice while camping.

Hot Springs National Park is a stop on the way north to our basecamp in Chattahoochee National Forest. While entering Hot Springs, under ominous storm clouds, my family and I found a campsite that offered rest and retreat. After a torrential rain shower, the darkness gave way to light, making it much easier to set up camp.  While I was drying off most of our soaked gear, my wife prepared the kitchen for another tasty camp cuisine. Next task: search for a place to worship. Sunday was right around the corner, and we had lots to be thankful for.

But first, we had to get out and explore! Connecting with nature is important, even when it storms. And east of the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, we encountered wildlife, sunfish, and architectural expressions of faith that brought us to our knees. Literally! With its bubbling, clear brook and mist permeating from the mountainous hiking trails, Gulpha Gorge Campground was faultless. Quintessentially, the discovery of a 1870 church, Saint Mary of the Springs, set our commitment to attend mass on Sunday morning.

After a satisfying supper, it was clear our find was a gem! I felt grateful to have been a visitor to this region. I often wondered how early explorers, such as Fr. Marquette in 1673, felt as he traversed the Hot Springs. He must have had the same awe.

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