From tent camping, RV life to van life, Lixie Jane loves the outdoors, and she wants you to love it too.
Jane grew up camping with 4-H and has always had a passion for the outdoors, but she noticed one thing. Few Black people had the same love for her favorite pastime. So, in 2019 she launched Black And Camping to help fill that void and to encourage others to also start camping.
“I had been with another camping crew, and I just got older and wanted to do something a little different,” Jane said. “I wondered what does it mean to drive up to a campsite logistically.”
Jane wanted to make it simple for those who enjoyed camping and newbies wanting to try it out. She searches for campsites that are easy to get to, typically are van and RV accessible, and have certain amenities. Most events are held in what Jane describes as “primitive” locations meaning there is usually no electricity and sometimes no restroom facilities.
“I typically look for things like water sources. We have a lot of kayakers, canoers, and fishers,” Jane said. “I don’t look for electricity and bathrooms but [I look for] things like activities and options for hiking.”
Jane, who says she wants to be a resource for Black campers, has created a directory of 50 Black-owned campsites throughout the nation, including in Alabama, California, Michigan, and Washington.
“I want to be a great resource. Even if it’s not my event, I want to be able to connect others to other Black events happening in the camping world,” Jane said. “One of my models is introducing the world to us and us to the world of camping because I want to introduce us to this beautiful place that we are a part of. We belong here as well, and the stigma of we don’t is something I am hoping to erase.”
On average, about 30 people attend her events which can include games, contests, wine tastings, food trucks, and music.
“For me bringing attention to nature through a Black lens is important because so many people don’t believe we go camping, and then black people don’t believe we should be out in the woods,” Jane said. “To see people come out, especially for the first time, it means a lot to me. If I can give them or convince them it is a safe place, [they] will enjoy [themselves], then maybe [they] will come back out.”
To find out about upcoming Black And Camping events, click here.
Black-owned Campsites
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