Homer Allison, pastor of Servanthood Fellowship in Magnolia, opened a primitive campsite that is free to the community in November 2016. The Wilderness Campground includes 12 campsites. “[We] are trying to promote family,” Allison said. Each campsite includes a picnic table and a campfire ring, he said. The campground provides showers and restrooms along with six state park-style grills, a dodgeball arena, an outdoor movie screen, a large picnic area and other outdoor game stations for campers to enjoy. Allison said the campground also welcomes recreational vehicles, although no power sources are provided. “When you’re in the back [of the campground] you feel like you’re in a state park somewhere,” Allison said. “You feel like you’re in the deep woods in the forest. The benefit to those [sites] is you can really escape. The benefit of the [campsites] in the front [is] you have access to the restroom facilities.” The Wilderness Campground can also be booked as a party or special event venue, and Allison often hosts a variety of activities to encourage family time, he said. “I’ve just noticed that there was always a disconnect, because parents are working and trying to chase the ‘American Dream,’” he said. “But they never really have a chance to just stop and roast a marshmallow and just look at the stars for one night.” Allison and his wife founded Battle Cry Ministries in 2000 and later planted a church, Servanthood Fellowship, on FM 1488. Allison developed the campground behind the church facility, he said. “Our prayer is that someone will be able to encounter the power of God [and] the tranquility of God as they stay here,” Allison said. Guests must register online to camp or book an event and can choose to donate to the campground during registration. The campground is open daily. “God has always used the wilderness for multiple things,” Allison said. “That’s why we ended up settling on the name, ‘The Wilderness [Campground].’” The Wilderness Campground 281-804-8683 www.battlecryministries.org Hours: Check-in begins at 10 a.m. Sat. - Sun.