Remote part of Louisiana, junction of the Red River and the Black River. Pic taken in Nov a couple years ago. Part of a 62 mile paddle trip down lower portion of Red River and upper part of the Atchafalaya River. Kayak was fully loaded. Glad I didn't tip over on that trip.
I use sleeping pads for comfort when tent camping and always lay a tarp down underneath tent.

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HHaase,

I'd suggest searching out the various outdoors clubs in your 4 state area. Clubs that do hiking and/or canoeing & kayaking, also are into camping. They schedule trips, some of which include overnight camping.
See if midwestweekends.com has any good leads.