Here's a couple of thoughts, for what they're worth.
There may be a vast difference in the process depending on what level of ball you're aiming at. Here in New England, there is generally no camp requirement to begin working D3 NCAA ball. You would likely need to attend a one-day try-out, but not a traditional multi-day, stay overnight, type of camp.
If you just want to get your feet wet with some Junior College or Community College ball, you might not even need to do that.
I think someone already mentioned it, but for me, the best advice is simply to find an NCAA official who you feel comfortable with and ask.
If your long term goal is make a Division 1 roster, then the sooner you start on the camp circuit, the better. As everyone has made clear, that is simply how the process works right now. You must go to camp (probably 2 or 3 times), perform consistently well and keep your nose clean.
But since you're just starting out on the NCAA path, I would simply ask a fellow official how to apply to your local college association; or, if you know the name of the association, contact its secretary directly and ask about the process.
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