Boone Campsite - Camp Rotary

Are you a Michigan local interested in robust outdoor programs, particularly for youth, or perhaps looking for a unique and thrilling seasonal event? Boone Campsite, an integral part of Camp Rotary in Clare, MI, is a renowned outdoor facility with a rich history, particularly known as a premier destination for Boy Scout summer camps. Beyond its dedicated role in youth development, the site also hosts special events that attract visitors from across the state. While it operates primarily as a group and youth camp, its well-maintained grounds and unique offerings, such as the popular "Haunted Woods," make it a notable landmark in Michigan's outdoor recreation landscape.

Boone Campsite is located within the expansive grounds of Camp Rotary, situated in Clare, MI 48617, USA. This location places it amidst the natural beauty of central Michigan, offering a convenient and accessible escape for residents throughout the state. For those traveling from major Michigan cities, the drive to Camp Rotary is relatively straightforward. From Grand Rapids, the camp is approximately an hour and a half to two hours away, making it a feasible weekend destination. If you're coming from Lansing, the state capital, the journey typically takes around an hour and a half. Even from the Detroit metropolitan area, while a longer trip at about two and a half to three hours, it's a manageable distance for a dedicated youth group or family seeking an immersive outdoor experience.

Camp Rotary is nestled near Beebe Lake, a spring-fed lake approximately 30 acres in size, surrounded by towering pines. This picturesque setting contributes significantly to the camp's appeal. While Boone Campsite itself is a specific camping area within the larger Camp Rotary property, the entire facility benefits from this serene environment. The nearby city of Clare offers essential services, including grocery stores, gas stations, and other amenities, ensuring that the camp and its visitors have access to necessary supplies. The area’s roadways are generally well-maintained, facilitating smooth travel for buses, vans, and personal vehicles heading to the camp for summer programs or events. The natural seclusion, combined with reasonable accessibility, makes Camp Rotary a well-placed hub for outdoor education and recreation in Michigan.

Boone Campsite, as part of the larger Camp Rotary facility, offers a range of services primarily geared towards its role as a youth summer camp and event venue. While it's not a public campground for individual, spontaneous stays in the traditional sense, its services are comprehensive for its intended use:

• Summer Camp Programs: Camp Rotary is a well-established Boy Scout summer camp, offering multi-week programs focused on outdoor skills, leadership development, and merit badge attainment. These programs include activities like climbing, rappelling, disc golf, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, shooting sports (shotgun, rifle, archery), COPE high ropes courses, wilderness survival, and various handicrafts.

• Rustic Campsites: Boone Campsite itself offers rustic camping, with individual sites designed to accommodate groups. While a review notes the removal of most tent cabins, it emphasizes the presence of updated facilities like new enclosed outhouses, maintaining a balance of primitive experience with essential comfort.

• Dining Lodge: Camp Rotary features a large, modern, and comfortable dining lodge capable of accommodating numerous campers, indicating full food service for its programmed events.

• Health and Hygiene Facilities: The broader camp facilities include spacious and fully accessible washroom facilities, a well-equipped infirmary with a full-time nursing staff, and access to local doctors and hospitals within minutes. Daily hygiene routines are scheduled for campers.

• Recreational Building: A dedicated recreational building provides indoor space for activities, important for inclement weather or evening programs.

• Athletic Fields and Courts: The camp offers a large athletic field, a baseball field, tennis courts, a basketball court, and a volleyball court, supporting a wide range of sports and games.

• Waterfront Activities: With Beebe Lake on-site, the camp provides swimming programs in an outdoor heated swimming pool, and opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on the lake. A private beach is also available via a tunnel.

• Special Event Hosting: The camp is equipped to host large-scale events, such as the annual "Haunted Woods," indicating infrastructure for managing significant visitor traffic and themed attractions.

Boone Campsite, as part of the broader Camp Rotary property, boasts several features and highlights that make it a significant and memorable destination in Michigan:

• Premier Youth Outdoor Education: Camp Rotary has a long-standing reputation, dating back to 1921, as a leading facility for youth development through outdoor activities, particularly for Boy Scouts. Its extensive program offerings, from high adventure to traditional camp skills, make it a valuable resource for fostering leadership and self-reliance in Michigan's youth.

• The "Haunted Woods" Event: A major highlight, as enthusiastically noted by reviews, is the annual "Haunted Woods" attraction. Described as "a blast" and "highly recommended," this event transforms the camp into a thrilling experience for the public, showcasing the versatility of the grounds beyond traditional scouting. It's known for its effective scares, props, and overall immersive experience, drawing significant crowds.

• Continuously Improved Facilities: Despite its rustic core, the camp demonstrates a commitment to updating its infrastructure. The replacement of old outhouses with new enclosed ones, and the removal of most tent cabins (suggesting a shift in camping style or ongoing renovations), indicates a proactive approach to maintaining and enhancing the camp environment.

• Beautiful Natural Setting: Nestled near Beebe Lake and surrounded by towering pines and over 1,000 acres of natural terrain, the camp offers a picturesque and immersive natural environment. This setting is ideal for outdoor activities and provides a serene backdrop for both summer camps and special events.

• Diverse Recreational Opportunities: Beyond structured camp programs, the extensive grounds offer space for various activities, including hiking, sports, and waterfront recreation on the lake, catering to a wide range of interests.

• Strong Community Connection: As a long-standing Boy Scout summer camp since 2014 (and prior to that, since 1925), it has a deep connection with the local scouting community and families, fostering loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

• Dedicated Staff: While specific reviews on general camp staff are not provided for Boone Campsite, the success of large-scale events like the "Haunted Woods" hints at an organized and dedicated team capable of managing complex operations and providing a positive visitor experience.

For specific inquiries related to Boone Campsite, Camp Rotary, or general information regarding its programs and events, you can utilize the following contact details. Please note that Camp Rotary is primarily managed by a Boy Scouts of America council, so general inquiries are often directed through their central offices or specific camp departments.

Address: Clare, MI 48617, USA (While a specific street number for Boone Campsite isn't universally listed, this provides the general location for Camp Rotary.)

For official contact information and program details, it is best to refer to the official Boy Scouts of America Michigan Crossroads Council website, or directly search for "Camp Rotary, Clare MI" for the most up-to-date contact information.

General contact information for Camp Rotary is often associated with the Michigan Crossroads Council:

Phone: While a specific direct line for Boone Campsite is not commonly publicized, for general inquiries about Camp Rotary programs, it is often best to contact the Michigan Crossroads Council. Their main office number can be found on their official website.

Boone Campsite at Camp Rotary is exceptionally well-suited for Michigan locals, particularly those with a connection to scouting or a desire for unique outdoor experiences. For Michigan families, Camp Rotary offers a storied and well-regarded summer camp program for youth, providing invaluable opportunities for skill development, leadership, and fostering independence in a natural setting. The extensive facilities, from the updated outhouses at Boone Campsite to the dining lodge and various athletic fields across Camp Rotary, ensure a comfortable and engaging environment for campers. Moreover, for those seeking thrills outside of traditional camping, the annual "Haunted Woods" event provides a highly recommended, locally accessible attraction that has clearly delighted many Michigan residents. The camp's location in central Michigan makes it a manageable drive from many parts of the state, allowing families to easily access its programs and events. The combination of a strong focus on youth development, a beautiful natural environment, and the excitement of community events like the "Haunted Woods" makes Boone Campsite and Camp Rotary a beloved and valuable resource for outdoor recreation and community engagement right here in Michigan.

Boone Campsite - Camp Rotary

Clare, MI 48617, USA