Camp Bonner North

For Scout Troops, Cub Scout Packs, and Venturing Crews across North Carolina, Camp Bonner North in Washington stands as a classic and expansive outdoor retreat. Part of the historic Herbert C. Bonner Scout Reservation, this camp offers a traditional Scouting experience focused on outdoor skills, camaraderie, and personal growth. It's not just a place to pitch a tent; it's a living classroom where young people can explore nature, learn vital life skills, and build lasting friendships in the heart of Eastern North Carolina.

What makes Camp Bonner North particularly suitable for North Carolina locals and Scouting groups is its dedication to providing a foundational outdoor experience. Reviews highlight its "very spacious" grounds, which are "great for exercise," emphasizing the ample room for various Scouting activities and exploration. While some areas might require ongoing maintenance, the core offering of a traditional, large-scale Scouting camporee site remains invaluable for fostering the spirit of adventure and community. It's a place where generations of Scouts have learned to tie knots, build fires, and appreciate the natural beauty of their home state, reinforcing the values and skills central to the Scouting movement.

Camp Bonner North is located at 679 Harvey Rd, Washington, NC 27889, USA. This address places it on the northern bank of the Pamlico River, across from Little Washington, within the scenic coastal plain region of Eastern North Carolina. It is an integral part of the Herbert C. Bonner Scout Reservation, a property with a long history of serving the Scouting community.

Accessibility for North Carolina groups is generally convenient. From central North Carolina areas like Raleigh, one would typically take US-264 East directly towards Washington, NC. From the south or west, connecting to US-17 North would be a common route. The camp's location near Washington, a well-known historical town, provides clear navigational points. Being part of a larger Scout reservation means the roads leading to the camp are likely accustomed to accommodating groups and their vehicles, including buses and trailers.

The geographical split of the Herbert C. Bonner Scout Reservation is important for understanding accessibility: Camp Bonner North is on the north side of the Pamlico River, while Camp Boddie (formerly also known as Camp Bonner) and Pamlico Sea Base are on the south side. This distinction is vital for groups to ensure they arrive at the correct destination. The "Camp Hannah Bonner," named for the congressman's mother and used for short-term camping by various Scout programs, is also located on the north side, further cementing this area as a dedicated hub for Scouting activities. Its setting offers a blend of natural woodlands and open spaces, ideal for traditional camp activities.

As a dedicated Boy Scouts of America property, Camp Bonner North offers services primarily focused on supporting youth outdoor programs, group camping, and various Scouting activities.

• Spacious Campsites: The camp is described as "very spacious," providing ample room for multiple Scout troops or groups to set up their campsites comfortably, often in patrol-style camping arrangements.
• Year-Round Camping: As part of the East Carolina Scout Reservation, Camp Bonner North likely supports "year-round camping," allowing units to plan weekend trips and events outside of peak summer camp season.
• Program Areas (Implied): While not explicitly detailed in the brief review, a traditional Scout camp of this size typically includes designated areas for various merit badge instruction and outdoor skills, such as:
  • Archery and Shotgun Ranges
  • Canoeing/Kayaking Access (if on a suitable waterway, which it is, being near the Pamlico River)
  • Hiking Trails
  • Campfire Rings/Amphitheaters
• Restroom Facilities: While one review mentions a need for cleaning in some areas, Scout camps generally provide basic restroom facilities, often including latrines or flush toilets, and sometimes shower houses. Maintenance is an ongoing effort for large properties.
• Utility Access (for specific areas): For certain facilities or staff areas, there would be basic utilities like water. Group camping sites may have access to potable water points.
• Emergency Services Access: Given it's a BSA camp, there would be protocols and access to emergency services as needed.
• Leadership Training Opportunities: BSA camps often host adult leader training courses, ensuring that adult volunteers are equipped to lead youth safely and effectively.

Camp Bonner North offers several key features and highlights that make it a cornerstone for Scouting experiences in North Carolina.

• Traditional Scouting Environment: This camp provides an authentic, traditional Boy Scout camping experience, allowing groups to focus on outdoor skills, teamwork, and character development in a natural setting.
• Expansive Grounds: The "very spacious camp" is a significant advantage, providing ample room for diverse activities, large group gatherings, and individual patrol camping without feeling overcrowded. This is "great for exercise" and exploration.
• Dedicated Camporee Site: Camp Bonner North is specifically designated as a "Camporee site," indicating it's well-suited and equipped to host large-scale Scouting events that bring multiple units together for competitions, skill-building, and fellowship.
• Proximity to Waterways: Being situated on the northern bank of the Pamlico River, the camp offers potential for various water-based activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, enriching the outdoor program.
• Part of a Larger Scout Reservation: Its inclusion in the Herbert C. Bonner Scout Reservation means it benefits from being part of a larger, established Scouting infrastructure and potentially shared resources.
• Focus on Youth Development: The core mission of a BSA camp is to foster leadership, self-reliance, and appreciation for the outdoors, which are inherently built into the activities and environment of Camp Bonner North.
• Community Building: As a site where Scouts from various troops gather, it naturally promotes inter-unit interaction and a broader sense of the Scouting community across Eastern North Carolina.

As a facility primarily serving the Boy Scouts of America, Camp Bonner North operates on a program-based fee structure rather than offering typical commercial "promotions or special offers" like a public campground. Access to the camp is generally reserved for registered Scouting units and members of the BSA.

However, Scouting units looking to utilize Camp Bonner North should inquire about:

• Weekend Camping Fees: There would be standard fees for units utilizing campsites for weekend camping, which might vary based on the number of campers and duration of stay.
• Program-Specific Costs: If the camp is used for specific district or council events (like a Camporee or leader training), the cost would be tied to the event registration.
• East Carolina Council Resources: It is advisable to consult the East Carolina Council's official website or contact them directly, as they manage the camp and would have the most up-to-date information on rental rates, program fees, and any applicable discounts for council units.
• Off-Season Availability: During the off-season for major summer camps, there might be more flexibility or different rates for unit camping.

For detailed information regarding reservations, program availability, or fees for Camp Bonner North, please utilize the contact information for the East Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which manages this property.

Address: 679 Harvey Rd, Washington, NC 27889, USA

Phone: (252) 522-1521

Mobile Phone: +1 252-522-1521

It is highly recommended for Scoutmasters, Cubmasters, and other unit leaders to directly contact the East Carolina Council or Camp Bonner staff during business hours. This will ensure you receive the most accurate information on booking procedures, camp rules, available program areas, and any maintenance updates that might affect your visit. Given its role as a key BSA property, direct communication is the best way to plan a successful and compliant Scouting experience.

For North Carolina locals, particularly those involved in Scouting, Camp Bonner North is an invaluable asset. Its suitability stems from its core mission as a traditional Boy Scouts of America camp, offering spacious grounds and a dedicated environment for outdoor education and character building. It provides a consistent and reliable location for troops, packs, and crews to engage in year-round camping, hone their outdoor skills, and participate in large-scale events like camporees. While feedback suggests ongoing needs for brush clearing and mowing, the fundamental appeal of a vast, natural setting for youth development remains paramount. Its location in Eastern North Carolina offers convenient access for many regional units, providing a familiar and accessible venue for Scouting adventures. For parents and leaders committed to instilling values of self-reliance, teamwork, and appreciation for nature in young people, Camp Bonner North offers the classic, essential Scouting experience right here in their home state, fostering a lifelong love for the outdoors.

Camp Bonner North

679 Harvey Rd, Washington, NC 27889, USA