Camp Cris Dobbins (Private Campground)

Nestled within the scenic landscapes of Elbert, Colorado, Camp Cris Dobbins stands as a well-regarded private campground, primarily known for its role as a premier Boy Scouts of America (BSA) summer camp. This expansive facility offers a unique and enriching outdoor experience, designed to foster growth, learning, and adventure for young people. While it operates as a private entity, its focus on youth development through outdoor education makes it a significant asset to the Colorado community. Visitors consistently praise its beautiful acreage, the quality of its facilities, and the wide range of programs it offers.

Camp Cris Dobbins is part of the larger McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley, providing a secure and dedicated environment for its campers. It aims to be more than just a campground; it’s a place where leadership skills are honed, new talents are discovered, and memorable experiences are forged in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Despite some varied feedback regarding staff interactions, the overall consensus highlights a commitment to providing a high-quality camping experience with excellent facilities and a strong program offering. It's truly a "must-visit camp for all scouts" who seek challenging and impactful outdoor adventures in Colorado.

Camp Cris Dobbins is strategically located at 22799 N Elbert Rd, Elbert, CO 80106, USA. This prime address places it in the beautiful rural setting of Elbert County, approximately an hour's drive southeast of downtown Denver. Its position within the expansive McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley ensures a secluded and immersive outdoor environment, far removed from the distractions of city life. The camp's elevation, often around 7,000 feet, provides sweeping views of Pikes Peak and the majestic Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, offering a truly inspiring backdrop for all activities.

Accessibility to Camp Cris Dobbins is generally straightforward. From major urban centers like Denver, visitors can take I-25 south, then connect to Highways 86 and Elbert Highway, leading directly to the camp entrance. While the drive takes you through picturesque Colorado countryside, the roads are typically well-maintained. The camp operates with a gated entry system, ensuring controlled access and security for all participants. This blend of remote natural beauty with reasonable accessibility makes Camp Cris Dobbins an ideal destination for youth groups and educational programs looking for a dedicated outdoor setting in Colorado.

As a specialized private campground focused on youth development, Camp Cris Dobbins offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support its immersive programs. These go beyond typical public campgrounds to provide a structured and enriching experience.

• Newly Renovated Facilities: The camp boasts "newly renovated facilities," indicating a commitment to modern and well-maintained infrastructure, including lodging, program areas, and dining facilities.
• Dining Hall Experience: Campers enjoy a "traditional dining hall camping experience" with "top-notch" food and "plentiful" portions, ensuring Scouts are well-fed and energized for their activities.
• Extensive Merit Badge Programs: A core offering, the camp provides a wide array of "Merit Badge choices" – often over 40-50 options – covering various skills from aquatics to shooting sports, and essential Scoutcraft. This includes Eagle-required merit badges.
• Specialized Program Areas: Facilities include world-class shooting ranges (shotgun, rifle, archery), a climbing and rappelling tower, an outdoor pool with water slides, a lake for aquatics (sailing, swimming, canoeing, rowing, lifesaving), and dedicated areas for nature, handicrafts, and STEM.
• First-Year Camper Program (Eagle Bound): A specific program is offered for new Scouts, focusing on Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements, to help them quickly integrate and progress.
• Adult Leader Training & Amenities: The camp also caters to adult leaders, offering training programs (e.g., Aquatics Supervision, Climb on Safely), a leader lounge with wireless high-speed internet, and activities like the "Scoutmaster Challenge patch."
• Security and Supervision: With highly trained staff and a commitment to BSA Accreditation, safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for all participants. The gated entry also contributes to security.
• Program and Event Management: The camp provides a structured schedule of activities, including evening programs, and facilitates the logistical aspects of summer camp experiences, as outlined in their Leaders' Guides.

Camp Cris Dobbins distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a standout destination for youth outdoor education and camping in Colorado.

• "Beautiful Acreage" and Scenic Views: Situated amidst the Black Forest with "sweeping views of Pike's Peak and the front range of the Rocky Mountains," the natural setting is a significant draw, offering inspiring vistas and a serene environment.
• High-Quality Food: Despite one dissenting review, the food is generally described as "top notch with the portion being plentiful," which is crucial for active campers.
• "Spirited Fun Loving Staff": Many reviewers commend the staff for their enthusiasm and dedication, contributing positively to the camp atmosphere. The camp's guiding principles emphasize "Guest Service" and "Excellence."
• Diverse Program Offerings: Beyond merit badges, the camp provides a vast array of activities, including movie making with a green screen, volleyball, branding personal items, Totin' Chip practice, and unique experiences like "touch a live tarantula."
• World-Class Shooting Facilities: The dedicated ranges for shotgun, rifle, and archery are a significant highlight, offering a safe and professional environment for these popular activities.
• Aquatics Programs: With a lake and a large outdoor pool featuring water slides, the aquatic offerings are robust, including swimming, canoeing, sailing, and lifesaving training.
• Leadership and Educational Growth: The camp's mission is explicitly focused on enriching the fundamentals of Scouting through "unique opportunities for leadership and educational growth," making it ideal for character development.
• Accessibility for First-Time Campers: The "Eagle Bound" program ensures that new Scouts are well-supported and can easily work on essential foundational requirements.
• Year-Round Program Hosting: Beyond summer camp, the venue hosts various Scouting events, leadership training, and conservation service projects throughout the year, demonstrating its continuous utility for the Scouting community.

For inquiries, program details, or registration information for Camp Cris Dobbins, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 22799 N Elbert Rd, Elbert, CO 80106, USA

Phone: (303) 648-3023

Mobile Phone: +1 303-648-3023

For detailed program guides, merit badge lists, and specific event schedules, it is highly recommended to visit the official Scouting Colorado website or the Denver Area Council, BSA website, which typically hosts comprehensive information about Camp Cris Dobbins.

For Coloradans, Camp Cris Dobbins is more than just a campground; it’s a cornerstone for youth development and outdoor education deeply embedded in the state’s natural landscape and community values. Its suitability for locals, particularly those involved in Scouting or seeking structured outdoor programs for their children, is multifaceted.

Firstly, its convenient location in Elbert, just an hour's drive from Denver, makes it highly accessible for families across the Front Range. This means less travel time and more time spent engaging in enriching activities, which is a significant advantage for busy Colorado families. The ability to experience the stunning "sweeping views of Pike's Peak and the front range of the Rocky Mountains" without an arduous journey truly leverages Colorado's natural beauty for educational purposes.

Secondly, the camp’s focus on the Boy Scouts of America program, with its vast array of merit badges and emphasis on leadership, safety, and character development, aligns perfectly with the values many Colorado families instill in their children. The "newly renovated facilities" and "top-notch food" ensure that while the experience is challenging, it is also comfortable and well-supported. For local Scout troops, this camp provides an unparalleled opportunity to fulfill program requirements and foster camaraderie in a dedicated and safe environment.

Finally, the camp’s status as a private campground, dedicated primarily to BSA activities, means it offers a consistent and high-quality experience that public campgrounds often cannot replicate. It's a specialized venue designed for a specific purpose, resulting in tailored programs and committed staff. While individual experiences can vary, the overall positive reputation among the Scouting community in Colorado confirms its place as an invaluable resource for developing resilient, capable, and environmentally conscious young citizens of the state. For any Colorado family looking for a transformative summer camp experience, Camp Cris Dobbins is an excellent and highly recommended choice.

Camp Cris Dobbins (Private Campground)

22799 N Elbert Rd, Elbert, CO 80106, USA