Camp Eagle

For organizations, youth groups, and even non-Scout entities across Nebraska looking for a comprehensive and well-equipped outdoor facility, Camp Eagle stands as a remarkable resource. Nestled along the banks of the Platte River in North Cedar Township, near Fremont, this expansive 312-acre camp offers far more than just a place to pitch a tent. It's a versatile destination designed to host a wide array of activities, from traditional camping and outdoor skill-building to large group retreats and educational programs. While it originated as a Boy Scout Resident Camp, its facilities are now thoughtfully available for rental by both Scout and non-Scout groups, making it a hidden gem for a variety of local users.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Camp Eagle, highlighting its unique offerings from the perspective of Nebraskans seeking a dedicated facility for their group's outdoor needs. We'll delve into its precise location and accessibility, detail the extensive services and accommodations it provides, and spotlight the features that make it an ideal choice for a memorable and impactful outdoor experience. Unlike many public campgrounds, Camp Eagle is structured to cater specifically to groups, offering a more tailored and robust infrastructure for organized activities and events.

Located within the Covered Wagon Scout Ranch, Camp Eagle is a testament to thoughtful design, blending natural beauty with functional amenities. It boasts a mix of "woods, meadows and river bottomland," providing a diverse landscape for exploration and learning. From air-conditioned lodges and cabins to a heated swimming pool and a 5-acre lake for boating and fishing, the camp is equipped to handle various group sizes and preferences, ensuring comfort and convenience even in an outdoor setting.

Whether you're organizing a youth retreat, a family reunion, a corporate team-building event, or a specialized outdoor program, Camp Eagle presents a compelling option right here in the heart of Nebraska. Its commitment to providing a structured yet adventurous environment makes it a highly suitable choice for those looking to facilitate engaging and impactful group experiences in the great outdoors.

Camp Eagle is strategically located in North Cedar Township, NE 68025, USA. More precisely, it is situated approximately three miles northeast of Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska, and on the bank of the Platte River near Fremont. This location places it within convenient driving distance for a significant portion of Nebraska's population, especially those in the eastern half of the state, including the Omaha and Lincoln metropolitan areas.

For groups traveling from Omaha, directions typically involve taking US 275 to NE 64 at Valley, following NE 64 to US 77, then turning north (right) on US 77 to NE 109 (just south of the Platte River). A left turn (west) on NE 109 for about 5 miles, followed by a right turn onto County Road 15 at the sign for Camps Cedars and Eagle, leads directly to the camp. This well-defined route ensures relatively easy navigation for buses and vehicles transporting groups to the facility.

The camp's setting on 312 acres of diverse terrain, including woods, meadows, and river bottomland, provides a natural, immersive environment while remaining accessible. Its proximity to Fremont means that essential services and supplies are not far away if needed, balancing a sense of wilderness with practical convenience. This combination of a natural setting and straightforward accessibility makes Camp Eagle an ideal choice for organizations planning events that require both outdoor immersion and ease of travel for participants from across Nebraska.

Camp Eagle offers a wide range of services and facilities, primarily for rental by Scout and non-Scout groups, making it a highly versatile outdoor venue:

• Group Rentals: Facilities are available for rent by various organizations, including Scout units, church groups, school groups, and other non-Scout entities. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and must be pre-paid.
• Diverse Lodging Options:
  • Pentzien Lodge: An air-conditioned "A-frame" dining hall capable of seating 200 people, ideal for large meals and gatherings.
  • Chief's Wickiup: An administrative center with meeting rooms, restrooms, and sleeping quarters for two, suitable for staff or leaders.
  • Millard Lodge: A general-purpose building equipped with meeting rooms, restrooms, showers, and bunks for up to 50 people, plus a kitchen.
  • Air-Conditioned Cabins: Four cabins, each featuring a kitchen, bathroom, and bunks for 16 people. Three of these cabins are wheelchair accessible, enhancing inclusivity.
  • Primitive Campsites: Twelve designated primitive campsites are available for groups preferring a more rustic camping experience.
• Recreational Facilities:
  • Heated Swimming Pool: A pool is available for recreation, providing a safe and enjoyable aquatic activity option.
  • 5-acre Lake: Ideal for boating (non-motorized, likely canoes/kayaks) and fishing.
  • Campfire Stage: A dedicated area for campfires, skits, and evening programs, fostering community and tradition.
  • Picnic Shelter: A covered pavilion with ten picnic tables, electricity, lighting, and seasonal men's & women's restroom facilities, complete with a fireplace and BBQ Grill.
  • BB and Archery Ranges: Facilities for target practice, suitable for skill-building and recreational shooting under proper supervision.
• Youth Protection and Leadership Requirements: For all youth groups, two-deep leadership (at least two adults, one 21+, one 18+, with Youth Protection Training for Scout groups) is required to ensure safety and supervision.
• Insurance Requirements: Non-BSA groups must provide a certificate of liability insurance with policy limits of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000), naming the Mid-America Council and the BSA as co-insured.
• Hold-Harmless Agreement: Non-Scout groups must sign a hold-harmless agreement acknowledging risks and releasing the Boy Scouts of America and related parties from liability.
• Service Hour Opportunities: Ranger Noah Morocco can be contacted for units interested in providing service hours during their stay.

Camp Eagle offers a variety of standout features that make it a compelling choice for groups seeking an impactful outdoor experience in Nebraska:

• Expansive and Diverse Landscape: Comprising 312 acres of "woods, meadows and river bottomland" along the Platte River, the camp provides a rich natural environment for exploration, outdoor education, and various activities.
• Comprehensive Accommodations: From modern, air-conditioned lodges (Pentzien, Chief's Wickiup, Millard) and cabins with kitchens and bathrooms (some wheelchair accessible) to traditional primitive campsites, Camp Eagle can host groups with diverse preferences and needs, ensuring comfort for all participants.
• Heated Swimming Pool: The presence of a heated swimming pool is a significant highlight, offering a refreshing and enjoyable recreational option, especially during warmer months.
• Private Lake for Water Activities: A dedicated 5-acre lake is perfect for boating (likely non-motorized crafts like canoes and kayaks) and fishing, providing safe and engaging aquatic fun within the camp boundaries.
• Dedicated Activity Ranges: The inclusion of BB and archery ranges offers structured opportunities for skill development and recreational shooting, adding a unique educational and fun element to group programs.
• Versatile Meeting and Dining Facilities: Pentzien Lodge serves as a large dining hall, while Millard Lodge and Chief's Wickiup provide additional meeting and administrative spaces, making the camp ideal for organized retreats and events.
• Organized Group Focus: The camp's design and operational policies, including explicit leadership and insurance requirements for non-Scout groups, demonstrate its specialization in accommodating and safely managing organized youth and adult groups.
• Scenic Platte River Access: Its location directly on the Platte River offers opportunities for river-related observation and activities, enhancing the natural experience.
• Year-Round Rental Potential: While camping is seasonal, the lodges and cabins, with their amenities like air conditioning, suggest potential for year-round group retreats and events, depending on specific rental policies.

Camp Eagle is operated by the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America. For detailed information on facilities, availability, reservations, and specific requirements for both Scout and non-Scout groups, it's essential to contact them directly.

Address: The camp's physical location is within North Cedar Township, NE 68025, USA. More specific operational address often listed is 2911 County Road 15, Cedar Bluffs, NE 68015.

Phone:

• Camp Ranger (Noah Morocco): 402-541-6575 (For service hours and on-site inquiries)
• Member Services (for reservation adjustments or general inquiries related to Mid-America Council): 402-431-9272

Email:

• Camp Ranger: noah.morocco@scouting.org
• Member Services: mac@scouting.org

Website: For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, including a camp map and reservation forms, please visit the official Mid-America Council website, specifically their Camp Eagle page. You can often find reservation portals through their site (e.g., via Black Pug Software for reservations).

It is highly recommended that any group interested in renting Camp Eagle facilities contact the Mid-America Council well in advance to discuss their specific needs, confirm availability, understand all requirements (including leadership and insurance), and finalize reservations.

For local Nebraskan organizations, youth groups, schools, and even non-Scout entities, Camp Eagle presents an exceptionally suitable and valuable resource for group-oriented outdoor experiences. Its strategic location in North Cedar Township, near Fremont, ensures convenient accessibility from major population centers across the state, minimizing travel logistics for organizers and participants alike. This ease of access is crucial for planning successful retreats, educational programs, or recreational gatherings.

What truly sets Camp Eagle apart and makes it highly suitable for locals is its dedicated infrastructure designed specifically for groups. Unlike public campgrounds that primarily cater to individual campers, Camp Eagle offers a structured environment with a variety of lodging options, from comfortable, air-conditioned cabins and lodges to traditional primitive campsites. This versatility allows groups to choose accommodations that best fit their program needs and comfort levels, whether it's a large youth camp utilizing the dining hall and bunk lodges or a smaller group enjoying the privacy of a cabin.

The array of amenities and activities available within the camp boundaries further enhances its appeal. The heated swimming pool provides a safe and fun aquatic outlet, while the 5-acre lake offers opportunities for boating and fishing without needing to leave the site. Dedicated BB and archery ranges allow for skill-building and organized recreational activities, providing engaging programming options. Furthermore, the presence of a campfire stage and picnic shelters fosters a communal atmosphere, perfect for bonding and shared experiences.

The clear guidelines and requirements for leadership and insurance, while necessary for group safety, also reflect a well-managed and professional approach to hosting. This attention to detail provides peace of mind for organizers, knowing that the facility is designed to support a secure and impactful program. In essence, Camp Eagle is more than just a campground; it’s a fully equipped outdoor campus that empowers Nebraskan groups to facilitate enriching, adventurous, and memorable experiences right here in their home state. It stands as a premier choice for those seeking a comprehensive and reliable venue for their next organized outdoor endeavor.

Camp Eagle

North Cedar Township, NE 68025, USA