Camp Edgewood

Introduction / Overview

For generations, Camp Edgewood in DeQuincy, Louisiana, has stood as a significant outdoor hub, particularly renowned as a Boy Scout camp. Nestled in Beauregard Parish, this expansive property has long served as a vital venue for youth development, outdoor education, and group gatherings. While its history is rich with positive experiences, including popular events like "Swamp Derby," the camp has also faced significant challenges, notably from storm damage. Despite these setbacks, the spirit of Camp Edgewood, fueled by a "wonderful staff" and dedicated restoration efforts, continues to aim towards providing enriching outdoor experiences for Louisiana locals.

Camp Edgewood spans 283 acres, offering a diverse landscape that includes various campsites, program areas, and specialized facilities. Traditionally, it has been a cornerstone for Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, and Venture Crews, providing a structured environment for leadership training, skill development, and fostering a love for the outdoors. Beyond Scouting, the camp extends its facilities to "church and civic groups, schools, private parties, and weddings," highlighting its versatility as a venue for a wide array of community events and retreats within Southwest Louisiana.

The journey of Camp Edgewood is one of resilience. Customer reviews reveal a split perspective: while some fondly recall "great Boy Scout Camp" and commend the staff, others have noted the impact of storm damage, describing conditions as "rundown now" with "rotted bridges" and "dry" creeks and lakes. This overview aims to present a balanced view, acknowledging the camp's foundational strengths and the ongoing challenges, while emphasizing the dedicated efforts to restore it to its former glory for the benefit of Louisiana's local communities.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Edgewood is strategically located at 3419 Camp Edgewood Rd, Dequincy, LA 70633, USA. This position in southern Beauregard Parish places it conveniently between the towns of DeQuincy and Ragley, making it quite accessible for Louisiana residents. For those in Southwest Louisiana, particularly from cities like Lake Charles, the camp is just a comfortable 30-minute drive away. This relatively close proximity to urban centers ensures that groups from across the state—from Baton Rouge to Lafayette and even Shreveport—can consider Camp Edgewood for weekend events, summer camps, or longer retreats without extensive travel.

The access roads leading to Camp Edgewood are generally manageable, facilitating the arrival of various vehicles, including buses and larger group transports commonly used for scout and church events. While the camp is immersed in a natural, forested setting, its connection to the local road network ensures that essential services and supplies in nearby DeQuincy or Ragley are within easy reach. This balance of being secluded enough for an immersive outdoor experience yet connected to necessary amenities is a significant advantage for organizing events at the camp.

Despite reports of storm damage affecting some internal areas, the core access to the property remains functional. This continued accessibility is crucial for the ongoing restoration efforts and for groups who continue to utilize the camp's resilient spirit and its dedicated staff. For any local group planning a visit, understanding the location's balance of natural immersion and practical accessibility is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience at this important Louisiana outdoor venue.

Services Offered

• Multiple Campsites: The property offers 14 distinct campsites, designed to accommodate various group sizes and types, from Cub Scout Packs to Scouts BSA Troops and Venture Crews, and also non-Scouting groups.
• Dining Hall with Commercial Kitchen: A large Dining Hall equipped with a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen is available, capable of seating up to 250 people, making it suitable for large-scale meal preparation and events.
• Target and Range Activities: Dedicated program areas include archery, rifle, and shotgun ranges, featuring modern amenities like automatic low and high houses for shotgun activities, providing specialized training and recreational opportunities.
• Diverse Program Areas: Beyond specific ranges, the 283-acre property encompasses numerous other program areas to support a wide array of outdoor activities and educational sessions.
• Year-Round Programs and Availability: Council programs are offered throughout the year on weekends and during school breaks, ensuring consistent opportunities for various groups to utilize the camp.
• Group Reservations: Camp Edgewood is open for reservations by various organizations including church and civic groups, schools, private parties, and weddings, subject to a formal rental agreement process.
• Dedicated Staff Support: The camp benefits from a "wonderful staff" who are actively working on maintaining and restoring the grounds, aiming to provide a positive experience for visitors.
• Volunteer Opportunities: There are ongoing volunteer initiatives and work days focused on maintaining and improving the campsites and other areas, indicating a community-supported approach to upkeep.
• Health and Safety Protocols: The management requires specific health and medical records documentation, highlighting a commitment to safety and preparedness for all campers.
• Refund Policy: A structured refund policy is in place for cancellations, offering clear guidelines for groups making reservations.

Features / Highlights

• Resilient Spirit and Dedicated Staff: Despite facing "a lot of storm damage," a significant highlight of Camp Edgewood is the "wonderful staff" who are "working hard to restore the grounds." This dedication to rebuilding and maintaining the camp underscores a strong commitment to its mission and future, fostering a positive and hopeful atmosphere for visitors.
• Comprehensive Facilities for Group Programs: The camp boasts extensive facilities, including "14 campsites, multiple program areas," and a "Dining Hall, with its state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, can accommodate 250 people." This makes it exceptionally well-suited for large-scale youth camps, educational programs, and community events, offering logistical advantages that many other outdoor venues lack.
• Specialized Target and Range Activities: A unique feature is the "dedicated area for target and range activities," encompassing archery, rifle, and shotgun ranges. These specialized facilities provide unparalleled opportunities for skill development and structured recreational activities, which are particularly appealing for Scout groups and other organizations focused on outdoor education and safety training.
• Versatility for Diverse Groups: Beyond its strong ties to Scouting, Camp Edgewood is open to "church and civic groups, schools, private parties, and weddings." This broad appeal highlights its adaptability as a venue, allowing a wide array of Louisiana locals to utilize its expansive grounds and comprehensive amenities for various purposes, from spiritual retreats to family celebrations.
• Commitment to Future Restoration: While some reviews note that the camp "seems rundown now" with "rotted bridges" and "dry" water bodies due to past storm damage, the explicit mention of ongoing restoration efforts ("hopefully, the camp will be restored better than ever before") suggests a forward-looking approach. This indicates that improvements are being made, encouraging locals to support and return to the camp as it recovers and enhances its facilities.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about programs and restoration efforts at Camp Edgewood, please use the following contact details:

Address: 3419 Camp Edgewood Rd, Dequincy, LA 70633, USA

Phone: (337) 436-3376 (This is the primary phone number for the Calcasieu Area Council, which oversees Camp Edgewood.)

Mobile Phone: +1 337-436-3376

For the most current information regarding camp conditions, program availability, or specific needs for your group, it is highly recommended to contact the camp management directly via these numbers.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Camp Edgewood, located in DeQuincy, Louisiana, is exceptionally suitable for locals, offering a multifaceted outdoor experience that deeply resonates with the state's community-oriented and outdoors-loving population. Its historical significance as a Boy Scout camp has ingrained it deeply into the fabric of many Louisiana families, providing a cherished venue for youth development and outdoor education for generations. For residents across the state, from Lafayette to Shreveport, the camp's accessible location in Beauregard Parish ensures that a meaningful outdoor retreat or group event is always within reach, minimizing travel burdens.

What makes Camp Edgewood particularly fitting for locals is its robust infrastructure designed specifically for groups. The availability of 14 campsites, specialized target ranges for archery, rifle, and shotgun, and a large Dining Hall with a commercial kitchen capable of serving 250 people, addresses the diverse needs of local schools, churches, civic organizations, and private parties. This comprehensive setup facilitates everything from organized youth camps and educational programs to community gatherings and family reunions, providing a versatile and well-equipped venue that supports a wide array of local initiatives.

Furthermore, the spirit of resilience and dedication evident in the staff's "working hard to restore the grounds" after significant storm damage is something that many Louisianians can appreciate and rally behind. While acknowledging the current challenges, the commitment to improving and restoring the camp signifies its ongoing value to the community. For locals, supporting Camp Edgewood means investing in a vital resource that fosters youth leadership, promotes outdoor skills, and provides a space for shared experiences in the heart of Southwest Louisiana's natural beauty. It’s a place where new memories can be forged and old traditions honored, making it an enduring and highly relevant destination for the people of Louisiana.

Camp Edgewood

3419 Camp Edgewood Rd, Dequincy, LA 70633, USA