Camp Friedlander Amphitheatre

Welcome to Camp Friedlander Amphitheatre, a cornerstone of outdoor recreation and youth development nestled right here in the heart of the Cincinnati area, in Loveland, Ohio. While widely recognized as a premier destination for Scouts BSA summer camp programs, this expansive 506-acre property, part of the Dan Beard Scout Reservation, serves as so much more than a typical campground. Its facilities and stunning natural setting, centered around the picturesque 18-acre Lake Marge Schott, make it an exceptional venue for various organizations, corporate groups, family reunions, and large-scale public or private events year-round. For residents across Ohio looking for a versatile and well-maintained facility—whether for an immersive camping experience, an adventurous team-building activity, or a memorable large gathering—Camp Friedlander offers a unique blend of rugged outdoor beauty and high-quality, modern amenities.

Founded in 1919 and significantly renovated in the early 2000s, this historic Ohio camp has built a reputation not just locally, but nationally, for its commitment to excellence in programming and its superb facilities. It’s a place where youth, in particular, forge leadership skills and achieve personal growth through a vast array of outdoor activities and educational merit badge options during the summer. However, when the summer camp season winds down, the comprehensive facilities, including the main amphitheatre, dining hall, and various cabins, become available for rental to non-Scouting groups. This allows the wider Ohio community to utilize the camp’s unique offerings, providing an exceptional backdrop for events that benefit from a natural, spacious, and well-equipped environment.

For those seeking an authentic yet comfortable camping experience in Southwestern Ohio, Camp Friedlander provides diverse accommodation options—from traditional canvas tents on raised platforms to heated and air-conditioned cabins, making it suitable for year-round use. The entire property is meticulously maintained, ensuring that every visitor, from a first-time camper to a corporate event organizer, experiences the highest standard of safety and quality during their stay. The focus on a quality outdoor experience, combined with robust infrastructure, is what sets this Loveland campground apart from others in the region.

The camp's dedication to its founding principles shines through its well-developed program areas, which are available to rental groups depending on their needs. The crowning jewel, and the namesake for this specific listing, is the magnificent lakeside **Amphitheatre**. With a seating capacity of approximately 500 people, plus additional lawn seating, this area offers a spectacular, natural setting overlooking Lake Marge Schott, perfect for campfires, award ceremonies, outdoor religious services, concerts, or dramatic presentations. It’s a truly special venue for hosting an impactful event.

Camp Friedlander Amphitheatre is conveniently situated in **Loveland, Ohio**, part of the greater Cincinnati metropolitan area. Its location within the Dan Beard Scout Reservation, just off major local roadways, ensures excellent accessibility for residents throughout Southwest Ohio, including Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky. The camp’s address is 581 Ibold Rd, Loveland, OH 45140, USA. This positioning makes it a highly viable option for local businesses, schools, and organizations searching for a retreat location that feels secluded while remaining easily reachable by car.

The camp is located a short drive from key suburban amenities. For instance, necessities like a Kroger and Walgreens are less than two miles away—a convenient feature for groups needing to quickly resupply. The proximity to major highways also means that the property is easily accessed by groups traveling from further afield, including those who may be arriving via the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), for which shuttle services can sometimes be arranged (though this is primarily for larger, pre-organized Scout events, general renters should inquire). Its blend of proximity to civilization and a deeply immersive natural environment is one of its greatest assets for the Ohio community.

The range of facilities at Camp Friedlander goes far beyond basic camping, providing a full-service environment suitable for groups of all sizes and purposes.

• **The Amphitheatre:** A stunning, large-capacity lakeside venue (seating for 500+) with a large campfire ring, ideal for evening programs, performances, ceremonies, and team gatherings. Full audio-visual support is also available upon request for events.
• **Dining Hall:** A spacious, air-conditioned facility with seating for up to 600 people, featuring an industrial kitchen that supports full catering or group meal preparation. The hall includes a large deck for outdoor dining and is perfect for banquets, wedding receptions, and large corporate trainings.
• **Campsites:** A total of 23 well-maintained campsites with varying capacities. These traditional sites feature canvas tents on wooden platforms, fire rings, picnic tables, and are located near water pumps and shared shower facilities. Lakefront and secluded woodland locations are available.
• **Cabins:** Available for year-round rental, with heating for cooler months. Options include smaller heated cabins and larger heated and air-conditioned cabins that may include full bathrooms and small kitchenettes with refrigerators—perfect for adult leaders or smaller group retreats.
• **Water Activities:** Access to the 18-acre Lake Marge Schott for activities such as fishing, sail boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The camp also features an Olympic-size swimming pool (seasonal), complete with pool toys and nets.
• **Other Indoor Facilities:** Includes the Eagle's Nest, a heated and air-conditioned conference room for smaller groups (seating for about 40) with high-speed wireless internet access and a small kitchenette.
• **High-Speed Internet Access:** Available in many indoor locations, including the larger cabins and conference areas. Cell coverage is also generally available throughout the property.

Camp Friedlander is distinguished by unique features that provide both memorable recreation and valuable developmental opportunities, making it a truly premier facility in the Cincinnati region.

• **Lakeside Setting:** The beautiful 18-acre Lake Marge Schott serves as the central hub for aquatic programs and provides a stunning natural backdrop for the Amphitheatre and surrounding campsites. The approximately 1.2-mile loop trail around the lake is perfect for walking and reflection.
• **High-Adventure Program Elements:** The camp boasts a 60-foot tall **Climbing and Rappelling Tower** and a comprehensive **COPE** (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) ropes course. These elements are highly sought after for team-building activities, corporate leadership training, and personal challenge programs.
• **Shooting Sports Ranges:** Dedicated ranges are available for groups, including instruction for .22 rifles, .50-caliber muzzle-loaders, shotgun shooting, and archery, all operating under strict safety standards.
• **Rich Historical Context:** As a camp established in 1919, the property is steeped in a century of tradition and commitment to outdoor education and service, adding a depth of character to any event held on the grounds.
• **Versatile Rental Opportunities:** Outside of the peak summer camp season, the facilities are available to non-Scouting groups, offering a secluded and vast area for retreats, conferences, and large family or organizational events not easily found at smaller venues.

For inquiries about reservations, event rentals, or further details on the use of the Amphitheatre and other facilities at this excellent Loveland location, please use the following contact details:

Address: 581 Ibold Rd, Loveland, OH 45140, USA

Phone: (513) 577-7700 (General Inquiries)

For any Ohio resident or organization searching for a comprehensive outdoor facility, Camp Friedlander Amphitheatre represents an unparalleled choice. What is worth choosing here is the combination of **scale, versatility, and quality**. Few campgrounds in the region can offer a 500-person amphitheatre, an Olympic-size pool, a 60-foot climbing tower, and a 600-person dining hall all within one beautifully preserved 506-acre natural setting. Whether your need is a traditional lakeside tent camping experience, a comfortable retreat in a heated cabin, a formal dinner, or a memorable outdoor awards ceremony overlooking the water, this Loveland treasure provides the infrastructure to support it.

The property’s long-standing dedication to maintaining high standards, inherited from its history as a premier Scouts BSA camp, ensures that all visitors benefit from a well-run, safe, and fully-equipped environment. For corporate groups in Cincinnati seeking powerful team-building through the COPE course, or non-profits planning a large-scale outdoor fundraiser, Camp Friedlander offers both the natural beauty of Ohio’s landscape and the necessary modern facilities. It's more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a fully-featured destination ready to host your next major outdoor event or adventure.

Camp Friedlander Amphitheatre

581 Ibold Rd, Loveland, OH 45140, USA