Camp Geronimo Site 7

For generations of Arizona's youth, the name Camp Geronimo has been synonymous with summer adventure, skill-building, and lasting memories. Located in the picturesque high country near Payson, this is no ordinary campground; it's a dedicated scouting facility that serves as a premier destination for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). While it may not be a public campground open for general recreation, its importance and presence in the community are undeniable. Camp Geronimo Site 7 is a specific campsite within this larger complex, offering a unique and structured outdoor experience for registered scout troops and their members.

The camp's setting is truly magnificent, nestled beneath the majestic Mogollon Rim, surrounded by over 5,000 acres of ponderosa pine forest. The cool, high-elevation environment provides a welcome escape from the desert heat for campers coming from across the state. This is a place where young people can not only learn essential outdoor skills like knot-tying and fire-building but also earn merit badges, engage in high-adventure activities, and develop leadership qualities. The camp's rich tradition and well-maintained facilities make it a cornerstone of Arizona's outdoor youth programs, a place where the promise of scouting adventure is truly delivered.

While a public user may not be able to simply drive up and reserve a spot for a family weekend, understanding what Camp Geronimo offers provides insight into the robust outdoor culture of Arizona. For parents with children in scouting, this information is invaluable. It highlights the kind of top-tier, structured camping experience available to their kids right here in our state. The atmosphere is one of shared purpose and camaraderie, with scouts and leaders from different troops coming together to learn and grow in a beautiful natural setting. The extensive programs and facilities, from shooting sports to aquatics, show a commitment to providing a comprehensive and engaging experience for every participant.

Camp Geronimo operates year-round for weekend camping and other events, but its primary function is as a summer camp destination. This means its availability and services are tailored to the needs of scouting organizations, with a focus on safety, education, and personal growth.

Camp Geronimo is located near Payson, Arizona, USA, approximately 20 miles north of the town. While a specific street address for the entire property isn't widely used for navigation, the camp is accessed via the Control Road (Forest Service Road 64), a well-known route off of State Highway 87. The drive from the Phoenix metropolitan area typically takes between two and a half to three hours, making it a reasonably convenient location for troops across Central Arizona. The journey itself is a scenic one, offering a gradual ascent into the cooler, forested highlands of the Mogollon Rim country.

Accessibility to Camp Geronimo is managed and controlled, with access limited to registered scouts, leaders, and their families during specific camp sessions or events. Visitors must check in at the Camp Headquarters upon arrival. While there is on-site parking, a core part of the camp experience is that vehicles are generally restricted to the parking lot after unloading. This policy helps maintain the natural, pedestrian-friendly environment of the campsites. Equipment trailers and tow vehicles may be allowed to remain at the campsites, with prior arrangement.

Due to its remote location and reliance on forest service roads, it is always a good practice to check road conditions, especially during the monsoon season or winter months when rain and snow can impact accessibility. The camp is winterized from November to April, meaning that running water is not available at the campsites during this period, which is an important consideration for year-round use.

As a scouting facility, the services at Camp Geronimo Site 7 are designed to support the needs of a youth camping program.

• On-site Parking: Parking is available, with a designated lot for vehicles to be stored during the camp session. Vehicles are allowed at the campsite only for loading and unloading.
• Permanent Latrines: Site 7, known as Geronimo, is equipped with a pit latrine, which includes separate sides for youth and adults, showers, toilets, and a handwashing sink. This provides a more structured and hygienic environment than primitive camping.
• Camp-Specific Amenities: The site features a metal pavilion, a flagpole, and a fire circle. These structures are built to support group activities, meetings, and ceremonies.
• Program Facilities: The broader Camp Geronimo property offers a wide range of facilities for various scouting activities, including a swimming pool, shooting sports ranges (rifle, shotgun, archery), and a lake for canoeing and fishing.
• Dining Hall: During summer camp, a dining hall provides meals for participants, though some troops may choose to cook their own meals.

It is important to understand that these services are part of a structured program. Access to amenities like the pool and shooting ranges is typically tied to a troop's pre-arranged program schedule and requires the supervision of qualified leaders.

Camp Geronimo is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an experience-rich environment with many highlights that set it apart.

• Premier Scouting Destination: Camp Geronimo is a well-known and highly respected camp within the BSA, attracting troops from not just Arizona but from across the country. It is a place with a rich tradition and a reputation for excellence.
• Exceptional Natural Setting: The camp's location beneath the Mogollon Rim is a major highlight. It offers stunning scenery, a diverse ecosystem, and a much cooler climate than the Phoenix and Tucson areas.
• Comprehensive Programs: The camp offers a wide array of programs for scouts of all ages, from the "Trail Begins" program for first-year campers to high-adventure treks on the historic Highline Trail. This provides a wealth of opportunities for learning and personal growth.
• Community and Camaraderie: The camp fosters a strong sense of community, bringing together scouts and leaders from various troops to share in a unique and memorable adventure.
• Well-Equipped Campsites: Individual campsites like Site 7 (Geronimo) are well-equipped with permanent structures such as a pavilion, latrine, and fire circle, which simplifies the camping logistics for troop leaders.

For inquiries about Camp Geronimo and to make reservations, you will need to contact the Grand Canyon Council of the Boy Scouts of America, as the camp is not a public-use facility with a general reservation system.

• Address: The general area is Payson, AZ 85541, USA.
• Phone: The main council office can be reached at (602) 955-7747. During the summer camp season, the camp's headquarters may have a separate number, which can be found in the annual camp guide.

For those in the Arizona scouting community, choosing Camp Geronimo for a troop's summer or weekend camp is an excellent decision. It offers a level of programming and facility quality that is hard to match. This is not just a place to set up a tent; it’s a fully-integrated experience designed to help youth develop skills, character, and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. The variety of programs ensures that scouts of all ages and interests will find something to challenge and excite them, from earning merit badges to participating in high-adventure treks. The well-structured environment, with permanent latrines and a dining hall, provides a level of comfort that allows leaders to focus on their troop's experience rather than on basic logistics.

The location itself is a major draw. The cool mountain air and scenic beauty of the Mogollon Rim offer a refreshing escape from the heat, and the proximity to the Tonto National Forest provides a wealth of opportunities for exploration. For parents, sending their children to a camp with such a strong reputation for safety and educational excellence is a huge peace of mind. The camp's history and popularity within the scouting community speak for themselves, with troops returning year after year. While it is not a destination for the general public, for those it serves, Camp Geronimo is a premier outdoor resource that enriches the lives of Arizona’s youth, making it a truly valuable asset to our state's recreational landscape.

Camp Geronimo Site 7

Payson, AZ 85541, USA