Camp Hemlock

camp hemlock wv

For many West Virginians, and indeed for those across the Mid-Atlantic, Camp Hemlock in Wardensville isn't just a campground; it's a cherished annual tradition, a place of profound personal growth, and a true testament to the beauty and spirit of the Mountain State. Nestled deep within the breathtaking West Virginia mountains, Camp Hemlock offers an experience that goes far beyond typical outdoor recreation, focusing on building character, fostering community, and providing unforgettable adventures.

As highlighted by loyal visitors, Camp Hemlock is renowned for its "outstanding" overall experience, leaving guests feeling "incredibly refreshed." It's a place where the natural splendor of West Virginia truly shines, creating a backdrop for a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The "sense of community and the genuine fellowship among everyone" are frequently cited as key differentiators, making Camp Hemlock feel like a second home to many. Whether you're a returning camper or considering your first visit, the testimonials speak volumes about the quality of the food—described as "delicious" and "prepared and served with such love"—and the amazing people who make Camp Hemlock so special. From exploring mountain trails to stargazing in open fields, every moment at Camp Hemlock is designed to be special.

While primarily known for its Christ-centered summer camps for boys and girls, Camp Hemlock also extends its welcoming arms to father-son camps, mother-daughter weekends, and family camp retreats, making it a versatile destination for a wide array of groups and individuals seeking an enriching outdoor experience. Its dedication to providing a fun, safe, and spiritually uplifting environment has cemented its status as a highly recommended destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure in West Virginia.

Camp Hemlock boasts an idyllic and accessible location at 2828 Trout Run Rd, Wardensville, WV 26851, USA. Tucked away in the beautiful and rugged landscape of the West Virginia mountains, the camp provides a serene escape while remaining within convenient reach for many. Situated approximately two hours from major metropolitan areas like Baltimore and Washington D.C., it’s an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a week-long summer camp without the burden of excessive travel.

Wardensville itself is a charming, small town that offers a quaint local experience, and Camp Hemlock is perfectly positioned to allow guests to explore its unique character if they choose. The camp neighbors the vast George Washington National Forest, providing an expansive natural playground right at its doorstep. This proximity means direct access to countless miles of hiking trails, opportunities for wildlife observation, and a true immersion in the Appalachian wilderness.

Reaching Camp Hemlock is generally straightforward. While the address might take you down some country roads, the journey itself is part of the scenic experience. Visitors should be aware that the main entrance at 2828 Trout Run Road involves driving through a shallow creek, usually only an inch or two deep, before crossing a bridge into camp. In cases of excessive water, a second entrance at 3108 Trout Run Road, featuring a wooden bridge, is available and clearly marked. This dual access ensures that the camp remains accessible regardless of weather conditions. The rural setting contributes to the camp's commitment to a "digital detox," as cellular signal can be limited, encouraging participants to truly disconnect and engage with their surroundings and each other. This combination of seclusion and relative accessibility makes Camp Hemlock a perfect retreat for West Virginians seeking a genuine mountain experience.

• Single-Sex Summer Camps: Camp Hemlock offers dedicated summer programs for boys in July and girls in August, focusing on age-appropriate activities and mentorship.
• Father & Son Camps: High-energy, half-week camps designed for fathers (or sponsoring adults) and their sons to bond through outdoor activities and shared experiences.
• Mother & Daughter Weekends: Special weekend retreats for mothers and daughters, fostering connection and fun in the natural setting.
• Family Camp Retreat Weekends: Opportunities for entire families to enjoy the camp experience together, typically offered in late August.
• Group Rentals: Co-ed groups, churches, youth groups, and various organizations can rent Camp Hemlock's facilities during the off-season (fall, spring, and limited winter options).
• Rustic Cabin Accommodations: Campers and guests stay in traditional summer camp cabins with bunk beds, screened windows, wood floors, electricity, and fans.
• Tent Camping Options: For those who prefer a more rugged experience, tent camping is also available.
• Dining Hall with Delicious Food: A 144-seat dining hall provides three nourishing and creative meals daily, prepared and served with care by staff and volunteers.
• Commercial Kitchen Access: For groups renting the facilities, a commercial kitchen is available for meal preparation (groups typically provide their own food and staff).
• Meeting Facilities: Werth Hall, a lodge, and other spaces are available for large group meetings and indoor activities.
• Activity Staffing (for rentals): For group rentals, Camp Hemlock personnel can be hired to staff various activities like archery, riflery, slingshots, and axe throwing.

• Extensive Range of Activities: Camp Hemlock offers a diverse array of engaging activities, including swimming, archery, riflery, sling shot, axe throwing, high ropes course, zip line, low ropes course, canoeing, hiking (often in the George Washington National Forest), group games, gaga ball, Nine Square in the Air, human foosball, basketball, and crafts. Specialty camps for older campers may include paintball, caving, and overnight backpacking or river canoe trips.
• Christ-Centered Focus: As a Christian outdoor adventure camp, a core highlight is its emphasis on teaching Christian values, daily Bible study, and providing a supportive environment where campers can grow in their faith. Staff are mature Christians who model godly lifestyles.
• Unplugged Environment: Camp Hemlock promotes a "digital detox," encouraging campers to disconnect from electronic devices to foster deeper connections with each other and their natural surroundings. Cellular signal is intentionally limited to support this.
• Strong Sense of Community and Fellowship: Consistently praised in reviews, the camp cultivates a warm, welcoming atmosphere where genuine fellowship thrives among campers, staff, and volunteers.
• Natural Beauty and Wilderness Access: Located amidst the stunning West Virginia mountains and bordering the George Washington National Forest, the camp provides an immersive natural setting for exploration, wildlife observation, and appreciating God's creation.
• Dedicated and Caring Staff: Reviews frequently commend the friendly, dedicated, and loving staff, many of whom are long-time attendees or volunteers, contributing to the camp's positive environment. Adult staff and volunteers are background-checked and extensively trained in safety and abuse prevention.
• Delicious and Thoughtfully Prepared Food: The food receives high praise from campers and visitors, described as "delicious" and "prepared with such love," with well-balanced meals served in the dining hall.
• Volunteer and Family Work Days: Camp Hemlock hosts monthly Volunteer and Family Work Days, offering an opportunity for prospective campers and families to visit, tour the camp, and contribute to its upkeep, fostering a deeper connection to the community.

While specific, year-round promotions can vary, Camp Hemlock, as a non-profit Christian camp, frequently offers programs and financial aid to make its experience accessible to more families. Here are some common types of special offers or opportunities you might find:

• Scholarship Programs: Camp Hemlock provides scholarships upon request during the registration process for its various camps (boys' camps, girls' camps, father-son camps). This is a significant offering aimed at ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent children from attending. Interested families should contact the camp directly for details on how to apply for financial assistance.
• Early Bird Registration Discounts: Many camps, including those of Camp Hemlock's nature, offer reduced rates for those who register and pay by a certain deadline. While not explicitly detailed as a current public promotion, it’s a common practice to incentivize early planning.
• Multi-Child Discounts: For families sending more than one child, some camps offer a reduced rate for additional siblings. It is advisable to inquire about such family-friendly incentives during registration.
• Volunteer Opportunities: While not a monetary discount, volunteering at Camp Hemlock (e.g., as kitchen staff, cabin counselor, or during work days) can provide a unique and enriching experience, sometimes with benefits that offset costs or provide a deeper connection to the camp, as highlighted by a reviewer who "loved every minute" of being part of the kitchen staff.
• Seasonal Retreat Packages: For groups looking to rent the facility during the off-season, Camp Hemlock offers various pricing tiers based on accommodation type (e.g., classic retreat, group campout, group basecamp, winter options), which can be seen as package deals for different needs and budgets.

For the most current and accurate information on any available scholarships, discounts, or special offers, it is highly recommended to visit the official Camp Hemlock website or contact their registration team directly.

To learn more about Camp Hemlock, inquire about programs, or make a reservation for a group rental, you can reach out using the following contact details:

• Address: 2828 Trout Run Rd, Wardensville, WV 26851, USA
• Phone: (304) 874-3586 (This number is typically active during summer camp sessions or for general inquiries.)
• Mobile Phone: +1 304-874-3586 (This appears to be the same primary contact number.)
• Email: For general information, volunteer inquiries, or scholarship requests, you can email info@camphemlock.org. For specific regional Christian Service Brigade programs, you might contact Arden Musselman at amusselman@csbministries.org.
• Website: For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on programs, registration, frequently asked questions, and more, please visit their official website at CampHemlock.org.

It is always a good practice to confirm details directly with Camp Hemlock, especially regarding specific program dates, availability, and any requirements for attendance or group rentals.

For West Virginians, Camp Hemlock is more than just a summer camp or a rental facility; it's a vital community resource that embodies the very spirit of the Mountain State. Its location in Wardensville places it firmly within the state's natural beauty, offering an accessible escape without requiring extensive travel. This proximity means that families can easily send their children to beloved summer programs, participate in meaningful father-son or mother-daughter weekends, and even enjoy family retreats that strengthen bonds amidst stunning scenery.

What truly sets Camp Hemlock apart for locals is its profound emphasis on community and personal development. The genuine fellowship, the loving preparation of food, and the dedication of the staff create an environment where individuals, especially children and teenagers, feel genuinely supported and valued. This is critical for fostering resilience, self-reliance, and a strong sense of belonging – qualities deeply cherished in West Virginia. The "digital detox" policy is particularly beneficial in today's screen-dominated world, offering a refreshing opportunity for young people to connect with nature and each other in authentic ways.

Furthermore, the wide array of outdoor activities, from the exhilarating zip-line and high ropes course to the serene canoeing and hiking in the George Washington National Forest, provides invaluable opportunities for physical activity, skill development, and an appreciation for West Virginia’s rich natural heritage. For families seeking a Christ-centered environment, Camp Hemlock aligns with core values, offering a supportive space for spiritual growth alongside outdoor adventure. The availability of scholarships also demonstrates a commitment to making these experiences accessible to a broader range of local families.

Ultimately, Camp Hemlock is a local treasure that offers enriching, memorable, and transformative experiences right in West Virginia's backyard. It's a place where children grow, families bond, and individuals find refreshment, all within the breathtaking embrace of the West Virginia mountains. For any local seeking an authentic and impactful outdoor experience, Camp Hemlock stands as an outstanding choice.

Camp Hemlock

2828 Trout Run Rd, Wardensville, WV 26851, USA