Camp Hiawatha Boy Scout Camp

Hello, fellow Michiganders! Are you looking for an unparalleled outdoor adventure, a place where youth can grow, learn, and experience the very best of Michigan's wilderness? Or perhaps your family is simply seeking a unique camping experience with a strong focus on nature and skill-building? Then allow us to introduce you to Camp Hiawatha Boy Scout Camp, a cornerstone of outdoor education and recreation nestled deep within the stunning Upper Peninsula. More than just a campground, Camp Hiawatha is an 800-acre haven that encircles the pristine 60-acre Bunting Lake, offering a rich tapestry of programs for Scouts BSA, Venturing Scouts, Cub Scouts, and even dedicated family camps. It's a place where tradition meets adventure, where leadership skills are honed, and where memories are forged against the backdrop of the majestic Hiawatha National Forest. For any Michigan resident passionate about youth development, outdoor living, or simply a refreshing break in nature, Camp Hiawatha represents an exceptional opportunity right here in our incredible state.

Camp Hiawatha Boy Scout Camp enjoys a prime location in Michigan's captivating Upper Peninsula, specifically at E6350 Doe Lake Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA. This strategic placement situates the camp between the charming towns of Munising and Chatham, directly within the vast expanse of the Hiawatha National Forest. This geographical advantage provides campers with immediate access to 800 acres of pristine spruce and pine forests, and the camp itself encircles Bunting Lake, a clear, private 60-acre lake central to many of its aquatic activities.

Accessibility to Camp Hiawatha for Michiganders involves a scenic journey that is part of the overall adventure. For those traveling from the Lower Peninsula, the trip includes crossing the iconic Mackinac Bridge, a beloved landmark that signals your arrival in the UP. From there, well-maintained state highways and county roads lead you towards Munising. The drive to E6350 Doe Lake Road, though leading to a somewhat secluded natural setting, is generally straightforward and manageable, ensuring that the camp is within reasonable reach for a week-long summer camp or a family weekend getaway. Its location means that while campers are immersed in a wilderness setting, they are still relatively close to the amenities and services available in Munising, a hub for outdoor tourism. This proximity allows for convenient resupply or access to medical facilities if needed, striking a beneficial balance between rugged outdoor immersion and practical access. Furthermore, the camp's setting within the Hiawatha National Forest means it’s surrounded by numerous other trails and waterways, including easy access to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Island, and the AuTrain River for extended exploration opportunities outside of the camp's structured programs. The journey to Camp Hiawatha is a passage into the heart of Michigan's northern wilderness, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

Camp Hiawatha Boy Scout Camp offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to provide a rich and fulfilling outdoor experience for its participants, whether they are Scouts or families.

• Structured Outdoor Adventure Programs: The core service is a 6-night/6-day outdoor adventure for Scouts BSA & Venturing Scouts, and a 3-night/4-day experience for Cub Scouts and Webelos. These programs are designed to introduce campers to a lifetime of outdoor skills and enjoyment.
• Merit Badge Opportunities: A wide variety of merit badges are offered, allowing Scouts to advance in their skills and earn recognition in areas such as aquatics, target sports, crafts, Scoutcraft (like ropework and navigation), woodworking, metalwork, welding, and even automotive maintenance.
• High Adventure Activities: For older and more experienced Scouts, high adventure programs are available, including opportunities for whitewater rafting, COPE course challenges, climbing towers, and an ATV program (for Scouts 14 and older with certification).
• Patrol Cooking: Meals are primarily served via patrol cooking in the units' campsites. Fresh ingredients and directions are provided, fostering teamwork and essential cooking management skills among the Scouts.
• Modern Facilities: Camp amenities include a shower house with individual stalls (including handicap accessibility) and flush latrines in all campsites, providing comfortable and hygienic facilities.
• Waterfront Program: A robust waterfront program on Bunting Lake features activities such as swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing, with trained staff ensuring safety and instruction.
• Family Camping Weekends: The camp extends its offerings to families through "Family Adventure Camp" weekends, providing campsites with flush toilets and permanent shelters, access to program areas, and campfire activities.
• On-Site Trading Post/Canteen: A trading post is available for purchasing merchandise, toiletries, cooking supplies, camping necessities, snacks, drinks, and camp patches.
• Medical Services: A health office is on-site to address any medical needs during the camp sessions.
• Event Hosting: Beyond programmed camps, the 85-acre property offers retreat facilities for business meetings, family gatherings, creative learning weekends, and special occasions, indicating versatility in its offerings.

Camp Hiawatha Boy Scout Camp is brimming with features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional destination for outdoor education and adventure in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

• Pristine 800-Acre Wilderness Setting: The camp's vast 800 acres, encompassing Bunting Lake, offer an immersive natural environment. This extensive acreage provides ample space for diverse activities, wildlife viewing, and a genuine sense of being deep in the wilderness.
• Private Bunting Lake: Encircling the 60-acre Bunting Lake, the camp provides exclusive access to clear waters perfect for swimming, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing, serving as a focal point for many aquatic programs.
• Diverse Program Offerings: Beyond traditional Scout skills, the camp boasts unique programs like a "Cowboy Action" shooting area with Western frontier town facades, and "Grandpa Joe's Workshop" for woodworking, metalwork, welding, and automotive maintenance merit badges.
• High Adventure Opportunities: For older Scouts, the camp features robust high adventure options including whitewater rafting, a COPE course, climbing towers, and an ATV program with ASI ATV rider certification.
• Patrol-Style Cooking Experience: Emphasizing self-reliance and teamwork, the patrol cooking system where Scouts prepare meals in their campsites fosters essential life skills and camaraderie.
• Modern and Clean Facilities: Despite its wilderness setting, the camp provides a "shower building with individual rooms" and "flush latrines in all campsites," ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay.
• Dedicated and Energetic Staff: Reviews highlight the "rich tradition of excellence and dedicated staff" who put "unbelievable how much effort and energy" into programs, even transforming merit badge classes into engaging, themed productions (e.g., a "murder mystery" for fingerprinting).
• Family Camping Opportunities: Beyond youth programs, Camp Hiawatha offers "Family Adventure Camp" weekends, allowing entire families to experience the camp's programs and facilities together, complete with permanent shelters and picnic tables.
• Proximity to UP Attractions: Its location near Munising in the Hiawatha National Forest means easy access to other iconic UP destinations like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Island, and various trails and waterways for expanded exploration.
• Winter Fun Weekends: The camp extends its season with winter activities like snowshoe hikes to Molly Becker Island, sledding, snow shelter building, and nighttime stargazing, making it a year-round destination.

For more information about Camp Hiawatha Boy Scout Camp, including program details, registration, or facility rentals, please use the following contact information:

Address: E6350 Doe Lake Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA

While a direct main phone number for general inquiries about the camp itself wasn't immediately available in a centralized format, specific program contacts are usually provided through the Michigan Crossroads Council or Bay-Lakes Council websites for registrations and specific event questions.

For general inquiries about Michigan Scouting camps or to find specific program contact numbers, it's recommended to visit the Michigan Crossroads Council website at michiganscouting.org or the Bay-Lakes Council website at baylakescamps.org. These organizations manage the programs and reservations for Camp Hiawatha.

For Michiganders seeking an impactful and memorable outdoor experience, Camp Hiawatha Boy Scout Camp stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination. Its unique blend of structured programs, extensive natural beauty, and a strong emphasis on character development makes it more than just a campground – it's a place where lifelong skills and memories are forged, right here in our own backyard.

One of the most compelling reasons for locals to consider Camp Hiawatha is its deep-rooted commitment to youth development. For families across Michigan with Scouts, this camp offers an unparalleled opportunity for children to engage in a wide array of merit badge activities, from traditional outdoor skills to modern trades like welding, all within a safe and supportive environment. The "dedicated staff" who infuse "unbelievable...energy" into teaching ensure that learning is not only informative but genuinely fun, transforming everyday tasks into exciting adventures. This focus on hands-on learning and personal growth is invaluable for shaping the next generation of Michigan's leaders and stewards of our natural resources.

Beyond the formal programs, the camp's prime location in the Hiawatha National Forest, encompassing its own private Bunting Lake, offers an authentic Upper Peninsula wilderness experience. This means that whether you're a Scout enjoying the "robust waterfront program" or a family attending a "Family Adventure Camp," you're immersed in the serene beauty of Michigan's pristine forests and clear waters. The "large open ball field," extensive trail systems, and opportunities for winter activities like snowshoeing mean that the camp provides a vibrant outdoor playground year-round. For Michiganders who value active lifestyles and a deep connection to nature, Camp Hiawatha provides countless avenues for exploration and recreation, including easy access to nearby attractions like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Furthermore, the emphasis on "patrol cooking" and the provision of modern facilities like clean shower houses and flush latrines ensure that while campers gain valuable outdoor skills, they do so with a degree of comfort. This balance makes it an attractive option for a wide range of participants, from experienced outdoor enthusiasts to those new to extended camping. Camp Hiawatha is truly a place where Michigan's youth can "experience the best of the adventures and values of the Boy Scouts of America," and where families can create cherished memories in one of our state's most beautiful regions. It’s an investment in character, skill, and an enduring love for Michigan’s great outdoors.

Camp Hiawatha Boy Scout Camp

e6350 Doe Lake Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA