Camp Miakonda, Scouting America - Erie Shores Council

For Ohio families and organizations, finding a versatile outdoor space that offers both serene natural beauty and engaging activities can be a true asset. In Toledo, Camp Miakonda, part of the Scouting America - Erie Shores Council, stands as an exceptional property that goes beyond its primary role as a scout camp. It's a cherished local resource that opens its well-maintained grounds for public events, family activities, and summer day camps, making it a fantastic option for anyone in the Ohio region seeking a blend of nature, recreation, and community spirit.

Camp Miakonda is a historic and highly regarded outdoor property managed by the Scouting America - Erie Shores Council, located right in Toledo, Ohio. As the 5th oldest Scouting America camp in the United States, it boasts a rich legacy of outdoor education and youth development. Spanning an impressive 160 acres, this resident-type facility is celebrated for its beautiful natural setting, featuring an abundance of trees, plants, and diverse natural elements that truly immerse visitors in the outdoors.

While deeply rooted in Scouting, Camp Miakonda frequently opens its gates to the public for various events, allowing the wider Ohio community to experience its charm. Visitors consistently praise the property for its cleanliness, including its cabins, grounds, and even its "decent" bathrooms. The staff and park rangers are often highlighted for being incredibly helpful and welcoming, contributing to a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. Beyond its traditional camping offerings, the camp is particularly renowned for its excellent summer day camp program, which provides a wide array of activities for children, ensuring a fun and enriching experience. Whether you're a scout family, looking for a public event, or considering a summer program for your child, Camp Miakonda offers a well-maintained and engaging outdoor environment.

Camp Miakonda is conveniently located at 5600 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43623, USA. This address places it within the city limits of Toledo, Ohio, making it easily accessible for residents of Toledo and the surrounding communities in Lucas County and Northwest Ohio. Its urban-adjacent location means that while you feel immersed in nature, you're never far from essential services, major roads, and other city amenities.

Accessibility to Camp Miakonda is generally straightforward, whether traveling by personal vehicle or public transport (though checking specific routes is advised). For larger public events, the camp has even coordinated off-site parking with shuttle services from nearby schools like Southview High School and Stranahan Elementary, demonstrating its commitment to smooth access for visitors. The property itself features well-kept trails and internal roads, allowing visitors to easily navigate the grounds and reach various activity areas. This combination of being within a major city while offering a substantial natural retreat makes Camp Miakonda an ideal and practical destination for Ohioans seeking outdoor activities.

Camp Miakonda, as a comprehensive outdoor facility, offers a wide array of services and amenities, primarily geared towards Scouting groups but also accessible to the public for various functions:

• Cabins for Rental: Fourteen rustic cabins are available for rental, providing a comfortable lodging option for groups and families. Some cabins include bunk beds, electricity, and even attached bathrooms (for specific events/rentals).
• Adirondack Sites: Four Adirondack sites (three-sided buildings) offer a more open, yet sheltered, camping experience.
• Tent Camping Sites: Numerous traditional tent camping sites are available throughout the grounds.
• Dining Hall with Food Service: A dedicated dining hall is on-premises, complete with food service operations, capable of serving meals for large groups.
• Open Cafe and Gift Shop (Trading Post): An on-site shop offers a variety of selections, including snacks, drinks, and gifts.
• Clean Bathrooms and Shower Facilities: Well-maintained bathroom facilities are available throughout the camp, often praised for their cleanliness.
• Pool: A refreshing swimming pool is available for use, especially popular during summer programs.
• Lake Access: The camp features a serene lake (Lake Sawyer) suitable for fishing and other water-based activities.
• Facility Rentals for Events: Beyond scouting activities, spaces like the Council Lodge, Ford Center, and Wildlife Center can be rented for non-Scout group special events, dinners, training seminars, and even weddings (with specific restrictions like no alcohol).
• Day Camp Programs: Highly popular summer day camp programs are offered for youth, providing structured outdoor activities.

Camp Miakonda is celebrated for numerous features that enhance the outdoor experience for all its visitors:

• Rich History: As one of the oldest Boy Scout camps in the US, it holds a significant historical value, with a Historical Museum and a marked historical trail on-site.
• Beautiful and Well-Maintained Property: The expansive grounds are consistently praised for being clean, well-kept, and showcasing the beauty of nature.
• Versatile Accommodations: Offers a range of lodging from rustic cabins to Adirondack shelters and traditional tent sites, catering to different comfort levels.
• Engaging Summer Day Camp: A highly recommended program for kids (grades 2+ without adult accompaniment, 1st grade with adult), offering diverse activities like fishing, swimming, hiking, BMX track riding, and games.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Reviews frequently highlight the awesome park rangers and staff who are welcoming and actively engage with visitors.
• Diverse Recreational Opportunities: Beyond camping, the camp offers access to a pool, a lake for fishing, a BMX track, and extensive trails for walking and hiking.
• Public Events: The camp regularly hosts public events, such as Cub Companion Day, allowing non-Scout families to participate in themed activities and explore the property.
• Fort Miakonda: A unique feature that adds to the camp's character and offers a historical/play element.
• On-Site Amenities: A dining hall with food service, an open cafe, and a gift shop provide convenience for campers and event attendees.

As Camp Miakonda is primarily an educational and recreational facility operated by Scouting America, its "promotions" often come in the form of program-specific pricing and early bird registration for events rather than traditional discounts.

• Early Bird Registration for Events: For public events like "Cub Companion Day," early bird pricing is offered (e.g., $40 per pair by April 18th, increasing to $50 after). These early registrations often include additional perks like custom t-shirts.
• Program-Specific Fees: Summer day camp programs have set fees. While not "promotions," their value is in the structured, activity-rich environment they provide.
• Facility Rental Pricing: For non-Scout groups interested in renting cabins or event spaces, specific pricing tiers exist for different packages (e.g., Basic Wedding Package starting at $900). It's best to inquire directly for current rates and availability for these rentals.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees for specific programs, public events, or facility rentals, it is always best to contact the Erie Shores Council directly.

To learn more about Camp Miakonda, inquire about programs, public events, cabin rentals, or general information, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 5600 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43623, USA
Main Phone: (419) 241-7293 (Erie Shores Council)
Camp & Program Assistant: (419) 843-0107
Camp Miakonda Ranger: (419) 467-8528
Email (for summer day camp questions): CMCampDirector@ErieShores.org

For facility rentals or specific program inquiries, contacting the appropriate direct line or email is highly recommended. Reservations for cabins and facilities are often confirmed only upon payment.

For Ohioans, particularly those in the Toledo area, Camp Miakonda offers a unique and invaluable local resource for outdoor recreation and community engagement. Its convenient location within Toledo means that a natural escape is easily accessible, eliminating the need for long travel times for families or groups looking for outdoor adventure.

What makes Camp Miakonda particularly suitable for locals is its versatility. Beyond being a traditional scout camp, it actively welcomes the public through various events, offering a chance to experience its well-maintained grounds, cabins, and extensive trail system. Families with children will find the summer day camp programs to be an outstanding local option, providing a structured yet fun environment for kids to learn outdoor skills, swim, fish, and engage in various activities. The consistently praised cleanliness of the facilities and the friendly, helpful staff ensure a comfortable and positive experience for all visitors. Whether you're part of a scouting family, looking for a unique venue for a group event, or simply seeking a day of outdoor fun and education for your children, Camp Miakonda stands as a fantastic, well-supported, and cherished outdoor gem right in the heart of Toledo, Ohio.

Camp Miakonda, Scouting America - Erie Shores Council

5600 W Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43623, USA