Camp Minsi Short Term Camping Site

For groups in Pennsylvania seeking a flexible and accessible outdoor experience, the Camp Minsi Short Term Camping Site offers an ideal solution within the renowned Camp Minsi Scout Reservation. Located in Tobyhanna Township, PA, this dedicated area is designed to accommodate groups for shorter stays, weekend outings, or specific events, providing all the essential amenities needed for a comfortable and engaging experience in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. While it serves as a "short term" option, it still grants full access to the extensive facilities and natural beauty that define the larger Camp Minsi.

Camp Minsi itself boasts a rich history, managed by the Minsi Trails Council and spanning over 1,200 acres along the pristine shores of Stillwater Lake. For over a century, it has been a premier destination for outdoor education and recreation, primarily for youth groups associated with Scouting America. The Short Term Camping Site embodies this tradition by offering a convenient basecamp from which groups can launch into a wide array of activities, from aquatic adventures on Stillwater Lake to exploring miles of scenic hiking trails. It's a testament to the camp's versatility, ensuring that even those with limited time can enjoy a quality outdoor experience, fostering camaraderie, skill-building, and an appreciation for Pennsylvania's natural heritage.

The Camp Minsi Short Term Camping Site is situated within the expansive Camp Minsi Scout Reservation, with its primary access point at 106 Camp Minsi Road, Pocono Summit, PA 18346, USA. Although the provided information lists Tobyhanna Township, PA 18346, it's important for visitors to note that the physical camp entrance and core facilities are typically accessed via the Pocono Summit address, which falls within Coolbaugh Township. Regardless, this location places the site squarely within the popular Pocono Mountains region, ensuring excellent accessibility for residents throughout Pennsylvania and the wider Northeast.

Navigating to Camp Minsi is made easy by its proximity to major highways. From PA Route 22, travelers can connect to Route 33 North towards Stroudsburg, then merge onto Interstate 80 West towards Hazleton. From I-80 W, take Exit 3 (old Exit 8) for Route 380 North. A subsequent left turn at the stoplight onto Route 940 West for approximately 1.1 miles will lead directly to the main Camp Minsi entrance, which is conveniently located across from the Pocono Mountain Regional Police station. For those approaching from the PA Route 476 NE Extension (PA Turnpike), taking Exit 95 (I-80 and Route 940) and then following Route 940 East for about 20 miles will bring you to the camp entrance on your left. This well-developed road infrastructure ensures a smooth and efficient journey to Camp Minsi, allowing groups to quickly maximize their time enjoying the pristine natural surroundings of the Poconos, even for short stays.

• Versatile Group Camping Areas: The Short Term Camping Site provides adaptable spaces suitable for various group sizes and needs, whether for a single night, a weekend, or a special event. These areas are designed for quick setup and breakdown.

• Basic Site Amenities: While specific setups can vary depending on the exact short-term site, these areas typically offer essential amenities such as designated areas for tents, fire rings for campfires, and picnic tables for group meals and activities.

• Access to Central Latrine Facilities: Campers in the short-term sites generally have access to centrally located latrine facilities, often including flush toilets and running water, ensuring convenient and hygienic sanitation.

• Access to Central Shower Houses: Modern, centrally located shower houses with individual, private stalls are available within the main camp area, providing comfort and convenience for all campers.

• Dining Hall Services (by arrangement): For groups on longer short-term stays or those participating in specific camp programs, dining hall meal services may be available by prior arrangement, offering three healthy meals daily.

• On-Site Trading Post: The camp features a Trading Post (camp store) where campers can purchase essential camping supplies, snacks, beverages, camp apparel, and other necessities, ideal for those who might not have brought everything for a short trip.

• Water Access: While individual short-term sites may not have direct piped water, easily accessible water sources (e.g., frost-free spigots) are available nearby within the main camp area.

• Emergency Services Proximity: The camp's location ensures close proximity to the Pocono Mountain Regional Police (0.1 miles away) and other local fire and EMS services, providing reassurance and prompt response in case of any emergencies.

• Flexible Program Access: Depending on the season and group type, short-term campers may have the opportunity to participate in or access various program areas, such as hiking trails, fishing on Stillwater Lake, or specific camp-organized activities (check availability and booking requirements).

• Flexibility for Short Stays: The primary highlight of the Camp Minsi Short Term Camping Site is its specific design to cater to groups needing flexible booking for shorter durations, making it perfect for weekend trips, overnights, or event-based camping.

• Direct Access to Camp Minsi's Offerings: Despite being a "short term" site, campers still benefit from access to the vast array of features and activities available across the entire Camp Minsi Scout Reservation. This includes:

  • Stillwater Lake: The centerpiece of the camp, this 314-acre lake offers extensive aquatic activities such as swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing (known for bass, pickerel, perch, catfish, sunfish, and trout).

  • Extensive Trail System: Over 20 miles of well-maintained hiking and orienteering trails crisscross the 1,200-acre camp, providing ample opportunities for nature exploration, wildlife observation, and physical activity.

  • Diverse Program Areas: Depending on seasonal availability and group type, short-term campers can potentially access specialized areas for shooting sports (archery, rifle, shotgun), handicrafts, ecology-conservation, and other outdoor skills activities.

  • High Adventure Opportunities: For older youth groups, proximity to the camp's high adventure programs like whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River, mountain biking the Lehigh Gorge, treetop adventures, and zip-lining may be a draw (booking required).

• Idyllic Pocono Mountains Setting: The site benefits from the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains, offering a serene and scenic backdrop for any outdoor outing, complete with diverse flora and fauna.

• Convenient for Organized Groups: The site is particularly well-suited for organized groups (e.g., scout troops, school groups, church groups) seeking a structured yet adaptable camping environment for their events and programs.

• Year-Round Potential: While many short-term stays occur in warmer months, the general Camp Minsi facilities support year-round camping, allowing for winter activities like ice fishing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing when conditions permit.

As the Camp Minsi Short Term Camping Site is part of the larger Camp Minsi Scout Reservation and primarily serves organized groups, "promotions" are generally structured as "camperships" or group incentives. These initiatives by the Minsi Trails Council aim to make outdoor and educational experiences accessible to a broad range of youth. While direct public discounts for short-term sites might not be explicitly advertised, several avenues exist for financial assistance and group benefits:

• General Trexler Campership: This significant financial aid is automatically granted to the first 1,000 eligible Minsi Trails Council Scouts attending Camp Minsi's summer programs (Cub Scout, Scouts BSA, or Venturing/Sea Scouting Summer Camp). For 2025, this provides a $75 reduction on the overall summer camp fee (e.g., lowering a full week fee from $480 to $405). While specific to summer camp, it demonstrates the Council's commitment to affordability for its core groups.

• Minsi Trails Council Campership: Additional financial assistance is available through an application process for Minsi Trails Council Scouts attending various Camp Minsi programs, including potentially shorter-term events. Approximately $10,000 is typically available to help families with the cost of summer camp, with applications usually due by April 1st.

• Ed Hughes Foundation Camp Scholarship Fund: This fund provides over $15,000 in assistance for Scouting America registered youth residing in specific zip codes within the former Anthracite District footprint, aiming to provide financial access to camp for more youth in need.

• Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church Camp Scholarship: A dedicated scholarship fund may be available for registered Scouting America youth who are members of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Whitehall, PA, offering targeted financial support for their camp attendance.

• Beaver Weekend: A unique opportunity for units to earn free camping by participating in "Beaver Day" service projects. These weekends involve helping with camp maintenance and improvements, providing a cost-effective way for groups to enjoy the camp while contributing to its upkeep. Short-term sites might be utilized for such events.

• Group Booking Incentives: While not publicly advertised, larger groups or those booking multiple dates might be eligible for specific arrangements or preferred access; direct inquiry with the Minsi Trails Council is recommended.

For the most accurate and current details on these opportunities, eligibility requirements, and specific short-term booking arrangements, interested groups and families should always consult the official Minsi Trails Council website or contact their office directly.

For reservations, specific inquiries about the Camp Minsi Short Term Camping Site, or general questions regarding the Camp Minsi Scout Reservation and its extensive programs, please use the following contact details:

Camp Minsi Physical Address:
106 Camp Minsi Road
Pocono Summit, PA 18346, USA
(This address is primarily for direct navigation to the main camp entrance.)

Minsi Trails Council Office (for administrative inquiries, reservations, and program information):
991 Postal Road
Allentown, PA 18109

Phone Numbers:
Minsi Trails Council Professional Office: (610) 264-8551 (Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM)
Camping Director (Brian Dungan): (610) 465-8557
Office Assistant (Ashley Leeper): (610) 465-8570
Camp Minsi Ranger (John Buz): (610) 465-4504 (office) or (610) 428-5841 (cell)

Email Contacts:
For general camp inquiries: campminsi@minsitrails.org
For camping director: brian.dungan@scouting.org
For dietary needs or food service: minsicampdirector@minsitrails.org

Official Website:
For comprehensive details, program schedules, and online reservation information, visit the official Minsi Trails Council website: www.minsitrails.org (Navigate to the "Camp Minsi" section for specific camp details, including short-term camping options).

For residents across Pennsylvania, the Camp Minsi Short Term Camping Site, as part of the broader Camp Minsi Scout Reservation, offers an exceptionally suitable and highly convenient solution for group outdoor adventures. Its strategic location in Tobyhanna Township, within the stunning Pocono Mountains, means that this flexible camping option is easily accessible, allowing local groups to embark on weekend trips, overnight stays, or special events without the burden of extensive travel. This accessibility is a significant advantage for families, youth organizations, and community groups seeking a quality outdoor experience that fits their busy schedules.

The suitability of the Short Term Camping Site for locals lies in its balance of convenience and access to a rich outdoor environment. While designed for shorter stays, it provides essential amenities and a well-maintained base from which groups can enjoy the natural beauty of the Poconos. More importantly, campers at this site gain access to the extensive facilities and diverse programming of the larger Camp Minsi. This includes the centerpiece, Stillwater Lake, offering a wide array of aquatic activities from swimming to sailing, as well as over 20 miles of hiking trails for exploration and skill-building. For local groups, this means a wealth of opportunities for adventure, learning, and camaraderie are readily available, whether they're focusing on scouting skills, nature observation, or simply enjoying time together in the wilderness.

The Minsi Trails Council's long-standing dedication to outdoor education and youth development ensures that Camp Minsi operates as a safe, supportive, and enriching environment. The existence of various camperships and group-focused programs further highlights a commitment to making these experiences accessible to a wide audience. For any Pennsylvanian group seeking a convenient, flexible, and impactful outdoor escape that provides a taste of adventure and a connection to nature, the Camp Minsi Short Term Camping Site stands out as an ideal choice, right here in the heart of our beautiful state.

Camp Minsi Short Term Camping Site

Tobyhanna Township, PA 18346, USA