Camp Minsi Site 5 Onandaga

For local Pennsylvanians, particularly those involved in youth organizations or simply seeking a spectacular outdoor adventure in the scenic Poconos, **Camp Minsi** stands out as a historic and expansive destination. Specifically, **Camp Minsi Site 5 Onandaga** refers to one of the numerous, well-established troop campsites located within the larger 1,200-acre Camp Minsi reservation. Nestled on the shores of the beautiful Stillwater Lake in Coolbaugh Township, PA 18346, the area offers a robust, traditional camping experience rich in history and natural resources.

While primarily known as a premier summer camp facility for the Minsi Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the overall Camp Minsi facilities, including its individual sites, are often made available for weekend and off-season rentals to registered scouting units, families, and approved groups. This provides local Pennsylvania residents with a unique opportunity to access a highly maintained, sprawling natural area that features incredible waterfront and high-adventure program facilities.

The camp’s location in the heart of the Pocono Mountains ensures a pristine, wooded setting perfect for disconnecting from city life. Its massive 314-acre Stillwater Lake is a central attraction, offering aquatic activities that few other private or municipal campgrounds in Pennsylvania can match. For groups looking for a structured, nature-focused, and well-supported camping environment in the 18346 region, Camp Minsi and its dedicated troop sites, like Onandaga, offer an exceptional choice.

Camp Minsi is located in the scenic **Coolbaugh Township, PA 18346**, which is situated in the Pocono Summit area of the Pocono Mountains. The camp's primary administrative and mailing address is often listed as 106 Camp Minsi Road, Pocono Summit, PA 18346. This central Pocono location makes it highly accessible for Pennsylvania residents across the state, particularly from metropolitan areas like Philadelphia (under 2 hours), the Lehigh Valley (under an hour), Scranton (30 minutes), and Stroudsburg (20 minutes).

The camp grounds are easily reached via major Pennsylvania roadways, including Interstate 80 and Route 940. While the camp is deep enough in the woods to feel secluded and wild, the main entrance is located directly across from the Pocono Mountain Regional Police station, providing a known landmark for navigation. The specific campsite, Site 5 Onandaga, is generally categorized as a **"Summer Camp Troop Campsite,"** meaning it is located within the central camp area and is within a short walking distance of the main facilities, such as the dining hall and waterfront, which enhances convenience for groups.

The 1,200 acres encompass relatively flat woodlands, with over 20 miles of hiking trails. This expansive, private setting ensures that while the camp is accessible, the outdoor experience remains authentic and immersed in nature.

The services at a core troop site like Camp Minsi Site 5 Onandaga are designed to support group camping, focusing on essential facilities and group accommodation structures. The availability of specific services, such as dining hall use, often depends on the season (summer camp vs. weekend rental).

• **Site Accommodation:** Troop campsites, including Onandaga, are generally equipped to hold large groups, with capacities ranging from 20 to 90 campers.
• **Sleeping Structures:** During the summer camp season, the sites feature standard BSA **canvas tents on raised wooden platforms**, often with two cots per tent.
• **Sanitary Facilities:** Each troop site includes a dedicated **comfort station** or private latrine facilities, often with running water (though water to the sites is typically turned off during the winter season).
• **Communal Areas:** Every site features a **central canopy**, multiple **picnic tables**, and an established **fire circle** for group gatherings and cooking.
• **Water Access:** Potable water is available year-round from central springs, with running water in the troop sites usually from mid-April through mid-October.
• **Dining:** The centrally-located, spacious **Dining Hall** provides three delicious meals a day during the main summer camp season, and on weekends, is available for rental or use as a warming/gathering area during the winter (kitchen use may be restricted in winter).
• **Year-Round Camping:** The overall property offers various lodging options for all four seasons, including heated tabins, cabins (like Weytrex Cabin), and winter tent sites.

Camp Minsi’s features go far beyond basic camping, offering extensive natural and program highlights that make it a premier recreational destination in the Pennsylvania Poconos.

• **Stillwater Lake Aquatics Center:** The centerpiece is the 314-acre Stillwater Lake, which provides extensive water activities, including **swimming, sailing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, and paddleboarding**. The waterfront also features a unique **Interactive Zone** with water trampolines and climbing structures.
• **Extensive Hiking Trails:** Over **20 miles of hiking trails** traverse the 1,200 acres, providing opportunities to explore the Pocono glacial moraine geology and local wildlife.
• **High Adventure Programs:** For older Scouts and groups, the camp offers high-adventure activities that leverage the Pocono location, such as **whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River, mountain biking, and rock climbing**.
• **Muck Hike:** A unique and highly-treasured camp tradition is the **Muck Hike**, an unforgettable expedition through the camp’s natural swamps and wetlands.
• **Dedicated Program Areas:** The camp features specialized areas like **Shooting Sports** (rifle, shotgun, archery), **ScoutCraft** (outdoor skills), and the **Ecology-Conservation (Econ) area** for nature studies and conservation projects.
• **Trading Post:** A centrally located **Trading Post** offers necessary camping supplies, apparel, merit badge pamphlets, and snacks/refreshments.
• **Proximity of Sites:** The troop sites, including Onandaga, are conveniently grouped, allowing groups easy access to the central dining, health, and program areas.

For groups in Pennsylvania seeking to book a stay at Camp Minsi and inquire about specific sites like Onandaga, reservations and communication are typically handled through the Minsi Trails Council office.

**Official Camp Minsi Address (Coolbaugh Township):** 106 Camp Minsi Road, Pocono Summit, PA 18346, USA

**Minsi Trails Council Professional Office Phone:** (610) 264-8551 (Note: This number is for the Council office and not the camp directly, used for reservations and administrative questions.)

Reservations for weekend and off-season camping at Camp Minsi facilities are generally required to be made online through the Council's designated reservation system. It is advisable to contact the Council office or check their official website for the exact schedule of availability, as the camp operates year-round but has dedicated summer camp periods.

For local Pennsylvania groups, choosing a designated troop campsite like **Camp Minsi Site 5 Onandaga** within the greater Camp Minsi reservation is an exceptional choice due to the **unparalleled access to extensive, high-quality programming and natural features** in the Pocono Mountains.

The primary reason this location is worth choosing is the **Stillwater Lake waterfront**. Very few campgrounds in the region can offer 314 acres of private lake access for diverse non-motorized aquatic activities, which provides endless recreational opportunities outside of hiking. Furthermore, the commitment to providing structured, well-maintained facilities—from the designated campsite areas with latrines and running water to the central dining hall—ensures a **supported and comfortable group camping experience**.

The area is perfectly suited for groups or organizations seeking a destination that offers everything from tranquil forest hiking on over 20 miles of trails to exhilarating high-adventure options, all centralized within the beautiful, historic 1,200-acre tract in the 18346 area. It provides a superior blend of rugged Pennsylvania wilderness and essential infrastructure.

Camp Minsi Site 5 Onandaga

Coolbaugh Township, PA 18346, USA