Camp Strake Campsite 4

For families and youth organizations across Texas seeking an unparalleled outdoor experience that combines adventure with education and character development, Camp Strake in Coldspring, TX, represents a significant investment in the future. Situated on a sprawling 2,816-acre property largely surrounded by the serene Sam Houston National Forest, Camp Strake is far more than just a campground; it’s a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive Scouting experience. Moved to its current rural site to escape the urbanization of its previous location, this premier camp, which began operations in its new home around 2019, is committed to delivering a 21st-century outdoor education and leadership institute.

While specifically designated as "Campsite 4" within this vast complex, it's important for Texans to understand that Camp Strake operates as a cohesive, top-tier facility primarily for Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) programs, though parts of it may be available for other groups. It’s a place where young people can disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature, learn vital life skills, and earn merit badges in a truly exceptional environment. From its modern amenities to its expansive program offerings, Camp Strake is a testament to the enduring values of outdoor adventure and personal growth, making it an invaluable resource for the youth of our great state.

Camp Strake Campsite 4 is located within the larger Camp Strake property, situated in Coldspring, Texas, with the general address being JP8X+57, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA. More specific physical addresses associated with Camp Strake include 2301 Hines Lake Rd, Coldspring, TX 77331, and 2020 Camp Strake Rd, Coldspring, TX 77331. This prime location places it deep within the scenic beauty of East Texas, specifically bordered on three sides by the Sam Houston National Forest, ensuring a genuinely natural and secluded setting.

The camp's rural position offers a true escape from city life, yet it remains remarkably accessible for Texans. Coldspring is a relatively central location within East Texas, making it a manageable drive from major metropolitan areas. For instance, it's about an hour's drive north of Houston, making it feasible for weekend programs and summer camps without extensive travel. The proximity to the Sam Houston National Forest also means easy access to a wider network of trails and natural areas for extended outdoor activities beyond the camp's boundaries, including the renowned Lone Star Hiking Trail, which is near one corner of the property. For any group planning a visit, checking the specific directions and entry points for Camp Strake is advisable, as the extensive grounds may have multiple access points depending on the program area being visited.

Camp Strake, including areas like Campsite 4, provides an impressive array of services tailored to support a comprehensive Scouting and outdoor education experience. These services reflect its design as a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

• Twenty Dedicated Campsites with Pavilions: The camp features 20 distinct campsites, each equipped with protective covers and electric power. These pavilions serve as central gathering points for Scouts to pitch tents and build campfires around.

• Air-Conditioned Dining Hall: A large dining hall with a capacity for 450 people is available, offering three meals per day. This facility is climate-controlled, providing comfort even during hot Texas summers, and is supported by a separate delivery road for continuous supply management.

• Modern Restrooms and Shower Houses: Throughout the camp, modern and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities are available, ensuring comfort and hygiene for all campers.

• Eco-STEM Center: A dedicated Eco-STEM Center allows Scouts to earn merit badges in science, technology, engineering, and math, offering hands-on activities and educational programs.

• Merit Badge Pavilions: In addition to the main STEM center, eight specific merit badge pavilions are available, providing specialized areas for learning and skill development across various disciplines.

• Program and Event Pavilions: A large program pavilion is capable of hosting nearly 1,000 people for ceremonies, speeches, and general camping activities, while a main pavilion also provides a central gathering space.

• Staff Cabins: During summer camp, 40 fully climate-controlled staff cabins (with AC, heat, and ceiling fans) house camp counselors, ensuring comfortable living conditions for the dedicated staff.

• Reservation System: Units, troops, crews, and ships can reserve specific campsites and program areas (like ranges, climbing tower, aquatics) through an online reservation system (e.g., Doubleknot), with a deposit and full payment required prior to arrival.

• Specialized Camp Programs: Camp Strake offers various specialized camps beyond traditional summer camp, such as Strake Odyssey (space-focused), ATV Trek, Webelos & Arrow of Light Quest, and Cub Scout Day Camps, providing diverse learning and adventure opportunities.

• Food Service: High-quality and nutritious meals are provided on-site by a professional custom food service company, with menus reviewed by a certified dietician to ensure proper nutrition for active youth and adults.

Camp Strake offers an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a truly comprehensive and exciting outdoor education destination.

• Extensive 2,816-Acre Property: The sheer size of Camp Strake provides ample space for diverse activities and a genuine immersion in nature, surrounded on three sides by the Sam Houston National Forest.

• 28-Acre Lake: A significant feature of the camp is its large lake, which when filled to capacity, allows for boating (kayaks, rowboats), swimming, and provides a scenic backdrop for various activities. A specific aquatics center with a lake, observation deck, and canoe storage further enhances water programs.

• Aquatics Center: Beyond the lake, a dedicated aquatics center features a swimming pool and pool house, offering supervised swimming opportunities.

• Comprehensive Shooting Sports Center: For aspiring marksmen, the camp includes a well-equipped shooting sports center with ranges for rifle, shotgun, and pistol, as well as separate facilities for archery and sporting arrows.

• Climbing and High Adventure Facilities: Camp Strake is home to a climbing pavilion with restrooms, a low ropes course, a thrilling zipline (two 850' lines soaring over the lake), and a climbing and rappelling tower, providing challenging and engaging high adventure experiences.

• Extensive Trail System: The camp boasts a vast network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and even ATV riding areas, offering opportunities for exploration and physical activity. It also provides access to a portion of the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail.

• Eco-STEM Center and Educational Programs: The dedicated STEM center and merit badge pavilions emphasize hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math, allowing Scouts to earn various merit badges. Programs like Strake Odyssey delve into astronomy and rocketry.

• Large Arenas and Chapels: The camp includes an arena capable of seating 1,200 people and two chapels (one for 250 people, another for 100 people), facilitating large gatherings, ceremonies, and spiritual reflection.

• Sports Fields and Basketball Court: For traditional sports, there are designated sports fields and a basketball court, ensuring a variety of recreational options.

• ADA and Scouting America Requirements Compliance: The camp has been designed and built to meet both ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Scouting America requirements, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.

For those interested in the programs and facilities at Camp Strake Campsite 4, or the larger Camp Strake property, please use the following information. Given that Camp Strake is primarily operated by the Sam Houston Area Council of Scouting America, direct inquiries through their official channels are recommended.

Address: JP8X+57, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA (General location for Campsite 4 within the larger Camp Strake)

Primary Camp Address: 2301 Hines Lake Rd, Coldspring, TX 77331 or 2020 Camp Strake Rd, Coldspring, TX 77331.

For general inquiries, program information, or reservations, it is best to consult the Sam Houston Area Council's official website or contact their main office. While a direct phone number for Campsite 4 isn't publicly available, the council's contact information should lead you to the right department for Camp Strake:

Sam Houston Area Council Contact: (713) 756-3303 (This is often the main council number, which can direct calls to the appropriate Camp Strake staff).

Reservations are typically handled online via platforms like Doubleknot (app.doubleknot.com/Registration/ReserveFacility.aspx?orgkey=2690).

Camp Strake, including its individual campsites like Campsite 4, is an exceptional asset for Texans, particularly for its youth. Its location in Coldspring, nestled within the Sam Houston National Forest and just an hour from Houston, makes it incredibly accessible for a wide population. This means families and Scout troops can easily plan weekend adventures or week-long summer camps without extensive travel, maximizing their time enjoying the outdoors and specialized programs.

The sheer breadth and quality of the facilities at Camp Strake are unparalleled. From the 20 modern campsites with pavilions and electric power to the climate-controlled dining hall, state-of-the-art aquatics center, comprehensive shooting sports ranges, and exhilarating climbing and zipline features, the camp offers a diverse range of activities that cater to every interest. For young Texans, the emphasis on STEM education through its dedicated center and merit badge pavilions provides invaluable learning opportunities, blending traditional outdoor skills with modern academic pursuits. The extensive trail system, including access to the Lone Star Hiking Trail, encourages physical activity and exploration, fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature.

Beyond the physical amenities, Camp Strake fosters an environment of character development, leadership, and teamwork—core tenets of Scouting America. It’s a place where youth can build confidence, learn self-reliance, and form lasting friendships in a safe and supportive setting. The camp's design, adhering to both ADA and Scouting America requirements, ensures inclusivity, making it suitable for a broad range of participants. For Texas families and local Scout councils, Camp Strake is not just a place to camp; it's a premier institution dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders and outdoor enthusiasts, right here in the heart of East Texas.

Camp Strake Campsite 4

JP8X+57, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA