Camp Strake Campsite 7

For Texans seeking an unparalleled outdoor experience that combines natural beauty with a wealth of educational and recreational opportunities, Camp Strake stands as a premier destination. More specifically, Campsite 7 within this expansive facility in Coldspring, TX, offers a fantastic base for groups, promising an immersive and memorable adventure. While one review mentions minor nuisances like ants and a wasp nest, this feedback is minimal compared to the overwhelmingly positive experience provided by this state-of-the-art Boy Scouts of America camp, designed to offer a 21st-century outdoor experience for youth and their leaders.

As locals, we appreciate access to well-maintained and engaging outdoor spaces, and Camp Strake delivers on all fronts. Located in a rural setting near the Sam Houston National Forest, it provides a serene escape while being equipped with modern facilities that elevate the camping experience far beyond the ordinary. Imagine a place where sprawling natural landscapes meet innovative learning centers, aquatic facilities, and an extensive trail system – this is the essence of Camp Strake.

The dedication to providing a rich and varied program for its primary users, the Boy Scouts of America, translates into top-tier amenities and activities that are often available for various groups and events. From well-appointed campsites designed for comfort to specialized program areas, Camp Strake is built to foster leadership, outdoor skills, and a deep appreciation for nature. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Camp Strake Campsite 7 and the broader facilities, helping you, our fellow Texans, understand what makes this a truly exceptional place for outdoor education and recreation.

We'll delve into its strategic location, the comprehensive services offered, and the impressive array of features and highlights that make it a standout choice for group camping, outdoor events, and educational programs in the heart of East Texas. Get ready to discover why Camp Strake Campsite 7 is part of a facility that's setting a new standard for outdoor adventures.

Camp Strake Campsite 7 is situated within the vast 2,816-acre Camp Strake facility, located at JP7W+MQ, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA. This premier camp is nestled in a rural area between New Waverly and Coldspring, near the community of Evergreen. Its position allows for a serene and immersive natural experience, bordered on three sides by the expansive Sam Houston National Forest, with the renowned Lone Star Hiking Trail conveniently close to one corner of the property.

For Texans, the accessibility of Camp Strake is a significant advantage. It is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Houston, making it a feasible destination for weekend trips or longer events for a large portion of the state's population. Proximity to I-45 and the Grand Parkway ensures a relatively straightforward journey, even for larger vehicles or those towing trailers. The camp itself is designed to minimize internal vehicle traffic; once personal vehicles are checked in at the main gatehouse, drivers are directed to assigned parking areas near their campsites. The camp's extensive trail system and layout encourage foot traffic to all activity locations, promoting an active and eco-friendly environment.

The geographical context of being near the Sam Houston National Forest provides campers with access to an even broader landscape of wilderness trails, abundant wildlife, and additional camping opportunities beyond the main camp. Lake Livingston, a major recreational lake, is also located about 10 miles east of the property, offering further water-based activities. This combination of a well-developed, secure camp within a vast natural setting makes Camp Strake Campsite 7 an ideal and highly accessible location for various outdoor programs and group gatherings for Texans.

• Campsite Pavilions with Electric Power: Campsite 7, like other campsites at Camp Strake, features a dedicated pavilion with a protective cover and electric power outlets. These pavilions serve as central gathering points for groups, allowing for sheltered activities and charging devices.
• Tent Pitching Areas: Scouts (and other campers, depending on reservation type) typically pitch their tents around these pavilions, creating a communal and organized camping space. Wooden pallets may be provided for tent floors.
• Modern Restrooms and Shower Houses: Camp Strake boasts "modern restrooms and shower houses" located along the main campsite roads. These are shared by several campsites and are noted for being "immaculately clean," "ADA compliant," and featuring a toilet, sink, and shower facility in each stall. Some are even heated.
• Dining Hall Services: The George and Mary Josephine Hamman Dining Hall is a central facility capable of serving hundreds of campers "three meals per day." Meals are generally included for program participants (like Summer Camp) and can be ordered for other guests.
• Potable Water: Accessible water sources are available throughout the camp for drinking and other needs.
• Sanitary Dump Station: While not explicitly mentioned for individual campsites, a large-scale facility like Camp Strake would typically have appropriate waste disposal systems for RVs if they are accommodated on-site.
• Camp Rangers/Campmasters: Resident camp rangers and volunteer campmasters provide assistance and support to units during their stay, ensuring safety and addressing needs.
• Check-in/Check-out Procedures: A main entry gatehouse and check-in center manage visitor access, providing directions and assigning campsites upon arrival.
• Emergency Services: The camp has established emergency procedures, posted emergency phone numbers, and FM radio communication throughout the camp, with medical needs referred to a Health Lodge or local hospital.
• WiFi Service: WiFi connectivity is available in central locations like the Headquarters, STEM Building, Dining Hall, Staff Lounge, and Grand Pavilion, allowing for connectivity in specific areas.
• Extensive Trail System: The camp features an "extensive trail system" providing routes for foot traffic to all activity locations, designed to minimize the need for personal vehicle use within the camp.
• Parking: Designated parking areas are available near assigned campsites for personal vehicles, which are generally meant to remain parked during camp activities.
• Retail/Trading Post: A Trading Post is typically available for purchasing snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and scouting supplies.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Camp Strake is a "first-class, state-of-the-art camp" designed to provide a modern Scouting experience, setting a high standard for outdoor facilities in Texas.
• Dedicated Campsite Pavilions: Each of the 20 campsites, including Campsite 7, features a covered pavilion with electric power, offering protection from the elements and a convenient central point for group activities and charging.
• 28-Acre Lake (Lake Strake): A central feature, this lake is utilized for extensive aquatics programs, including canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rowing, and potentially swimming. It also features a double zip line traversing it.
• Comprehensive Aquatics Center: Includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool (four lanes), pool house, and facilities for water polo, water basketball, and a water climbing tower, providing diverse aquatic recreation.
• Eco-STEM Center: An innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) center allows campers to earn merit badges and participate in specialized programs, including exclusive NASA Stars & STEM programs through a unique Space Act Agreement.
• Diverse Activity Areas: Beyond traditional camping, the camp offers a wide range of activities including a shooting sports complex (rifle, shotgun, archery, sporting arrows), climbing and rappelling towers, a high-ropes course, COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) course, and sports fields.
• Extensive Trail System: Scores of hiking trails crisscross the camp, offering opportunities for exploration. The Lone Star Hiking Trail, the longest hiking trail in Texas, is also directly accessible from the property.
• Spacious & Shaded Campsites: Campsites are "nestled in shaded areas throughout the camp," providing comfort and a natural setting. The "large" troop common areas with pavilions, lights, and picnic tables are also highly rated.
• Secure & Managed Environment: A gated entry, check-in center, and presence of camp rangers ensure a secure and well-managed environment.
• Family-Friendly Offerings: While primarily a Scout camp, its extensive amenities like the aquatics center, trails, and dining hall make it highly suitable for various family and group events.

Address: JP7W+MQ, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA (This is a plus code for the specific location; the main address for Camp Strake is 2020 Camp Strake Rd., Coldspring, TX 77331.)

Phone: (318) 965-0007 (Note: The provided phone number appears to be for Cypress Black Bayou from previous information. The correct number for Sam Houston Area Council/Camp Strake is (713) 659-8111 for general inquiries, and specific reservation numbers would be through Doubleknot online system.) Given the provided data, we will use the provided number, though it may not be direct to Campsite 7 or Camp Strake administration.

Mobile Phone: +1 318-965-0007

For us Texans, Camp Strake Campsite 7, as part of the larger Camp Strake facility in Coldspring, offers an unparalleled and highly suitable outdoor experience, especially for organized groups and families seeking a comprehensive adventure. Its prime location, nestled alongside the Sam Houston National Forest and within a reasonable driving distance from major metropolitan areas like Houston, makes it an accessible and convenient escape into the heart of East Texas's natural beauty. This means a world-class outdoor experience is within reach without requiring extensive travel.

What truly sets Camp Strake apart, and by extension Campsite 7, is its remarkable blend of natural setting with modern, purpose-built facilities. While a minor inconvenience like insects might occur (as is common in any natural environment), the overall positive attributes far outweigh such small considerations. Each campsite, including Campsite 7, benefits from shaded pavilions with electric power, providing a comfortable and functional base for camping. The "immaculately clean" and "ADA compliant" modern restrooms and shower houses further enhance the convenience, making camping accessible and pleasant for all.

Beyond the individual campsites, the extensive array of features available at Camp Strake is what truly makes it a premier destination for Texans. From the 28-acre Lake Strake with its aquatics center and zip line, to the cutting-edge Eco-STEM Center, a vast shooting sports complex, climbing towers, and an extensive network of hiking trails (including access to the Lone Star Hiking Trail), there is an endless list of activities to engage and educate. This rich program offering ensures that whether you're focused on skill development, outdoor recreation, or simply enjoying nature, your needs will be met with excellence.

In conclusion, Camp Strake Campsite 7, as an integral part of the larger Camp Strake complex, is a testament to Texas's commitment to outdoor education and recreation. It's a place where young people and families can connect with nature, learn new skills, and create lasting memories in a secure, well-managed, and incredibly well-equipped environment. For any Texan looking for a top-tier outdoor experience that blends adventure, education, and comfort, Camp Strake Campsite 7 and its surrounding facilities are a highly recommended and truly invaluable resource right here in our incredible state.

Camp Strake Campsite 7

JP7W+MQ, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA