Camp Strake Campsite 9

Introduction / Overview

For Texans seeking a truly exceptional outdoor experience that blends the raw beauty of the Sam Houston National Forest with modern, well-maintained facilities, Camp Strake Campsite 9 stands out as a premier destination. More than just a simple place to pitch a tent, Camp Strake is a sprawling, state-of-the-art camping and outdoor education facility. While originally designed with youth programs in mind, particularly those of Scouting America, its quality and range of amenities make it a fantastic option for various groups and families who appreciate a structured yet immersive outdoor adventure. Unlike many traditional campgrounds that offer only basic services, Camp Strake is built to provide a comprehensive and engaging experience, making it a standout choice for those who want comfort and convenience alongside their wilderness exploration. It’s a place where you can truly connect with Texas's natural environment, while benefiting from thoughtfully designed infrastructure, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable stay for all visitors.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Strake Campsite 9 is conveniently located at JP7W+M7, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA. This prime location places it within relatively easy reach for many Texas residents, particularly those in the greater Houston area, being approximately a 1.5-hour drive from downtown. The camp is strategically nestled near the community of Evergreen, and importantly, it is surrounded on three sides by the vast and beautiful Sam Houston National Forest. This ensures that while the camp itself is well-developed, you are always immersed in a rich natural environment, with direct access to extensive hiking opportunities, including the famous Lone Star Trail which is close to one corner of the property. Accessibility to Camp Strake is generally excellent; visitors are greeted by a main entry gatehouse and check-in center. The internal roads are designed to minimize driving within the camp itself, promoting a pedestrian-friendly environment. Once past the initial check-in, drivers are directed to specific parking areas near their assigned campsites, and vehicles are then typically parked for the duration of the stay, encouraging exploration of the camp's extensive trail system on foot. The design emphasizes a blend of convenient access and a focused, immersive outdoor experience once you've arrived.

Services Offered

• Designated Campsites with Pavilions: Each campsite at Camp Strake, including Campsite 9, typically features a covered pavilion with electric power. This is a significant upgrade from basic tent sites, providing shelter and a power source.
• Picnic Tables: Campsites are equipped with picnic tables, offering convenient spaces for dining, games, and outdoor activities.
• Shared Shower and Restroom Facilities: Modern, ADA-compliant shower and restroom facilities are strategically located throughout the camp, with one facility serving approximately every two campsites. These facilities include toilets, sinks, and showers.
• Dining Hall Access: Camp Strake boasts a large dining hall capable of serving hundreds of campers three meals per day during peak seasons, providing a comfortable and convenient dining option.
• On-Site Medical Support: A Health Lodge is available, particularly during larger events, to handle minor injuries and illnesses, with protocols for referring more serious emergencies to local hospitals.
• Trash Management: While specific details for individual campsites aren't always highlighted, a "Trash Dump" is part of the overall Camp Strake directory, indicating organized waste disposal.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Limited Wi-Fi service is available in central locations like the Headquarters, STEM Building, Dining Hall, Staff Lounge, and Grand Pavilion, offering a balance between digital disconnection and essential connectivity.
• Parking: Dedicated parking lots are available near campsites, with a focus on minimizing vehicle traffic within the main activity areas of the camp.
• Program Staff and Support: During organized events, professional staff (including rangers and campmasters) are on-site to provide assistance and oversee activities.
• Reservation System: Campsites can be reserved, with options for weekend camping, ensuring planned access to facilities.

Features / Highlights

• Modern Facilities: Camp Strake is a "first-class, state-of-the-art camp" with modern amenities that go beyond typical campgrounds, including covered pavilions with electricity at campsites and well-maintained shower houses.
• Extensive Program Areas: The camp offers a wide array of specialized program areas, including a STEM center, a shooting sports complex (rifle, shotgun, archery), zip lines, climbing and rappelling towers, and aquatics programs at the lake and pool.
• Lake Activities: A 30-acre lake is a central feature, offering opportunities for boating activities like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding once fully filled.
• Direct Trail Access: Its location near the Sam Houston National Forest means direct access to numerous hiking trails, including the renowned Lone Star Trail, providing ample opportunities for exploration.
• Focus on Youth Development: While open to groups, the camp's design heavily supports youth programs, making it ideal for scouting troops, school groups, and families interested in structured outdoor education.
• Varied Camp Experiences: Beyond standard camping, Camp Strake hosts specialized programs like "Strake Odyssey" (space-focused), "Trail to Eagle," "ATV Experience," and various merit badge programs, making each visit unique.
• Dedicated Staff Support: The presence of on-site rangers and a health lodge, especially during events, contributes to a safe and well-managed environment.
• Wildlife and Natural Beauty: Surrounded by the Sam Houston National Forest, campers are immersed in diverse flora and fauna, experiencing the natural beauty of the Texas Piney Woods.

Contact Information

Address: JP7W+M7, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA

Please note: Specific direct phone numbers for Camp Strake Campsite 9 itself are typically part of the broader Sam Houston Area Council's contact information, as it operates Camp Strake. For reservations, general inquiries, or specific campsite details, it is best to refer to the Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America website or their main contact number, which often manages bookings and operations for Camp Strake. While not explicitly provided here, information suggests contact points for various departments related to the camp through the main council.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Texans, Camp Strake Campsite 9 offers an unparalleled blend of modern convenience and immersive outdoor adventure, making it an ideal destination for local families, youth groups, and anyone looking for a well-rounded camping experience. Its strategic location near Coldspring, just a short drive from major metropolitan areas like Houston, means that a significant wilderness escape is remarkably accessible without requiring extensive travel. This convenience is a huge draw for busy Texas families and organizations planning weekend trips or longer summer adventures.

What truly sets Camp Strake apart for locals is its state-of-the-art infrastructure. Unlike many more primitive campgrounds, the presence of covered pavilions with electricity, clean restrooms and showers, and even Wi-Fi in certain areas, allows for a more comfortable and adaptable camping experience. This makes it particularly suitable for families with younger children or groups who appreciate a few more creature comforts while still enjoying the great outdoors. Furthermore, the extensive range of activities – from water sports on the lake to shooting ranges, climbing towers, and miles of hiking trails – ensures there's something for everyone, fostering skill development, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for Texas's natural environment. Whether your goal is to introduce youngsters to the joys of camping, organize a robust group outing, or simply enjoy a well-equipped basecamp for exploring the Sam Houston National Forest, Camp Strake Campsite 9 provides a premier, accessible, and highly engaging outdoor opportunity right here in our beloved Lone Star State.

Camp Strake Campsite 9

JP7W+M7, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA