Camp Westmoreland, BSA

For Alabama residents, particularly those involved in Scouting or seeking a versatile outdoor venue, Camp Westmoreland, BSA, in Florence, offers a truly exceptional and historically rich destination. More than just a campground, this 284-acre facility is a cornerstone for youth development and outdoor education within the Greater Alabama Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Nestled amidst a beautiful forest of hardwoods and pines, and bordering the recreational haven of Shoal Creek, Camp Westmoreland provides a superb setting for a wide array of outdoor activities, from rustic troop campouts to essential leader training events.

What makes Camp Westmoreland truly special for Alabamians is its deep roots in Scouting history, being one of the oldest Boy Scout Camps in the United States, with a legacy dating back to July 1929. This heritage, combined with its natural beauty and well-maintained facilities, makes it a cherished resource for local Scout units and other groups. It’s a place where young people can learn valuable outdoor skills, foster teamwork, and create lasting memories, all within the familiar and accessible landscape of Northwest Alabama. Whether you're planning a weekend adventure for your troop, a Cub Scout day camp, or a specialized training event, Camp Westmoreland offers the infrastructure and natural environment for a successful and enriching experience. Its enduring popularity among local Scout groups is a testament to its quality and suitability for fostering a love of the outdoors.

Camp Westmoreland, BSA, is conveniently located at 596 Westmoreland Rd, Florence, AL 35634, USA. This prime location places it approximately five to eight miles northeast of the city of Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. The camp enjoys a picturesque setting, bordering Shoal Creek, which is widely recognized as one of North Alabama's premier recreational waterways.

Access to Camp Westmoreland is straightforward, making it easily reachable for Scout troops, leaders, and families from across Alabama. Visitors typically turn off Highway 72 (Florence Blvd) at County Road 27 (Bennett Way), often identified by a ServiceMaster nearby, and then follow signs to the camp. The roads leading to the camp are generally well-maintained, accommodating various vehicles, including those with trailers for equipment. While the camp feels immersed in nature, its proximity to Florence means that essential services, supplies, and emergency facilities are readily available, providing both a sense of escape and practical convenience. This balance of natural seclusion and easy access makes Camp Westmoreland an ideal and practical choice for outdoor events within the state.

• Numerous Campsites: Camp Westmoreland boasts over 20 individual campsites available for use by Packs, Troops, and Crews. These sites are designed to accommodate short-term camping needs for various Scouting units, offering a classic outdoor camping experience.

• Shower and Bathroom Facilities: The camp features dedicated shower and bathroom facilities, providing essential amenities for comfort and hygiene during overnight stays. This is a significant convenience, especially for longer campouts.

• Newly Renovated Dining Hall and Conference Facility: A key amenity, the newly renovated dining hall and conference facility can host meals, meetings, and training sessions, making the camp suitable for various events beyond just basic camping.

• Pavilions: As noted by previous visitors, pavilions are available, providing covered areas that are invaluable for shelter from rain or sun, ensuring activities can continue comfortably regardless of weather conditions.

• Reservations Required: To ensure availability and proper planning, units must submit a camp use permit to the relevant service center to secure a date and specific campsite. This structured reservation system helps manage the camp's capacity effectively.

• Ranger On-Site: Upon entry, visitors are typically required to check in with the camp Ranger, who serves as a helpful resource and ensures smooth operations and adherence to camp policies.

• Versatile Event Hosting: Beyond traditional troop campouts, Camp Westmoreland is equipped to host Cub Scout activities, day camps, and various leader training events, demonstrating its adaptability as an outdoor educational venue.

• Year-Round Availability: The camp properties and council facilities operated by the Greater Alabama Council are open throughout the year, available for use when no other Council or District events (like summer camp or Woodbadge) are occurring.

• Historic Significance: Camp Westmoreland is one of the oldest Boy Scout Camps in the United States, dating back to July 1929. It is listed on the Alabama Historical Commission Register of Landmarks and Heritage, offering a unique historical dimension to any visit.

• Natural Beauty: The camp is set within a beautiful 284-acre forest of hardwoods and pines, providing a rich natural environment for outdoor exploration, nature study, and a peaceful camping atmosphere.

• Bordering Shoal Creek: The camp's location bordering Shoal Creek, a popular recreation waterway in North Alabama, offers opportunities for various water-based activities (though specific activities may depend on camp programming and individual unit permits).

• Ideal for Scout Training: Repeatedly highlighted by users, the camp is an "awesome camp" and a "perfect place" for leader training, indicating its suitability and infrastructure for educational programs for Scout leaders.

• Robust Programming Potential: While the core use is for troop and Cub Scout activities, the underlying infrastructure supports a wide range of programs. While specific merit badges or activities may vary by unit and event, the setting allows for activities like hiking, outdoor skills training, and environmental education.

• Privacy for Troops: The numerous, well-spaced campsites allow for good separation between units, providing adequate privacy for individual troop campouts.

• Sheltered Spaces: The availability of pavilions, as mentioned in reviews, is a significant highlight, providing crucial shelter during inclement weather, allowing groups to stay dry and continue their activities.

• Versatility for All Ages of Scouting: From Cub Scout day camps to older Scouts BSA troop outings, the camp's facilities and natural setting are adaptable for different age groups and program needs within the Scouting movement.

Address: 596 Westmoreland Rd, Florence, AL 35634, USA

For information regarding reservations, camp use permits, or general inquiries about Camp Westmoreland, it is best to contact the Greater Alabama Council of the Boy Scouts of America. They oversee the operations and bookings for this and other council properties.

General contact information for the Greater Alabama Council can often be found on their official website (1bsa.org). For specific district contacts, like the Westmoreland District Executive, a phone number may be available, such as 256-627-4317. It's always advisable to check the official council website for the most up-to-date contact details and reservation procedures.

For Alabama residents, particularly those with a connection to Scouting, Camp Westmoreland, BSA, stands as an invaluable local asset. Its deep historical roots as one of the oldest Boy Scout camps in the nation, combined with its continued dedication to youth development, makes it a significant part of our state's heritage. For local Scout troops and Cub Scout packs, it offers a readily accessible and purpose-built environment for outdoor education and character building, right in our own backyard.

The features that make Camp Westmoreland suitable for Alabamians are numerous. Its prime location near Florence ensures easy travel for units across North Alabama, minimizing logistical challenges for weekend campouts or training sessions. The dedicated facilities, including shower and bathroom amenities, and the newly renovated dining hall, provide a comfortable yet authentic outdoor experience. As one local review notes, it's an "awesome camp! Great for a weekend troop campout," highlighting its practicality and positive impact on youth programs. The presence of pavilions, which proved crucial for keeping troops dry during unexpected rain, showcases the foresight in its design for Alabama's varied weather.

Beyond the amenities, the natural setting—284 acres of beautiful forest bordering Shoal Creek—offers a rich landscape for learning outdoor skills, fostering appreciation for nature, and building camaraderie. This is a place where young Alabamians can truly disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with the simple joys of camping, hiking, and exploring. Whether for ongoing leader training, a short-term camping adventure, or a foundational Cub Scout experience, Camp Westmoreland, BSA, remains a cherished and highly recommended destination. It embodies the spirit of Scouting and provides a consistent, quality outdoor venue that contributes significantly to the development of Alabama's youth, offering experiences that last a lifetime.

Camp Westmoreland, BSA

596 Westmoreland Rd, Florence, AL 35634, USA