Camp Wokanda OA Lodge

Nestled within over 300 acres of beautiful woodland in Peoria, Illinois, Camp Wokanda offers a unique blend of rustic charm and natural splendor. The OA Lodge, specifically, provides a quaint and intimate setting within this expansive camp. Acquired by the Peoria Park District from the Boy Scouts of America, Camp Wokanda has a rich history of fostering outdoor education and recreation, dating back to the 1920s. While the entire camp offers various lodging options, including cabins and primitive tent camping, the OA Lodge serves as a focal point for smaller groups and events. It's a place where the simplicity of nature meets essential comforts, providing an escape from the everyday. Visitors often appreciate the opportunity to immerse themselves in a woodland environment complete with a lake for fishing, diverse trails, and program buildings. However, it's important for prospective visitors, especially those planning events, to be aware of the lodge's rustic nature, including the absence of air conditioning, which makes it particularly suited for cooler seasons or for those who truly embrace the outdoor experience. Despite some logistical challenges noted in past event reviews, the core offering of Camp Wokanda and its OA Lodge remains a valuable resource for locals seeking an affordable, natural venue for gatherings, camping, and outdoor activities, with dedicated staff aiming to assist guests.

Camp Wokanda OA Lodge is located at 620 E Boy Scout Rd, Chillicothe, IL 61523, which falls within the broader Peoria, IL 61615, USA area. This puts it conveniently just 20 minutes north of downtown Peoria, making it easily accessible for residents of Peoria and the surrounding Central Illinois region. Despite its close proximity to the city, Camp Wokanda immediately immerses visitors in a secluded woodland setting, providing a genuine sense of escape. The drive to the camp is generally straightforward, utilizing well-maintained roads. Its location within a large natural preserve means it's an ideal jumping-off point for exploring the extensive hiking trails that crisscross the property and connect to the broader Illinois River Bluff Trail system. This accessibility is a major advantage for local groups planning day trips, weekend camping excursions, or events, as it minimizes travel time and maximizes the opportunity to enjoy the natural environment. While feeling wonderfully remote, essential services and amenities available in Peoria are just a short drive away, providing convenience for any unforeseen needs. This blend of wild beauty and convenient access makes Camp Wokanda OA Lodge an attractive choice for locals seeking an authentic Illinois outdoor experience.

• OA Lodge Rental: The OA Lodge is available for rent, suitable for groups up to 75 people. It features high wood walls and ceilings, two wood stoves, kitchen use, restrooms, chairs, benches, and 8-foot tables (10 provided).
• Cabin Rentals: The camp offers sleeping cabins, including "ridge cabins" often noted by Scout groups for a comfortable winter camping experience with wood heat and wood cook stoves.
• Primitive Tent Camping: Designated areas are available for traditional tent camping for those who prefer a more rugged experience.
• Dining Hall: A larger facility also available for rent (capacity 250), equipped with a wood dance floor, large kitchen, restrooms, and an outdoor fire ring, suitable for bigger events.
• Environmental Education Programs: Camp Wokanda offers naturalist tours and environmental education for interested groups, emphasizing hands-on learning with assets like a sparkling lake, prairie remnant, and oak/hickory forest.
• Hiking Trails: Over 3 miles of trails within the camp, with direct access to the Illinois River Bluff Trail, offering diverse terrain for exploration.
• Fishing: Davis Lake within the camp offers opportunities for catch-and-release fishing; annual fishing passes are available.
• Recreational Camping: Available by reservation Thursday through Sunday nights year-round, accommodating various camping styles.
• Basic Facilities: Restrooms are available, though it's important to note the OA Lodge does not have air conditioning, only minimal fans.
• Event Hosting: The camp is equipped to host various events, including guided tours, environmental programs, retreats, and weddings (though users should be mindful of logistical considerations for larger events).
• Pets Welcome: Dogs are generally welcome, provided they are kept on a leash and waste is properly disposed of.

• Rustic Lodge Charm: The OA Lodge itself is a highlight, offering a cozy, wood-paneled space with wood stoves, making it particularly appealing for cooler weather gatherings. Its rustic aesthetic provides a unique atmosphere for events.
• Winter Camping Opportunities: The availability of heated cabins with wood stoves is a significant draw, especially for groups like Scouts, allowing for comfortable winter camping and the practice of pioneering skills, as praised by a reviewer. This extends the camping season for locals.
• Diverse Terrain and Trails: Camp Wokanda boasts over 3 miles of varied trails, including "nice terrain diversity," which connect directly to the extensive Illinois River Bluff Trail. This provides ample opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and exploring bluff woodlands, hill prairies, and oak-hickory savannas.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: The 300+ acres of woodland, complete with Davis Lake, offer a picturesque and tranquil environment for all visitors. The opportunity for fishing and observing wildlife like specialty birds adds to the natural appeal.
• Educational Programs: The availability of naturalist tours and environmental education programs makes Camp Wokanda an excellent resource for schools, youth groups, and families interested in learning about local ecology and conservation.
• Affordable Venue Option: For groups looking for a budget-friendly venue, especially for events, the OA Lodge provides an affordable alternative to more traditional indoor spaces, particularly appealing for fall and winter occasions.
• Peoria Park District Management: Being part of the Peoria Park District indicates a level of professional management and commitment to providing public recreational spaces, even if specific event coordination can sometimes present challenges.
• Adaptable for Various Events: While known for camping, the OA Lodge and other facilities at Camp Wokanda are versatile enough to host a range of events, from small retreats to larger celebrations (though planning is key, especially concerning amenities like AC).

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Camp Wokanda OA Lodge and its other facilities, please contact the Peoria Park District directly. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for lodge rentals and popular camping seasons.

Address: 620 E Boy Scout Rd, Chillicothe, IL 61523 (Physical address within the broader Peoria, IL 61615, USA area)

Phone: (309) 579-2157

Mobile Phone: +1 309-579-2157

Email: (General inquiries for Camp Wokanda may be directed to campwokanda@peoriaparks.org or programming director at clane@peoriaparks.org as per available information.)

For the most current information on rental policies, availability, and specific event guidelines, it is always best to speak directly with the Camp Wokanda staff or visit the Peoria Park District's official website.

For Illinois residents, Camp Wokanda OA Lodge offers a unique and valuable outdoor resource, particularly for groups and those seeking a rustic, nature-focused experience. Its prime location just outside Peoria provides easy access to a vast woodland setting, making it an ideal local escape for everything from a quick day hike to a multi-day camping adventure. The ability to rent the OA Lodge or cabins provides excellent options for groups, especially during the cooler months when the warmth of a wood stove is a welcome amenity. This allows for year-round outdoor engagement, a significant advantage for active locals. While it's crucial to acknowledge the rustic nature of the facilities, particularly the lack of air conditioning in the lodge, this aspect can be embraced by those who prioritize authenticity and a deeper connection with nature. The diverse terrain of its trails, the opportunities for fishing, and the educational programs available further enhance its appeal as a comprehensive outdoor destination. For Scout groups, families, and community organizations in Central Illinois, Camp Wokanda OA Lodge presents an affordable and distinctive venue to foster camaraderie, explore the natural world, and create enduring memories. Despite past logistical challenges noted by some event planners, the fundamental value of Camp Wokanda as a local outdoor sanctuary remains strong, promising rewarding experiences for those who appreciate its unique blend of wilderness and communal space.

Camp Wokanda OA Lodge

Peoria, IL 61615, USA