Campsite McDonald

For Kansas locals, particularly those involved in scouting or seeking a genuinely rustic and secluded camping experience close to the Kansas City metropolitan area, Campsite McDonald offers a unique proposition. Situated within the vast and historic Theodore Naish Scout Reservation (commonly known as Camp Naish) in Edwardsville, KS, this campsite provides a back-to-basics outdoor adventure amidst a natural setting.

Campsite McDonald is described as a "simple campsite in South Camp" within the larger Camp Naish. It's a place where the focus is on traditional camping, surrounded by "an open field and trees all around." This simplicity is part of its charm for many, allowing campers to disconnect from modern conveniences and truly immerse themselves in nature. It's a favored spot for scout troops, often reserved in conjunction with a neighboring site like Carson, indicating its suitability for group camping and activities.

One of the most significant draws of Campsite McDonald, as highlighted by local users, is its "remoteness within Camp Naish." Despite being relatively close to the Edwardsville area, it offers a sense of being "back and away from most all foot traffic," providing a peaceful and private environment. This seclusion, combined with "quick access to the RimRock trail," makes it an excellent choice for hikers and those looking to explore the natural beauty of the scout reservation. While the reviews note some challenges, such as an "inadequate" parking situation and the "proximity to the train crossing" (which necessitates earplugs), these are often seen as minor trade-offs for the unique benefits of camping in such a dedicated outdoor space.

For Kansas residents familiar with or interested in the scouting tradition, Campsite McDonald at Camp Naish represents a chance to experience the very environment where generations of youth have learned outdoor skills and appreciation for nature. It's an opportunity to embrace a no-frills, authentic camping adventure, providing a refreshing contrast to more amenity-heavy RV parks or developed campgrounds.

Campsite McDonald is located within the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation, commonly known as Camp Naish, in Edwardsville, KS 66111, USA. Edwardsville is a city in Wyandotte County, Kansas, situated just west of Kansas City, Kansas.

For Kansas locals, Camp Naish is a well-known institution, particularly for scouting activities, and is easily accessible from the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The camp is strategically located on Kansas State Highway 32, positioned between Edwardsville and Bonner Springs. This connectivity via state highways makes the drive to the camp relatively straightforward for residents across Eastern Kansas.

Within Camp Naish, Campsite McDonald is specifically noted as being in "South Camp." While specific internal navigation details for the expansive Camp Naish property are not widely public, the reviews indicate it's a more secluded spot, "back and away from most all foot traffic." This suggests that while access to the overall reservation is easy, reaching Campsite McDonald itself might involve traversing internal camp roads or paths that offer a sense of wilderness. The proximity to a "train crossing" is mentioned, indicating it's near active railway lines, which is an important consideration for noise. Despite this, its inclusion within Camp Naish means it benefits from the established infrastructure of a large scout camp, even if the individual campsite amenities are minimal. For those coming from Kansas City, Lawrence, or other nearby metropolitan areas, Camp Naish offers a convenient escape to nature without extensive travel.

Campsite McDonald provides a very "simple campsite" experience, aligning with its role as a traditional scout camp location. Based on the reviews, the services offered are minimal and geared towards self-sufficiency and a rustic outdoor adventure:

• Basic Campsites: Primarily tent camping sites are available, characterized by an "open field and trees all around." These are likely primitive or semi-primitive sites without individual hookups.
• Lollie (Latrine/Toilet): The reviews mention the presence of a "lollie," which is scout terminology for a latrine or basic toilet facility. This indicates fundamental restroom access, though not necessarily flush toilets or elaborate facilities.
• Water Supply (with issues): A "water supply has a problem" is explicitly mentioned in one review, indicating that while water might be available, its reliability or quality for direct consumption could be inconsistent or require treatment. Another review states that "Water is available year round at Carson," a neighboring campsite, suggesting campers at McDonald might need to fetch water from nearby, more reliable sources.
• Limited Parking: "There is a little parking, which is inadequate" suggests that parking directly at the campsite is limited, and campers may need to park in designated areas and walk to their site, or share parking spots.
• Access to Camp Naish Amenities (Indirect): While not directly at Campsite McDonald, being part of Camp Naish means campers may have access to the broader reservation's facilities, such as program areas, hiking trails, and possibly a central dining hall or trading post during specific camp events or seasons.
• Booking/Reservation: The campsite is typically "reserve," indicating a formal booking system, especially for scout troops. Some sites within Camp Naish may also be available on a first-come, first-served basis, but for popular campsites like McDonald, reservations are likely the norm.

It's important for campers to expect a primitive experience at Campsite McDonald, meaning they should plan to bring all necessary supplies, including reliable water, and be prepared for limited facilities. This is not an RV park with full hookups or modern amenities.

• Seclusion within Camp Naish: A primary highlight is the campsite's "remoteness within Camp Naish." It's located "back and away from most all foot traffic," offering a peaceful and private camping experience despite being part of a larger scout reservation. This makes it ideal for those seeking a quiet escape.
• Proximity to RimRock Trail: Campsite McDonald offers "quick access to the RimRock trail," a significant advantage for hikers and those interested in exploring the natural terrain of Camp Naish. This trail access provides opportunities for scenic walks and outdoor exercise.
• Favored by Scout Troops: The campsite is one of a "troop’s favorite campsites" and is often reserved in conjunction with Carson. This indicates its suitability for group camping, team-building activities, and traditional scouting programs.
• Natural Surroundings: Described as having "an open field and trees all around," the campsite provides a classic outdoor setting, conducive to nature observation, bird watching, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the woods.
• Year-Round Water Access (nearby): While the immediate water supply at McDonald may have issues, the fact that "Water is available year round at Carson" (a nearby campsite) ensures that a source of water is accessible, even if it requires a short walk.
• Rustic, Authentic Camping Experience: For those who appreciate primitive camping and want to disconnect from modern amenities, Campsite McDonald offers an authentic, no-frills outdoor adventure. It fosters self-reliance and appreciation for basic necessities.
• Part of a Historic Scout Reservation: Camping at McDonald means being part of the larger Theodore Naish Scout Reservation, which has a rich history of fostering outdoor education and character development for generations of youth in Kansas.

While the highlights emphasize the natural and rustic aspects, potential campers should be prepared for basic amenities and the noted noise from the train crossing.

Campsite McDonald is a specific campsite located within the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation (Camp Naish). Therefore, direct contact for this specific campsite would typically go through the administration of Camp Naish or the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Address: Edwardsville, KS 66111, USA (This is the general location of Camp Naish)

Phone: (Specific phone number for Camp Naish or Heart of America Council, BSA would be necessary for reservations or inquiries about Campsite McDonald. Public search did not yield a direct phone number for "Campsite McDonald" itself. General contact for Camp Naish/Heart of America Council would be the appropriate channel.)

Mobile Phone: (Not applicable for a specific campsite within a larger property)

For accurate information regarding availability, reservations for scout troops or other groups, and details about facilities, individuals should consult the official website of the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America, or directly contact Camp Naish if a dedicated number for the camp is available. General public directories for Edwardsville, KS, primarily list larger commercial RV parks or other private camping areas, not specific internal campsites of a scout reservation.

For Kansas locals, particularly those in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, Campsite McDonald within Camp Naish offers a uniquely accessible and authentic outdoor experience that stands apart from more commercial campgrounds. Its primary suitability lies in its ability to provide a secluded, back-to-basics camping adventure without requiring extensive travel to more remote parts of the state.

This campsite is ideal for scout troops and families or groups who appreciate a primitive, "leave no trace" style of camping. The "remoteness within Camp Naish" allows for a genuine escape from urban noise and light pollution, fostering a deeper connection with nature. For Kansas residents, this means an opportunity to introduce children to traditional camping, practice outdoor skills, and enjoy the tranquility of a natural setting that is surprisingly close to home.

The quick access to the "RimRock trail" is a significant draw for local hikers, offering a convenient way to explore the varied terrain of the scout reservation. While amenities are minimal (a "lollie" and a water supply that "has a problem" requiring reliance on nearby sources like Carson), this simplicity encourages self-sufficiency and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors. The occasional train noise, though noted, is often accepted as part of the rustic charm of being in a less developed area. Ultimately, Campsite McDonald caters to a specific desire for a genuine, no-frills camping experience, rooted in the spirit of scouting and readily available for those Kansas locals who cherish the simple pleasures of the wild.

Campsite McDonald

Edwardsville, KS 66111, USA