Chimney Park Scout Camp

For those of us in Wyoming seeking a unique and authentic group outdoor experience, Chimney Park Scout Camp, located on Scout Road near Jelm, offers a special kind of wilderness retreat. This historic camp, nestled within the beautiful Medicine Bow National Forest, has served as a valuable resource for youth and adult groups for decades, providing a rugged yet enriching environment to connect with nature and foster outdoor skills. It's a place where the wild beauty of Wyoming truly comes to life.

Chimney Park Scout Camp is more than just a collection of campsites; it's a dedicated facility designed for various outdoor activities, including weekend camping, day events, Klondike derbies, camporees, and outdoor skills training courses. While it has a long history, recent conditions indicate a more rustic and less maintained state for some areas. One visitor noted, "The camp is pretty derelict at this time. Only 3 of the 8 campsites are useable due to downed logs and small trees that have taken over." This honest assessment underscores the need for preparedness and an appreciation for a truly primitive setting.

Despite some areas being less maintained, the core appeal of Chimney Park Scout Camp remains strong. Visitors consistently praise the "beautiful camp here with a large lodge and established tent camp sites." The small but "beautiful" lake is a significant draw, offering a scenic centerpiece for the camp. For Wyoming locals, this camp represents an opportunity for groups, particularly youth organizations like the Scouts, to engage in meaningful outdoor education and adventure in a genuine wilderness environment, embracing the challenges and rewards that come with it.

Chimney Park Scout Camp is located at 1 Scout Rd, Jelm, WY 82063, USA. This places it within the Laramie Ranger District of the Medicine Bow National Forest, west of Laramie and southeast of Woods Landing. The camp's direct access from a forest road means it offers a secluded atmosphere, yet it's still within a reasonable driving distance for many residents in southeastern Wyoming.

Access to the camp can be achieved in a couple of ways. Visitors can "park on the highway and walk in which is only a few hundred feet down the road," providing convenient pedestrian access. Alternatively, if "the gate is open," vehicles can drive directly into the camp. It's crucial to be aware that during winter months, the U.S. Forest Service often locks the gate to the access road, as it's then utilized as a cross-country ski trail. If parking at the trailhead during these times, a day-use fee may apply, though a special use parking permit can often waive this fee when attending events at the Scout Camp.

A significant accessibility note, particularly for those planning fall visits, is the heavy use of the surrounding Medicine Bow National Forest by hunters. As camp regulations state, "During the fall months Chimney Park Scout Camp is not recommended for use because of the heavy Medicine Bow National Forest use by hunters. Hunters make their camps in and around Chimney Park, they tramp the forest in search of prey, and quite often shots can be heard in the distance." Units venturing during hunting season are advised to "keep close to Baldwin Lodge, and not wander into the forest" and be aware of Wyoming hunting season dates. This information highlights the authentic wilderness environment and the need for vigilance and planning when visiting.

Services Offered:

• Group Camping Facilities: Available for Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venture Crews, and other authorized youth groups for weekend camping, day events, and week-long adventures.
• Baldwin Lodge: A large lodge within the camp that can be reserved separately, providing bunk beds, a wood-fired stove for heat, and an adjacent water well for year-round water supply.
• Established Tent Campsites: While some may be overgrown, designated tent campsites with fire rings are available around the lake and lodge.
• Vault Latrines: Well-maintained vault toilets are conveniently located on each side of the lake.
• Campfire Area: A dedicated campfire area near the lake is available for communal use.
• No Running Water (at campsites): As noted by a reviewer, running water is not available at individual campsites (though the lodge has a well). Campers should bring their own or be prepared to use the well.
• Limited to No Cell Service: Expect a digital detox as cell phone reception is generally not available, enhancing the secluded experience.
• Service Project Opportunities: Groups can contribute to camp maintenance (e.g., cleaning latrines, clearing saplings, splitting wood), fulfilling service hour requirements.

Chimney Park Scout Camp offers essential, rustic services tailored for group outdoor experiences. The primary "service" is providing a structured, yet wilderness-immersed environment for youth organizations. While a reviewer mentioned "no running water" at their campsite, it's important to clarify that the adjacent Baldwin Lodge does have a water well providing year-round supply, which campers might access for general use, but not directly at their individual tent sites.

The cleanliness of the "Bathroom was clean," as noted by a visitor, is a positive indicator of the basic facilities. The presence of a "nice campfire area near the lake" creates a central gathering spot. The emphasis on "service projects" within the camp's regulations underscores its educational mission and the expectation for users to contribute to its upkeep, fostering a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship that aligns with outdoor ethics.

Features / Highlights:

• Scenic Lake: A small but "beautiful" lake serves as a picturesque centerpiece for the camp, offering a serene environment.
• Extensive Hiking Trails Nearby: "Lots of great hiking trails nearby," providing ample opportunities for exploration in the Medicine Bow National Forest.
• Historic Scout Camp: Established in 1950, it has a rich history of providing outdoor experiences for Scouts and other youth groups.
• Baldwin Lodge: A key feature offering group lodge accommodations with heating and bunk beds, ideal for cooler weather or those preferring a roof over their heads.
• Secluded Wilderness Setting: Offers a peaceful escape from urban areas, surrounded by vast national forest lands.
• Public Fishing Access: The lake within the camp is generally open to public access fishing, subject to Wyoming fishing regulations and licenses.
• Opportunities for Wildlife Viewing: The natural forest environment supports diverse wildlife, offering chances for observation.
• Year-Round Accessibility (with caveats): While vehicle access may be restricted in winter, the camp is fundamentally a year-round facility for outdoor activities.
• Educational Focus: Known for hosting various Scout-related events and training courses.

The most striking features of Chimney Park Scout Camp, as highlighted by visitors, are the "lake is really scenic and has lots of great hiking trails nearby." This combination offers both tranquil beauty and active exploration. The dual access option, allowing visitors to either "park on the highway and walk in" or drive in when the "gate is open," provides flexibility for different types of visits.

While some campsites may be "pretty derelict" due to natural forest processes like downed logs and small trees, the fact that "a beautiful camp here with a large lodge and established tent camp sites" exists speaks to its potential and core infrastructure. The historic nature of the camp, its long-standing cooperative effort with the U.S. Forest Service, and its role in providing outdoor opportunities to hundreds of Scouts and leaders annually, are significant highlights that underscore its value beyond just a place to stay.

Contact Information:

Address: 1 Scout Rd, Jelm, WY 82063, USA

Council Office (for reservations/cancellations): (970) 584-2202 (Adventure West Council)

Key Pickup/Return: (307) 745-5425 (West Laramie Fly Store)

For all inquiries regarding reservations, availability, and specific regulations for Chimney Park Scout Camp, it is best to contact the Adventure West Council office directly. This is the governing body for the camp and can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. For actual access to the lodge and certain facilities, the West Laramie Fly Store serves as a local point for key pickup and return, illustrating the community involvement in the camp's operations. Always verify current conditions, particularly regarding road access and any safety advisories, before planning your visit.

Chimney Park Scout Camp is a highly suitable destination for locals in Wyoming, especially for youth groups, families, and outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate a more rugged and community-oriented camping experience. Its historic connection to scouting and its ongoing role in providing outdoor education are deeply aligned with Wyoming's values of self-reliance and appreciation for nature. While some areas may require adaptability due to natural conditions like downed trees, the core offerings of a scenic lake, extensive hiking trails, and a sturdy lodge provide a fantastic base for adventure.

For Wyomingites, who are accustomed to navigating diverse outdoor environments, the insights about potential "derelict" campsites or the need to bring your own "nice TP" are not deterrents but rather part of the authentic wilderness challenge. The strong emphasis on "Leave No Trace" principles and the opportunity for service projects resonate with our local commitment to preserving our natural heritage. Ultimately, Chimney Park Scout Camp offers a chance to disconnect, explore, and create lasting memories in a wild and beautiful setting, reinforcing the very essence of living in the Cowboy State.

Chimney Park Scout Camp

1 Scout Rd, Jelm, WY 82063, USA