Delaware

For families, youth groups, and outdoor enthusiasts across Illinois, finding a versatile and engaging campground that offers more than just a place to stay is key to a memorable experience. Delaware Campground, nestled within the expansive Camp Warren Levis in Godfrey, Illinois, stands out as a unique destination. While not a typical public campground in the traditional sense, it functions as a highly structured and amenity-rich environment, particularly for organized groups like the Boy Scouts, but also offering opportunities for broader community engagement through its various facilities.

Camp Warren Levis, of which Delaware Campground is a part, spans 285 acres and is designed to provide a comprehensive outdoor experience, emphasizing education, recreation, and personal development. This makes it an invaluable resource for Illinois residents looking for structured outdoor adventures, skill-building opportunities, or simply a refreshing break from urban life. From boating on a private lake to swimming in a pool, and from shooting sports to challenging climbing activities, the camp offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to various interests. This overview aims to provide a clear picture of what Delaware Campground and its surrounding facilities at Camp Warren Levis offer to the local Illinois community.

Delaware Campground is located at 5500 Boy Scout Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035, USA. This address places it just north of Alton, Illinois, and within the scenic area of Godfrey. The camp's extensive 285 acres are situated north of Route 100, providing a peaceful, natural setting that feels removed from urban hustle while remaining quite accessible.

The accessibility of Camp Warren Levis is excellent for Illinois residents, particularly those in the Greater St. Louis Area and surrounding communities. Its proximity to Alton and major roadways makes it a relatively easy drive for visitors coming from various parts of the state. The specific location on "Boy Scout Lane" clearly indicates its primary affiliation and structured nature. While reviews specifically for "Delaware Campground" itself are scarce or mixed with those for other "Delaware" named campgrounds across the country, the context of its address within Camp Warren Levis clarifies its true identity and offerings. The ease of reaching the camp, combined with its vast natural acreage, ensures that groups and individuals can readily immerse themselves in the outdoor activities available without extensive travel.

Delaware Campground, as part of the broader Camp Warren Levis, offers a wide array of services and facilities, catering primarily to youth groups but also providing amenities for general use and special events:

• Various Campsite Types: The camp offers diverse camping options beyond just the Delaware Campsite, including tent camping sites (e.g., Illini Field Campsites, Optimist Campsite, Ouatoga Campsite which "shares a latrine with Delaware campsite," Piasa Campsite), and facilities for groups. Some campsites may or may not have direct latrine or water sources, requiring campers to utilize central shower houses.

• Cabin Rentals: The "Winter Lodge" is available as a cabin option, providing a building with an open floor plan for larger groups.

• Private Lake for Boating and Fishing: A key feature is the "pristine, well-stocked private lake" available for boating and fishing, with canoes and pedal boats available for use (April-October, requiring BSA Safety Afloat certification).

• Swimming Pool: An "inviting swimming pool" is available during the summer months, offering a refreshing way to cool off. Note that units/groups must provide their own lifeguards at specific ratios.

• Dining Hall: The "Swaim Lodge" functions as a dining hall and kitchen, spacious enough to accommodate large groups for meals.

• Shooting Sports Areas: The camp includes an Archery/BB Range and a Rifle/Shotgun Range, catering to various skill-building activities (requires certified instructors/safety officers).

• Climbing Tower: A challenging climbing tower is available for skill development, offering lighted routes for evening activities.

• Hiking Opportunities: Abundant camping and hiking opportunities are available across the 285 acres, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature.

• Shelters and Open Fields: Various pavilions (like Pioneer Pavilion) and open fields (COPE Field, D/A Field, Horse Corral, Pioneer Field) are available for group activities and gatherings.

• Day Passes: The option to purchase a "Day Pass" allows families or groups to enjoy the camp facilities without an overnight stay.

• Special Activity Weekends: New in 2025, the camp offers specific Saturdays with staff on-site to supervise specialized activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, BBs, and archery, available for an additional per-person fee without requiring separate camping reservations for those weekends.

Delaware Campground, as part of Camp Warren Levis, offers a multitude of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for various groups and activities in Illinois:

• Expansive Natural Setting: The 285-acre property provides an immersive outdoor experience with "abundant camping and hiking opportunities," allowing visitors to truly "immerse themselves in the captivating beauty of the surroundings."

• Versatile Recreational Facilities: Beyond basic camping, the camp offers an impressive array of amenities including a "well-stocked private lake" for boating and fishing, a refreshing "swimming pool" (seasonal), and dedicated areas for "archery and BB range," "rifle and shotgun range," and a "climbing tower." This ensures a wide range of engaging activities for all ages and interests.

• Educational and Skill-Building Focus: With facilities for shooting sports and climbing, the camp provides opportunities for learning new skills under supervision (requiring certified instructors for certain activities). This is particularly beneficial for youth groups like the Boy Scouts.

• Structured and Managed Environment: The camp operates with a clear structure and management, which, while requiring adherence to rules (e.g., lifeguard ratios for the pool, certified instructors for ranges), ensures safety and organization, creating a reliable experience.

• Dedicated Group Facilities: The "Swaim Lodge" (dining hall) and various shelters/pavilions make it an excellent choice for large group gatherings, retreats, and events, offering ample space and essential amenities.

• Convenient Location: Situated just north of Alton, IL, the camp is easily accessible for residents across the greater St. Louis area and central Illinois, minimizing travel time and maximizing outdoor enjoyment.

• Flexible Booking and Day Use Options: The ability to book specific campsites or facilities à la carte, along with the availability of day passes and special staff-led activity weekends, offers great flexibility for different types of visits and group needs.

• Natural Beauty: Beyond the structured activities, the sheer natural beauty of the "dense woods" and serene lake environment provides a peaceful backdrop for relaxation and connection with nature.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Delaware Campground and Camp Warren Levis, please use the following contact details:

Address: 5500 Boy Scout Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035, USA

Phone: While a direct phone number for "Delaware Campground" itself isn't provided as a separate entity, Camp Warren Levis, which encompasses Delaware Campground, can be contacted through the Greater St. Louis Area Scouting support staff.

Support Staff Phone: (314) 256-3090 (for assistance with reservations)

Head Ranger: Jim Goeken | (618) 567-4407 | james.goeken@scouting.org

Website for Reservations: https://campreservation.com/312/Camps/710 (for direct bookings of various campsites and facilities)

General Camp Website: https://stlbsa.org/properties/camp-warren-levis/ (for more information about the camp)

It is important to note that reservations are typically required and can be made up to six months in advance online. For specialized activities or larger group bookings, contacting the support staff or Head Ranger is recommended to ensure all requirements, such as certified instructors for certain ranges, are met.

For locals in Illinois, Delaware Campground, as an integral part of Camp Warren Levis in Godfrey, is exceptionally suitable, especially for youth organizations, educational groups, and families seeking structured outdoor recreation. Its expansive 285-acre property provides a diverse landscape for hiking and exploration, fostering a deeper connection with nature. The array of amenities, including a private lake for boating and fishing, a swimming pool, and dedicated ranges for archery, BB guns, rifles, and shotguns, offers unparalleled opportunities for skill development and engaging activities that go far beyond typical camping. The presence of a dining hall, various shelters, and flexible booking options, including day passes and staff-led activity weekends, makes it highly adaptable for groups of all sizes. For Illinois residents prioritizing a safe, well-managed environment that promotes outdoor education, physical activity, and community building, Camp Warren Levis, with Delaware Campground at its heart, is an invaluable resource for creating enriching and memorable experiences right here in our own backyard.

Delaware

5500 Boy Scout Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035, USA