Entrance Booth

Welcome to Firestone Scout Reservation, a truly unique and engaging outdoor destination located in the picturesque Tonner Canyon, right here in Brea, California. For Californians looking to escape the urban sprawl and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature, this reservation offers an exceptional "back-to-nature" experience that feels wonderfully remote yet remains remarkably accessible. While primarily a cherished resource for Scouting organizations, Firestone Scout Reservation extends its welcoming embrace to most non-profit youth groups and even families, providing a fantastic opportunity for everyone to connect with the great outdoors in a meaningful way. With its rolling hillsides, diverse wildlife, and clear Southern California skies, it delivers an immersive experience that promotes appreciation for the natural world.

Since its establishment in 1955, Firestone Scout Reservation has been instrumental in fostering teamwork, leadership skills, and a profound respect for nature among its countless visitors. Whether you're an experienced outdoors person or embarking on your first camping adventure, this semi-primitive camp provides well-maintained camping areas equipped with essential amenities to ensure a comfortable and fulfilling stay. The reservation boasts a diverse array of activities, guaranteeing there's always something exciting to do, from traversing scenic hiking and biking trails to participating in popular shooting sports. While program offerings can vary year to year, the core of the property remains a static and continuously improving natural haven. Be prepared to encounter local wildlife, including deer, frogs, owls, and coyotes, which contribute to the rustic charm and create truly memorable moments. Firestone Scout Reservation is much more than just a campground; it's a dynamic outdoor classroom and a peaceful sanctuary, standing as a testament to its enduring appeal as one of Southern California's premier outdoor destinations.

Firestone Scout Reservation is strategically located at 19001 Tonner Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92821, USA. This prime address positions the reservation just east of State Route 57, nestled within the serene Tonner Canyon, creating an accessible outdoor escape perfectly situated between the bustling metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and Orange Counties. For Californians, this means a relatively short and straightforward drive from most major population centers, allowing for convenient weekend getaways, day-use excursions, or even longer-term outdoor programs.

The accessibility of Firestone Scout Reservation is a significant advantage, particularly for busy Californians. Being conveniently located right off the 57 Freeway minimizes travel time, allowing you to quickly transition from city life to the tranquility of nature. Upon arrival, visitors will pass through a security gate at the "Entrance Booth." Informing the personnel at this booth of your visit will grant you access to this secluded natural haven. This ease of entry and well-defined access points make it incredibly convenient for youth groups arriving by bus, families in personal vehicles, or individuals seeking a solo retreat. Despite its close proximity to urban centers, the camp successfully maintains a feeling of being wonderfully isolated and fully immersed in the natural environment. This unique blend of being "conveniently close to home" while offering an "immersive experience that feels miles away" is a hallmark of Firestone Scout Reservation, making it an exceptional choice for Californians seeking authentic outdoor adventures without extensive travel. The natural terrain of Tonner Canyon provides a beautiful and effective buffer, ensuring that your outdoor experience is as undisturbed as possible.

Services Offered:

• Semi-Primitive Camping: Designed for a back-to-nature experience, requiring units to provide their own camping tents, equipment, gear, and meals.
• Water Taps: Readily available water taps are strategically placed throughout the venue to support cooking and various camp activities.
• Access Roads: Tailored access roads within the camp facilitate easy navigation to various camping areas and program sites.
• Trading Posts: On-site Trading Posts (like Broken Hawk Trading Post) sell essential basic necessities such as snacks, drinks, ice cream, T-shirts, patches, and handicraft kits. A microwave is typically available outside the Broken Hawk Trading Post for guest use.
• Program Support: Dedicated staff members (Scouts and Scouters) are often available to enhance your program with their knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm.
• Reservation System: Available for both day use and overnight stays most weekends year-round. Reservations are typically required and are available for Scouting organizations, most non-profit youth groups, and families.
• Meal Plan Options: During specific large events, a meal plan option might be available for purchase, simplifying meal preparation for groups.
• Dumpster Access: Designated dumpsters are located at the main parking lot by the shop for convenient trash disposal, encouraging cleanliness and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
• Security Gate and Personnel: A controlled access security gate is present at the entrance, with personnel to manage entry and enhance safety. The security gate usually closes at 9:00 pm for entry, though exit is possible at any time.

Features / Highlights:

• Diverse Program Activities: Offers a wide array of engaging activities including BB guns, Archery, Slingshots, Tomahawk Throwing, .22 Rifle and Shotgun Ranges, Handicrafts, an Obstacle Course, and a BMX Course. (Note: Some areas like Scout World might be closed for remodeling at times.)
• Robust Waterfront Program: Features activities at the lake, which is often noted for its ideal summer swimming temperature. Opportunities for rafting, caving, and fishing may also be available.
• COPE Course: An excellent Challenge Course designed to build teamwork, leadership, and personal growth.
• Themed Program Weeks & Special Activities: The reservation often hosts various themed weeks (e.g., STEM groups with unique storylines) and special events such as Lumberjack Games and Pumpkin Smash, adding a fun and memorable element to stays.
• Customized Leader's Merit Badge: A unique and challenging merit badge opportunity designed specifically for adult leaders.
• Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: Miles of scenic trails winding through chaparral forests and grassy hillsides, perfect for exploration and exercise.
• Abundant Wildlife: Frequent opportunities to encounter local wildlife, including deer, frogs, owls, coyotes, and the sounds of crickets, enhancing the authentic rustic ambiance.
• Dedicated and Attentive Staff: The staff are highly praised for prioritizing safety, providing exceptional support, and demonstrating enthusiasm in teaching and guiding participants.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: The physical property is generally static and continuously improving, reflecting a good balance of maintenance and expansion of amenities.
• Evening Campfire Programs: Often features traditional campfire programs with storytelling and songs, fostering camaraderie.
• Educational Focus: Strong emphasis on teaching and exploration, with significant effort put into merit badge classes and skill development.
• Good for Beginners: Considered a suitable and supportive environment for beginner campers, ensuring a safe and enjoyable introduction to outdoor living.

Contact Information:

Address: 19001 Tonner Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92821, USA

Phone: While a general reservation phone number is not always publicly advertised for direct individual bookings, information indicates that contact can be made through the Greater Los Angeles Area Council. For specific events or booking inquiries, it's recommended to check the event's listed contact person or the council's official website. A general contact number often associated with the reservation for specific programs is (714) 257-9624. Email: firestonebsa@gmail.com is also a contact option.

For Californians, Firestone Scout Reservation stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing outdoor destination, offering a unique blend of adventure, education, and natural tranquility right in their backyard. If you're a local resident seeking an accessible escape from the urban environment, this campground provides an effortless transition into a serene natural setting. Its prime location in Brea, strategically positioned between Los Angeles and Orange Counties, means that a genuine outdoor experience is just a short drive away, allowing you to maximize your time enjoying the wilderness rather than enduring lengthy commutes. This convenience is invaluable for weekend trips with youth groups, family outings, or even for personal day-use activities when you simply need to reconnect with nature.

The rich array of programs and activities offered, ranging from various shooting sports to extensive hiking trails and unique themed events, ensures there's something to engage every age and interest. The emphasis on hands-on learning, coupled with the reported enthusiasm and dedication of the staff, guarantees that any experience at Firestone is both educational and deeply memorable. For those who appreciate a semi-primitive camping style, the opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in the natural environment, while still having access to essential amenities like water taps, is a significant draw. While some minor urban sounds might occasionally be heard, the overall ambiance remains peaceful, particularly at night when the natural sounds of coyotes, frogs, and crickets provide a quintessential California wilderness serenade. Firestone Scout Reservation truly serves as a valuable local resource, offering Californians a reliable, engaging, and enriching outdoor experience right at home, fostering a love for nature and creating cherished, lasting memories.

Entrance Booth

19001 Tonner Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92821, USA