Firestone Scout Reservation

Firestone Scout Reservation Introduce

Welcome to Firestone Scout Reservation, a captivating outdoor destination nestled in the serene landscapes of Tonner Canyon, right here in Southern California. For Californians eager to escape the urban hustle and immerse themselves in nature, this reservation offers a truly unique back-to-nature experience. While primarily known as a hub for Scouting organizations, Firestone Scout Reservation extends its welcoming arms to most non-profit youth groups and even families, providing a fantastic opportunity for all to connect with the great outdoors. With its picturesque hillsides, abundant wildlife, and clear night skies, it delivers an immersive experience that feels miles away from the bustling city, yet remains conveniently close to home.

Established in 1955, Firestone Scout Reservation has cultivated a reputation for fostering teamwork, leadership skills, and a deep appreciation for nature among its visitors. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the joys of sleeping under the stars, this semi-primitive camp offers well-maintained camping areas equipped with essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. The diverse range of activities available means there's always something engaging to partake in, from traversing winding hiking trails to participating in exciting shooting sports. While some aspects like staffing and program quality can vary year to year, the physical property itself is generally static and improving, offering a reliable and beautiful setting. Prepare to encounter local wildlife, including deer, frogs, owls, and coyotes, which enhance the rustic ambiance and make your stay truly memorable. Firestone Scout Reservation is more than just a campground; it's a dynamic outdoor classroom and a peaceful retreat, serving as a true testament to its charm as one of Southern California's premier outdoor experiences.

Firestone Scout Reservation is conveniently located at 19001 Tonner Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92821, USA. This strategic position places it just east of State Route 57, nestled within Tonner Canyon, making it an accessible outdoor escape situated between Los Angeles and Orange Counties. For Californians, this means a relatively short and straightforward drive from major metropolitan areas, allowing for quick weekend getaways or even day-use excursions.

The accessibility of Firestone Scout Reservation is a key advantage. Being right off the 57 Freeway means less time spent battling traffic and more time enjoying nature. Upon arrival, you'll pass through a security gate, where informing personnel of your visit will grant you access to this secluded haven. This ease of access makes it incredibly convenient for youth groups arriving by bus, families in RVs, or individuals coming in cars. Despite its convenient proximity to urban centers, the camp retains a feeling of being wonderfully isolated and immersed in nature, providing a genuine sense of escape. This unique blend of being "conveniently close to home" while offering an "immersive experience that feels miles away" is what makes Firestone Scout Reservation an exceptional choice for Californians seeking outdoor adventure without extensive travel. The location in Tonner Canyon provides a natural buffer, ensuring that while you're easily reachable, you're also surrounded by the beauty of California's hillsides and chaparral forests.

Services Offered:

Semi-Primitive Camping: Provides a back-to-nature experience, where units provide their own camping tents, equipment, gear, and meals.
Water Taps: Readily available water taps throughout the venue to support cooking and camp activities.
Access Roads: Tailored access roads for easy navigation within the camp.
Trading Posts: On-site Trading Posts sell basic necessities like snacks, drinks, ice cream, T-shirts, patches, and handicraft kits. A microwave is available outside the Broken Hawk Trading Post.
Program Support: Staff are available to add to your program with excited Scouts and Scouters ready to share knowledge and skills.
Reservation System: Available for day use and overnight stays most weekends year-round for Scouting organizations and most non-profit youth groups. Families can also make reservations.
Meal Plan Option: During certain events, a meal plan option may be available for purchase.
Dumpster Access: Trash should be taken to the dumpster at the shop by the main parking lot.
Security Gate: Controlled access at the entrance for enhanced safety.

Features / Highlights:

Diverse Program Activities: Offers a wide array of activities including BB guns, Archery, Slingshots, Tomahawk Throwing, .22 Rifle and Shotgun Ranges, Handicrafts, Obstacle Course, and a BMX Course.
Robust Waterfront Program: Features a program at the lake, which is noted for its perfect summer swimming temperature.
COPE Course: An excellent challenge course designed for teamwork and personal growth.
Themed Program Weeks & Special Activities: Hosts various themed weeks (e.g., STEM group with a mad scientist storyline) and special events like Lumberjack Games and Pumpkin Smash.
Customized Leader's Merit Badge: A unique, challenging, and customized merit badge for adult leaders.
Extensive Hiking and Biking Trails: Miles of scenic trails winding through chaparral forests and grassy hillsides.
Abundant Wildlife: Opportunities to encounter deer, frogs, owls, coyotes, and crickets, enhancing the rustic ambiance.
Dedicated and Attentive Staff: Renowned for prioritizing safety and providing exceptional support and enthusiasm in teaching.
Well-Maintained Facilities: Physical property is generally static and improving, with a good balance of maintenance and expansion.
Campfire Programs: Evening programs often include campfires with storytelling and songs.
Educational Opportunities: Emphasis on teaching and exploring, with an "extra energy" put into merit badge classes.
Outdoor Adventures: Opportunities for rafting, caving, and fishing.
Semi-Primitive Setting: Provides an authentic camping experience with reliance on personal gear, encouraging self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace principles.
Good for Beginners: Considered a good area for beginner campers, providing support for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Contact Information:

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

Phone: While a general phone number isn't widely published for direct reservations, information indicates contact through the Greater Los Angeles Area Council. For specific events or reservations, check the event's contact person or the council's website. One listed phone number related to an event is (714) 257-9624.

For Californians, Firestone Scout Reservation offers an exceptional and convenient outdoor escape, making it highly suitable for locals seeking adventure, education, and connection with nature without having to travel extensively. Its prime location in Brea, nestled between Los Angeles and Orange Counties, means that a tranquil natural setting is just a short drive away from major population centers. This accessibility is a huge advantage for weekend trips with youth groups, family camping adventures, or even day-use activities, allowing you to maximize your time enjoying the outdoors rather than on the road.

The rich array of programs and activities, ranging from archery and shooting sports to extensive hiking trails and unique themed events, provides something for everyone, whether you're a Cub Scout, a seasoned Scout, or a family looking for a fun and engaging outing. The emphasis on hands-on learning and the enthusiasm of the staff, as highlighted by visitors, ensures that any experience at Firestone is both educational and memorable. For those who appreciate a semi-primitive camping experience, the opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse oneself in nature, while still having access to essential amenities like water taps, is a significant draw. While some areas might experience occasional urban noise, the overall ambiance remains peaceful, particularly at night when the sounds of coyotes, frogs, and crickets provide a natural serenade. Firestone Scout Reservation truly stands out as a valuable local resource, offering Californians a reliable, engaging, and enriching outdoor experience right in their own backyard, fostering a love for nature and building lasting memories.