Laurel Ridge

For Scout troops, youth organizations, and other groups across North Carolina seeking an authentic and engaging outdoor experience, the Laurel Ridge campsite within Camp Raven Knob in Mt. Airy, NC, offers an excellent setting. Nestled on the "Hill" side of this renowned Scout Reservation, Laurel Ridge provides a classic tent camping environment designed to foster teamwork, outdoor skills, and a deeper connection with nature. It’s a dedicated space where groups can establish their home base for a memorable adventure, enjoying both the rustic charm of the wilderness and convenient access to essential facilities and diverse programs.

Laurel Ridge is a specific, dedicated campsite located within the expansive Camp Raven Knob, a premier Boy Scout camp in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Unlike traditional public campgrounds catering to individual families, Laurel Ridge is primarily designed for organized groups, particularly Scouting units and other youth organizations. It is part of the "Hill" group of campsites, which often offer varying degrees of seclusion and accessibility to central camp areas.

The campsite itself is thoughtfully equipped to support group living, featuring a dedicated fire pit for campfires and a permanent picnic shelter, which serves as a central gathering and dining area for the group. Laurel Ridge is noted for its proximity to other campsites like Trail's End A, Trail's End B, and Red Oak, fostering increased social interaction between troops. This collaborative atmosphere, combined with its direct access to the Lake Trail, makes it a popular choice for groups looking for both an immersive natural experience and opportunities for camaraderie. With a typical capacity ranging from 16 to 24 campers, it ensures a focused and cohesive group adventure focused on outdoor education, skill development, and character building within a safe and supervised environment.

The Laurel Ridge campsite is situated within the extensive grounds of Camp Raven Knob, found at 220 Scout Hill Trail, Mt Airy, NC 27030, USA. This address places the campsite within the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing a beautiful and immersive natural backdrop for outdoor activities. The specific "Scout Hill Trail" indicates its designated area within the larger camp, highlighting its role in organized youth programs.

For groups traveling from various parts of North Carolina, Camp Raven Knob's location near Mount Airy offers an excellent balance of natural seclusion and practical accessibility. Mount Airy is easily reachable via major roadways in the state, making travel to the camp straightforward. Once within Camp Raven Knob, clear signage and internal roads guide visitors to individual campsites like Laurel Ridge. Its placement on the "Hill" suggests it offers a slightly different perspective of the camp and its surroundings compared to "Valley" sites. The proximity to the Lake Trail provides quick access for hiking enthusiasts, and paths also lead to the Trading Post and other program areas, ensuring convenience for campers. Ample parking is typically available for vehicles transporting equipment and campers.

As a key part of Camp Raven Knob, the Laurel Ridge campsite benefits from the comprehensive services and infrastructure provided by the overall camp, ensuring a comfortable and well-supported outdoor experience for groups.

• Dedicated Group Tent Camping Area: Provides a designated and well-maintained space for pitching multiple tents, specifically designed for organized youth units. The site type is "Tent" with a "Hill" location.
• Permanent Picnic Shelter: A sturdy, covered shelter at the campsite offers a central area for group activities, dining, and protection from the elements.
• Fire Pit: A dedicated fire pit allows for safe and enjoyable campfires, essential for evening gatherings and cooking.
• Latrine with Showers: The campsite features its own latrine with showers, providing convenient and clean restroom and bathing facilities directly on-site.
• Electricity Available: The campsite provides access to electricity, which is a valuable amenity for charging devices, powering medical equipment (like CPAP machines), or running essential group gear.
• Access to Camp Raven Knob Program Areas: Campers at Laurel Ridge are integral to the larger Camp Raven Knob community and can participate in a wide array of specialized programs, including:
  • Aquatics (swimming, boating on Lake John Sobotta)
  • Scoutcraft (pioneering, wilderness survival, camping skills)
  • Nature and environmental studies (merit badges, outdoor ethics)
  • Shooting Sports (archery, rifle, shotgun ranges)
  • Handicrafts and technology programs
  • High adventure programs (e.g., RAMPAGE! with whitewater activities, rock climbing, backpacking)
• On-site Staff Support: The camp operates with trained staff who manage programs, provide instruction, and ensure the safety and well-being of all campers.
• Trading Post Access: Conveniently located pathways or trails provide access to the camp's Trading Post for purchasing essentials, snacks, and souvenirs.
• Dining Hall (seasonal): While groups at Laurel Ridge may self-cater, a main dining hall is available during summer camp seasons for broader camp-wide meals.

The appeal of the Laurel Ridge campsite is deeply rooted in its unique attributes and its seamless integration into the rich program offerings of Camp Raven Knob, making it a highly desirable choice for youth group camping in North Carolina.

• On-Site Latrine with Showers: A significant convenience, offering private and easily accessible restroom and bathing facilities directly within the campsite, which is a notable highlight for group comfort.
• Proximity to Lake Trail: Campers have direct and quick access to the Lake Trail, which is ideal for hiking and exploring the scenic surroundings of Lake John Sobotta.
• Fosters Social Interaction: Its location near other "Hill" campsites like Trail's End A, Trail's End B, and Red Oak encourages social interaction and camaraderie between different Scout troops or groups.
• Structured Group Infrastructure: The provision of a permanent picnic shelter and a fire pit at the campsite ensures groups have a functional and comfortable base for their stay, facilitating organized activities and communal living.
• Electricity at Site: A valuable amenity for a tent campsite, providing power for lighting, charging electronics, or running necessary medical devices, enhancing the comfort level.
• Access to Extensive Outdoor Programs: Being part of Camp Raven Knob means groups at Laurel Ridge can engage in a vast and diverse curriculum of outdoor skills, merit badges, and high-adventure challenges, fostering significant personal growth and skill development.
• Focus on Youth Development: The entire Camp Raven Knob experience, including stays at campsites like Laurel Ridge, is purposefully designed to develop leadership, teamwork, character, and self-reliance in young people, which is a primary draw for parents and youth leaders.
• Secluded Yet Connected: While offering a somewhat secluded feel on the Hill, the campsite benefits from the underlying support and safety infrastructure of a large, established camp, with pathways leading to central facilities.

Since Laurel Ridge is a designated campsite within Camp Raven Knob, any "promotions" or "special offers" would typically pertain to the broader camp's registration periods for summer camp, off-season group rental rates, or specific program discounts. As a Boy Scout camp, direct-to-public "discounts" in the retail sense are less common, but significant value is offered through comprehensive program inclusions and structured group-based fee models.

Key aspects related to pricing and value for groups considering Laurel Ridge:

• Group Rental Rates: Camp Raven Knob offers specific rates for unit rentals (i.e., renting a campsite like Laurel Ridge for a weekend or off-season trip). These rates typically vary based on the number of participants and the duration of the stay. Inquiries should be made directly to the camp for current pricing for unit rentals.
• Summer Camp Session Fees: For groups attending during the dedicated summer camp sessions, the fees usually cover the campsite, program instruction, access to all camp facilities, and often meal service in the dining hall. Early bird registration discounts for summer camp are commonly offered. For example, Scouts BSA summer camp fees are approximately $435-$450 per Scout, with adult leader fees around $225, often with waivers for a certain ratio of leaders per Scouts.
• **"Camperships" / Financial Assistance:** The Old Hickory Council, which operates Camp Raven Knob, often provides needs-based financial assistance (camperships) to ensure that camp experiences are accessible to a wider range of youth. Leaders are encouraged to inquire about these opportunities via the Old Hickory Council website or by contacting the Camp Director.
• Program Inclusions: The inherent "value" of staying at Laurel Ridge is greatly enhanced by the integrated access to a wide array of high-quality outdoor education and adventure programs, which are part of the overall Camp Raven Knob experience.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on rental fees, summer camp registration, and any available financial aid or group incentives, group leaders in North Carolina should contact Camp Raven Knob directly via their official website or phone.

For inquiries about booking the Laurel Ridge campsite for your group, or for any general information regarding Camp Raven Knob and its programs, please use the following contact details:

Address: 220 Scout Hill Trail, Mt Airy, NC 27030, USA

General Camp Phone (seasonal): (336) 352-4307

Old Hickory Council Office Phone (year-round): (336) 760-2900 (For reservations, general inquiries, and information about Camp Raven Knob, as Laurel Ridge is part of their facility.)

Camp Director (Hunter Day): (336) 880-4743 (Cell) or via email at campdirector@ravenknob.com.

It is highly recommended to visit the official Camp Raven Knob website (www.ravenknob.com) for online reservation requests, detailed program information, and additional contact options.

For North Carolina residents, especially leaders of Scout troops and other youth organizations, the Laurel Ridge campsite at Camp Raven Knob represents an excellent local option for a deeply enriching outdoor experience. Its location in Mt. Airy ensures a relatively convenient drive from many parts of the state, making it an accessible choice for weekend campouts or multi-day summer adventures without excessive travel.

What makes Laurel Ridge particularly suitable for locals is its unique combination of a rustic tent camping experience with the comprehensive support and programming of a highly organized, professionally managed camp environment. This isn't merely a place to pitch tents; it's a vital component of Camp Raven Knob's long-standing mission to educate and inspire young people through the power of the outdoors. The convenience of having an on-site latrine with showers, electricity, a permanent shelter, and a fire pit elevates the camping experience, making it comfortable and manageable for diverse groups. Furthermore, the close proximity to the Lake Trail for hiking and the vast array of educational and high-adventure programs offered by Camp Raven Knob provides unparalleled opportunities for skill development and personal growth for North Carolina youth. For those seeking to instill character, leadership, and a profound appreciation for our state's natural heritage in the next generation, the Laurel Ridge campsite at Camp Raven Knob is an outstanding resource right here in our North Carolina community.

Laurel Ridge

220 Scout Hill Trail, Mt Airy, NC 27030, USA