McLaughlin 13

For Virginia groups, particularly Scouting units and youth organizations, seeking a wooded camping experience that offers the convenience of modern facilities, **McLaughlin 13** stands out as an exceptional choice. This designated campsite is located within the prestigious **Camp T. Brady Saunders** at the larger **Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation** in Maidens, VA. The Reservation, spanning over 600 acres in Goochland County, is renowned for providing a comprehensive outdoor and educational environment, and McLaughlin 13 is strategically positioned to offer the best of both worlds: a secluded, shaded campsite and immediate access to key camp amenities.

McLaughlin 13 is often highlighted by returning campers for its unique features that elevate the traditional group camping experience. The site is notable for being **exceptionally close to a shower house**, a luxury not often found in deep-woods camping areas. This facility provides individual rooms with **flush toilets and hot showers**, a huge advantage for comfort and hygiene, especially during longer stays. Furthermore, the site’s layout is designed for convenience, featuring an access loop that makes **trailer setup and unloading easy**. The proximity to program areas like **Shooting Sports and the S.T.E.M. Center** makes it a highly desirable location for groups focusing on specialized educational activities in the heart of the Virginia Piedmont.

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McLaughlin 13 is situated in the **Camp T. Brady Saunders** section of the Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation in Maidens, Virginia. The overall Reservation is a prominent landmark in Goochland County, easily accessible from the metropolitan centers of Central Virginia. The central mailing and physical address for the main camp entrance is:

1723 Maidens Rd, Maidens, VA 23102, USA

The location of McLaughlin 13 within the camp is one of its greatest advantages. It is centrally located near essential infrastructure while remaining tucked away in a **wooded and shaded** area, providing natural cover and a cooler environment during hot Virginia summers. Accessibility to the site is excellent for groups hauling significant equipment. Customer reviews specifically mention the **easy access loop**, which simplifies the process of bringing in equipment trailers and vehicles to unload. All visitors must adhere to the Reservation's guidelines regarding parking, typically requiring vehicles to move to **on-site parking** designated areas immediately after unloading to preserve the natural setting of the campsite.

The site’s position within the camp also affords relatively quick, though not immediate, access to the central **Dining Hall** and excellent access to specialized program areas, enhancing the utility of the location for program-focused groups.

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As a designated campsite within a major operational camp, McLaughlin 13 benefits from the comprehensive services offered by the Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation. The blend of primitive camping infrastructure with highly developed central amenities ensures a balanced and comfortable group stay.

• **Premium Sanitation:** Direct, close access to a modern **Shower House**, featuring **flush toilets** and **hot showers** in private rooms—a standout amenity for a group campsite.
• **Water and Cooking:** Access to **potable water** is available near the campsite. Each site is typically furnished with a **fire ring** for cooking and a **picnic table** for communal meals.
• **Program Facilities Access:** The site's location provides good access to core camp areas, including the **S.T.E.M. Center** (dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programming) and the **Shooting Sports Area** (Archery, Rifle, Shotgun Ranges).
• **Logistics Support:** The use of an **access loop** and proximity to the **Quartermaster Building** (for supplies) streamlines the logistics of large group camping, making trailering simple.
• **Group Accommodations:** The site is specifically designed for group use, offering ample space for setting up multiple tents (often with provided **tent platforms** or cots during summer camp) for a full troop or organization.
• **Dining Access:** Though not immediate, the site is within a reasonable walking distance of the **air-conditioned Dining Hall** (available during designated programs) and the **Trading Post** for snacks and supplies.
• **Emergency Support:** Onsite services include access to the **Health Lodge** operated by an EMT, providing immediate medical support during operating seasons.

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McLaughlin 13's features are defined by its convenient location, catering especially well to groups focused on specific activities and requiring comfort amenities:

• **Unmatched Shower House Proximity:** This is the site's signature feature—being likely the closest campsite to one of the **four modern shower houses** with flush toilets and individual rooms on the property, providing an exceptional level of comfort for a rugged camp.
• **Program Focus:** Excellent positioning for groups prioritizing **Shooting Sports and S.T.E.M. merit badges and activities**, saving significant travel time within the large reservation.
• **Trailer-Friendly Design:** The **access loop** is a significant logistical highlight, easing the burden of unloading and loading equipment from trailers and vehicles.
• **Shaded Environment:** The site is nestled in the woods, providing **ample shade** which is a critical advantage during the warm Virginia summer months.
• **Open Field Access:** The site includes a **small open field** area, likely the old campsite location, which can be utilized for group activities, games, or assemblies.
• **Structured Activity Access:** The entire Reservation offers features like the **Lake Dillon waterfront** (for aquatics), the **C.O.P.E. Course** (high and low ropes), and **hiking trails** across the 604-acre property (usage subject to prior approval).
• **Traditional Camp Atmosphere:** Despite the amenities, the site maintains a **traditional, wooded camping feel**, perfect for fostering outdoor skills and camaraderie within the group setting.

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For current pricing, booking availability, and to reserve McLaughlin 13 or other facilities at Camp T. Brady Saunders, all inquiries should be directed to the Heart of Virginia Council Office:

Reservation Address (Camp T. Brady Saunders): 1723 Maidens Rd, Maidens, VA 23102, USA

Council Office Phone: (804) 355-4306

Specific camp manager contact details may be found on the Council's website, particularly during the summer camp season.

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For Virginia groups, especially those from the Richmond area seeking a **convenient and comfortable group camping experience**, **McLaughlin 13** is the superior choice at Camp T. Brady Saunders. It is **worth choosing** because it brilliantly solves the main pain point of rustic camping: **sanitation and comfort**. The unparalleled proximity to a modern shower house with flush toilets and hot water is a substantial upgrade that greatly enhances the experience for all participants.

Beyond comfort, the site's logistical design, featuring the easy **trailer access loop**, makes setting up camp far simpler for large groups with heavy gear. Its central location also provides an optimal base camp for groups dedicated to modern program activities like **S.T.E.M. and Shooting Sports**, minimizing travel time and maximizing instructional hours. McLaughlin 13 offers a **high-value blend of secluded woodland scenery and top-tier infrastructure**, making it the definitive choice for an efficient, comfortable, and program-ready group retreat in Central Virginia.

McLaughlin 13

Unnamed Road, Maidens, VA 23102, USA