McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley (Private Camp)

Colorado, a state defined by its stunning natural beauty and a vibrant spirit of adventure, provides an unparalleled backdrop for outdoor learning and personal growth. Amidst the expansive landscapes and under the watchful gaze of the Rocky Mountains, lies a place dedicated to fostering leadership, skill-building, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors: McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley. This remarkable private camp, operated by the Greater Colorado Council of Scouting America, is not just a campground; it’s a comprehensive outdoor education facility that plays a pivotal role in shaping young lives and offering unique experiences.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley for local Coloradans. While primarily serving the Scouting community, the ranch also hosts specific public events, making it a point of interest for a broader audience. We’ll delve into its impressive facilities, the diverse programs it offers, its strategic location, and why it stands out as a premier outdoor venue in the state. From its recently completed zipline and climbing tower to its world-class shooting sports facilities, McNeil Scout Ranch is a testament to dedication to outdoor adventure and education right here in Colorado.

McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley is a sprawling and dynamic private camp encompassing over 3,300 acres in the beautiful Black Forest region of Colorado. It serves as a flagship outdoor education center for the Greater Colorado Council, offering a wide array of programs designed to develop character, citizenship, and personal fitness through engaging outdoor activities. The ranch is comprised of multiple distinct camp areas, including Camp Cris Dobbins, Camp Dietler, and Magness Adventure Camp, each tailored to different age groups and program focuses within Scouting.

Recent investments and ongoing improvements by the Greater Colorado Council are continuously enhancing the camp's offerings. Reviewers consistently highlight the "huge improvements" being made, including the "awesome" completion of the zipline and climbing tower, which provide thrilling new experiences. Beyond its core mission for Scouting units, McNeil Scout Ranch also opens its doors for select public events, such as its "world-class venue for sporting clays" which is accessible for public competitions once a year. This blend of dedicated youth programming and occasional public access establishes McNeil Scout Ranch as a significant and evolving outdoor asset in Colorado, fostering a love for adventure and the outdoors in both Scouts and the broader community.

McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley is ideally situated at 22799 Elbert Rd, Elbert, CO 80106, USA. This location places it within the picturesque Black Forest region of Colorado, offering sweeping views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The camp is located at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet along the Palmer Divide, providing a true mountain park terrain experience.

Accessibility to the ranch is convenient for many parts of Colorado. It is approximately 65 miles southeast of Denver, making it about an hour's drive from the metropolitan area. From Colorado Springs, the drive is also manageable, typically less than an hour. The primary access route involves well-maintained roads leading directly to the ranch from nearby state highways. While it offers a secluded wilderness feel, it remains well-connected for easy travel by bus or personal vehicle. The address itself is straightforward, and clear signage typically guides visitors once they are in the vicinity of Elbert.

Given its elevation and setting, seasonal accessibility is generally good, although visitors during winter months should be prepared for potential snow and colder conditions. The ranch's established infrastructure supports year-round operations for various programs and events, making it a reliable destination throughout the year for those with scheduled access. Its location combines the beauty and challenge of a natural setting with practical access, ensuring that participants can easily reach this premier outdoor education facility.

McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley, as a comprehensive private camp, offers an extensive array of services tailored primarily for Scouting units and their diverse programs, but also supporting various events. These services are designed to facilitate robust outdoor education and comfortable stays. Key services typically include:

• Accommodations: A variety of lodging options are available, including traditional tent camping sites with wooden platforms, and indoor "Fort" lodging for smaller groups (often for up to 20 people).
• Dining Services: For many programs, particularly during summer camps, the camp provides full meal service in a central dining hall, including options like salad bars and PB&J stations. Special dietary requests are often accommodated with prior notice. Patrol cooking options are also available for units wishing to prepare their own meals in their campsites.
• Program Areas & Instruction: The ranch is equipped with numerous specialized program areas, offering instruction in a wide range of activities. These include:
  • Aquatics (swimming pool, two lakes for canoeing, kayaking, small boat sailing, rowing)
  • Shooting Sports (Olympic shotgun range, rifle, and archery ranges)
  • Climbing and Adventure Sports (zipline, climbing tower, natural rock climbing areas)
  • Nature and Conservation (environmental science, forestry, mammal study, conservation projects)
  • Scoutcraft (pioneering, wilderness survival, first aid)
  • Handicraft (art, basketry, leatherwork)
  • STEM-related activities (astronomy, chemistry, electronics, space exploration)
  • Horsemanship (beginner and experienced riding, trail rides, dinner rides)
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Well-maintained latrines, handwashing stations, and shower facilities are available across the camp to ensure hygiene and comfort.
• Potable Water: Access to potable water is available throughout the camp, though not directly at every campsite (campers often collect water from central points).
• Trading Post: An on-site trading post allows Scouts and leaders to purchase snacks, drinks, Scouting merchandise, and other essential items.
• Health Lodge/Medical Services: Dedicated health staff and facilities are available to address medical needs and emergencies during organized programs.
• Experienced Staff: The camp employs highly trained staff, including merit badge counselors and program instructors, to ensure safe and impactful learning experiences.
• Vehicle Access and Parking: Vehicles are generally restricted to roads and designated parking areas, not allowed within campsites, to preserve the natural environment.
• Event Hosting: The ranch can host various special events and outside organizations by arrangement.

These comprehensive services support a rich and diverse experience for all participants at McNeil Scout Ranch.

McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley stands out with an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a premier outdoor education and adventure destination in Colorado. Its key attributes include:

• Expansive and Diverse Terrain: Covering over 3,300 acres, the ranch offers a varied landscape of mountain park terrain at 7,000 feet elevation, including forests, open fields, and two lakes. This diversity supports a wide range of outdoor activities and provides stunning scenic beauty, with incredible views of Pikes Peak.
• New Zipline and Climbing Tower: A major recent improvement and highlight, this state-of-the-art facility provides thrilling adventure experiences, challenging participants both physically and mentally.
• World-Class Shooting Sports Facilities: The ranch boasts an Olympic shotgun shooting range, alongside exceptional rifle and archery ranges, catering to both beginners and advanced participants and even hosting public competitions.
• Extensive Program Offerings: McNeil Scout Ranch provides an unparalleled breadth of programs across various disciplines, including aquatics, nature and conservation, scoutcraft, STEM, horsemanship, and handicrafts. This allows for tailored learning experiences and skill development.
• Dedicated Camps for Different Programs: The ranch is home to specialized camps like Camp Cris Dobbins (traditional dining hall style), Camp Dietler (patrol cooking adventure camp focusing on traditional Scouting skills), and Magness Adventure Camp (Cub Scout programs), ensuring age-appropriate and focused activities.
• Mountain Biking Courses: It features one of Colorado's premier mountain biking courses, offering challenging trails for cycling enthusiasts.
• Natural Rock Climbing Areas: In addition to the tower, the ranch provides access to natural rock climbing areas, offering authentic outdoor climbing experiences.
• Accredited Camp: The ranch consistently earns BSA Accreditation, ensuring safe facilities and highly trained staff, which is a testament to its commitment to safety and quality programming.
• Opportunity for Public Access: While primarily a private camp for Scouting, it hosts select public events, such as annual sporting clays competitions, opening its exceptional facilities to the wider community.
• Focus on Youth Development: At its core, the ranch is dedicated to enriching the fundamentals of Scouting through unique opportunities for leadership and educational growth, aiming to provide memorable and challenging outdoor experiences for every participant.

These combined features solidify McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley's reputation as a top-tier outdoor education and adventure venue in Colorado.

For inquiries and information regarding McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley, the Greater Colorado Council provides direct contact methods. Please note that while the ranch has a main number, specific program inquiries might be best directed through the council's camping department or online resources.

• Address: 22799 Elbert Rd, Elbert, CO 80106, USA
• Phone: (303) 648-3023
• Mobile Phone: +1 303-648-3023

For detailed information on specific programs like Cub Scout Adventure Camp, Summer Camp for Scouts BSA, or off-season camping reservations, it is highly recommended to visit the official Scouting Colorado website or specific event pages (often found via scoutingevent.com). These online resources provide comprehensive guides, registration details, health form requirements, and specific contact information for program directors. For general inquiries, the provided phone number connects to the camp during operational months (typically June & July) or the Greater Colorado Council's main office for year-round assistance.

For Coloradans, McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley stands as an exemplary destination, particularly for families and individuals deeply invested in outdoor education and youth development. While it operates as a private camp primarily for Scouting America, its impact and occasional public offerings make it a significant asset for the local community, perfectly aligning with the values and lifestyle prevalent in Colorado.

Firstly, its location in Elbert, within the stunning Black Forest and offering views of Pikes Peak, embodies the very essence of Colorado's natural allure. For local families, this means access to a truly immersive outdoor experience without the need for extensive travel across state lines. It’s a convenient retreat into the wilderness, where children and adults alike can breathe in the crisp mountain air and engage with the landscape that defines their home state. This proximity fosters a stronger connection to Colorado's unique environment, encouraging a lifelong appreciation for its natural wonders.

Secondly, the ranch's extensive and constantly improving facilities, including the new zipline/climbing tower and world-class shooting ranges, offer unparalleled opportunities for skill development and adventure. For local youth involved in Scouting, this means access to cutting-edge programs that challenge them physically and mentally, building resilience, teamwork, and leadership qualities. Even for non-Scouts, the occasional public events, such as the sporting clays competitions, provide a chance for Coloradans to experience these premier facilities firsthand, engaging in high-quality recreational pursuits right in their backyard.

Moreover, McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley is more than just a place for activities; it’s a community hub dedicated to positive youth development. For local parents, knowing that such a comprehensive and well-regarded facility exists to foster character, citizenship, and fitness in their children is a tremendous benefit. The emphasis on safety, highly trained staff, and a mission-driven approach ensures a nurturing yet challenging environment. This commitment to educational growth through outdoor experiences deeply resonates with Colorado's active and outdoor-oriented culture.

In essence, McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley is a cornerstone of outdoor education and adventure for Coloradans. It provides a unique blend of accessibility, top-tier facilities, and a dedicated focus on personal growth that few other locations can match. For locals, it's not just a camp; it's a vital resource that contributes to the well-being and development of the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts and responsible citizens, right here in the heart of Colorado.

McNeil Scout Ranch at Peaceful Valley (Private Camp)

22799 Elbert Rd, Elbert, CO 80106, USA