Reed Campsite

Welcome to the Reed Campsite, a well-known and specific camping area situated within the vast Camp Friedlander, part of the esteemed Dan Beard Scout Reservation in Loveland, Ohio. Located right in the heart of Southwestern Ohio, this site is not a typical public commercial campground but rather a dedicated, managed space central to the region’s Scouting community. It serves as a base camp for youth units—primarily Scouts BSA—participating in the rich, multi-week summer camp programs and other year-round outdoor educational activities.

The Dan Beard Council’s Camp Friedlander is recognized as one of the premier Scouting facilities in the country, providing a rich blend of traditional camping with modern, expansive programs. Reed Campsite itself is one of many designated unit areas within the larger reservation. It provides a structured, safe, and engaging environment where groups can set up their tents, build community, and access the vast array of educational and recreational features offered by the entire camp property. For Ohio families, adult leaders, and youth, it represents an opportunity for development, adventure, and connection to the natural environment of the Little Miami River Valley.

The facility operates with a focus on organization, safety, and adherence to the principles of outdoor ethics and character development. Unlike a walk-up state park campground, access is generally governed by reservations made through the Dan Beard Council for specific Scouting unit activities or pre-approved organizational events. This ensures a consistent, high-quality experience centered on group integrity and programmatic immersion.

---

Reed Campsite is located within Camp Friedlander, which is officially addressed at 581 Ibold Rd, Loveland, OH 45140, USA. This address places the facility geographically northeast of Cincinnati, within Clermont County, Ohio. The location is strategically placed to offer the benefits of a secluded, expansive natural environment while maintaining excellent accessibility from major metropolitan areas in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana (the Greater Cincinnati area).

The Dan Beard Scout Reservation, which includes Camp Friedlander, Camp Craig, and Cub World Adventure Camp, is set on a sizable tract of land, providing ample space for hiking, water activities, and dedicated program areas.

Key aspects of its accessibility include:

• Road Access: The camp entrance on Ibold Road is easily reached via state routes, making it convenient for vehicles transporting gear and groups from the Cincinnati area and beyond.
• Proximity to Loveland: The camp is just a short drive from the charming city of Loveland, which offers retail stores, medical facilities, and restaurants for staff, visitors, and groups in need of supplies. Nearby amenities like Kroger and Walgreens are often cited as being within a 5-minute drive.
• Multiple Camp Entrances: While Reed Campsite is specifically associated with the main Camp Friedlander entrance on Ibold Road, the overall Scout Reservation has multiple access points to manage the flow of traffic for its various properties.
• Natural Setting: Despite its convenient location, the camp provides an immersive outdoor experience, set amid rolling Ohio hills and featuring the expansive Lake Marge Schott.

---

As a unit campsite within a large, programmatic summer camp facility, Reed Campsite benefits from the full array of support services provided by Camp Friedlander, which extend far beyond basic camping.

• Unit Camping Infrastructure:
  • Dedicated tent platforms for canvas wall tents or personal tents (often used with metal spring cots and mattresses, though bedding is usually brought by the camper).
  • Latrine facilities (often referred to as KYBOs) located near the campsite for convenience.
  • Access to shared, centrally located shower facilities, though some walking may be required from the specific campsite.
• Full Dining Service:
  • Use of the Camp Friedlander Dining Hall, an industrial-kitchen equipped facility that provides three meals a day, often accommodating large groups (seating for 600+) and dietary restrictions with advance notice.
• Program and Educational Support:
  • Access to dozens of merit badge classes, program activities, and specialized training centers.
  • Staffing by trained professionals, including certified instructors for activities like shooting sports, COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience), and aquatics.
• Essential Camp Resources:
  • A central Administration building for check-in and emergencies.
  • A Trading Post offering snacks, drinks, camp merchandise, and basic forgotten necessities (like soap or a toothbrush).
  • Available Wi-Fi in some indoor locations and reliable cell service across the property.
  • Medical support on-site during program operation, and accommodation for medical needs (like CPAP machines) with prior arrangement.

---

The Reed Campsite is a feature within a much larger outdoor education complex, and its highlights are tied to the breadth of activities available at Camp Friedlander.

• Lake Marge Schott: An 18-acre lake offering a host of aquatic activities, including swimming (with lifeguards), fishing, sail boating, kayaking, and canoeing, with many campsites, including possibly Reed, being lakefront or near the water.
• Olympic-Size Swimming Pool: A large, modern pool facility, open during the summer season, complete with amenities like basketball and volleyball nets.
• Specialized Program Areas: The camp boasts dedicated facilities for shooting ranges, a COPE/Climbing Tower program, and specialized training centers like the new skilled trades classroom.
• Large-Scale Event Facilities: The air-conditioned Dining Hall and accompanying decks are ideal for non-Scouting group rentals, such as weddings, family reunions, and corporate trainings, with full AV support available.
• Year-Round Use: Beyond the peak summer camp season, the property is equipped for year-round use by groups, with heated cabins available for winter camping near a shower house.
• Extensive Trails: Numerous trails connect the three properties (Camp Friedlander, Camp Craig, and Cub World), offering ample opportunities for hiking and exploring the 1.2-mile loop around the lake.

---

All communication regarding reservations, facility use, and specific program details for Reed Campsite must be directed through the central administration for the Dan Beard Council and Camp Friedlander.

• Address: 581 Ibold Road, Loveland, OH 45140, USA (This is the main Camp Friedlander entrance address)
• Main Camp Phone (Emergencies Only): (513) 831-8311
• Dan Beard Council (Reservations & Administration): Contact the main council office for filing a Use of Camp Application, which is required no less than 72 hours prior to arrival.
• Website: Dan Beard Council’s official site provides maps, program guides, and updated information on specific camp offerings.

---

Choosing Reed Campsite is choosing an experience defined by structured learning, comprehensive amenities, and a deep history of outdoor education. For any youth or adult unit associated with Scouting in the Ohio region, it is the premier choice for summer camp. The value lies in the all-encompassing nature of the facility, where a group can stay in a dedicated, clean unit campsite (Reed) while having immediate access to high-quality amenities, professionally run programs, and full meal service in the Dining Hall.

It is worth choosing because it eliminates the logistical challenges of self-supported camping, allowing leaders to focus entirely on youth development and program participation. The presence of specialized facilities for aquatics, shooting sports, and climbing, along with the availability of trained staff, ensures an unmatchable educational and adventurous experience. For non-Scouting groups, renting the broader Camp Friedlander facilities offers access to extensive meeting spaces and a beautiful, natural Ohio setting for large events like corporate retreats or family reunions, making it a unique and professional venue choice in the Loveland area.

Reed Campsite

581 Ibold Rd, Loveland, OH 45140, USA