Saunders 14

For Virginia residents seeking an authentic, rustic, and group-focused outdoor experience in Central Virginia, **Saunders 14** is a name associated with the deep traditions of Scouting and youth camping. Located within the expansive **Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation** (also home to Camp T. Brady Saunders) in Maidens, VA, Saunders 14 refers to one of the specific, designated primitive campsites available on this vast property. This area is specifically designed for troop camping, weekend campouts, and organized group activities, providing a valuable training ground and recreational retreat for youth organizations and large families.

The entire Reservation spans over 600 acres in Goochland County, featuring a landscape of deciduous and coniferous woodlands, rolling hills, and beautiful lakes. The camping experience at sites like Saunders 14 is intentionally **primitive** and focused on the essentials of outdoor living. It is a place where groups pitch tents, utilize campfire rings, and focus on team building and nature appreciation. While the setting is rugged, the overall camp facility—which includes Saunders 14—is part of a well-organized institution committed to providing a safe, structured, and immersive outdoor program, making it an excellent choice for any group that values tradition, simplicity, and group camaraderie.

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Saunders 14 is located within the larger **Camp T. Brady Saunders**, which is part of the Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation in Goochland County, Virginia. This location is conveniently situated in the Virginia Piedmont region, easily accessible from the Richmond metropolitan area, offering a quick escape to the woods. The main access point for the Reservation is:

Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation, Maidens, VA 23102, USA

While the specific location of Campsite 14 is off the main camp road, the Reservation itself is found at 1723 Maidens Rd, offering a rural setting with established access. The property is known for its rolling hills and wooded landscape. Access to the individual campsite is typically via maintained dirt or gravel roads and fire trails, designed to accommodate vehicles bringing gear for a large group. Campers utilizing the property for non-Scouting purposes should always coordinate access and parking with the Camp Master or Reservation office.

The central location provides a convenient base for groups traveling from various parts of Central Virginia. The campsites, including Saunders 14, offer **on-site parking**, though vehicles may need to be consolidated to maintain the natural, rustic feel of the individual camp areas. The property is designed for foot traffic and group activity across its expansive acreage.

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The services available at Saunders 14 are those of a traditional, rugged camping environment, augmented by the broader facilities and management of the large Scout Reservation. The focus is on providing a safe platform for youth development and basic outdoor living.

• **Basic Restroom Facilities:** The campsite includes a **Restroom**, typically a simple latrine or outhouse structure (often described by users as a "toilet house" with non-traditional plumbing, such as metal tubes/vault toilets), providing essential sanitation.
• **Water Access:** Potable water access is generally available from a central point within the camp area or at a designated water spigot near the site, crucial for cooking and drinking.
• **Campsite Furnishings:** The site is a standard **scout camp setup** for group use, typically featuring a central **fire ring** for cooking and warmth, along with **picnic tables** for group meals.
• **Sleeping Arrangements:** Though campers are generally expected to bring their own tents, the facility often provides basic **cots** for use within group tents, as noted in customer reviews.
• **Onsite Management:** During the season, the presence of a Camp Master or Ranger provides onsite services, guidance, and emergency support.
• **Group Accommodations:** The site is specifically sized and equipped to accommodate large groups, such as a full Scout Troop or similar youth/educational organizations.
• **Parking:** **On-site parking** is provided, though it is usually designated to keep the main camping area vehicle-free.

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The primary highlights of Saunders 14 and the larger Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation center around the extensive property and the structured programs available for groups. These features make it an unparalleled destination for outdoor education and group adventure:

• **Expansive Property:** The site offers access to over **600 acres** of diverse Virginia Piedmont woodland, providing ample space for hiking, navigation practice, and nature study.
• **Aquatics Program:** Access to **Lake Dillon** on the Reservation allows for a full aquatics program, including swimming and boating activities (often facilitated as part of a formal program or by prior arrangement).
• **Dedicated Program Areas:** The Reservation features numerous specialized program areas that may be available to renting groups by arrangement, including a **C.O.P.E. (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) Course**, **archery ranges**, and a **shotgun range**, depending on the rental agreement and season.
• **Ideal for Youth and Groups:** The site is explicitly considered **Good for kids** and is purpose-built for the unique needs of group camping, including large areas for setting up multiple tents and central gathering spaces.
• **Rustic & Traditional Experience:** The traditional camp setup, complete with simple latrines and the need for self-sufficiency, provides an authentic **primitive camping experience**, encouraging leadership, resourcefulness, and outdoor skills development.
• **Central Facilities Access:** Campers benefit from proximity to centralized facilities (especially during summer camp season), which include a large **air-conditioned dining hall**, **trading post**, and **health lodge** at Camp T. Brady Saunders.
• **Natural Beauty:** The Reservation is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, turkey, and various waterfowl, providing a beautiful backdrop for a nature-focused retreat.

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For reservations, program inquiries, and information regarding group rental of Saunders 14 or other sites within the Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation, please use the main contact details for the Council:

Address: 1723 Maidens Rd, Maidens, VA 23102, USA (Heart of Virginia Scout Reservation)

Phone: (804) 355-4306 (Heart of Virginia Council)

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For Virginians, particularly those affiliated with youth groups, educational organizations, or large families seeking a highly structured and traditional outdoor experience, **Saunders 14** and the broader Scout Reservation are **uniquely worth choosing**. The most compelling reason is the **comprehensive program potential** that comes with camping at a premier Scout camp; the facilities are already in place for high-adventure activities like aquatics on Lake Dillon, shooting sports, and the COPE course (subject to availability and reservation). Unlike standard public campgrounds, this site is designed to facilitate group learning, leadership development, and large-scale primitive camping efficiently.

Furthermore, the experience at Saunders 14 is intentionally **rustic and authentic**, providing a vital opportunity for groups to disconnect from modern amenities and hone their outdoor skills. While the restrooms may be basic, the value lies in the **vast, protected wilderness** and the organized environment, making it a reliable, high-value choice for groups who prioritize a traditional, self-sufficient, and educational camping trip in the beautiful Virginia Piedmont.

Saunders 14

Unnamed Road, Maidens, VA 23102, USA