Billy & Keith Johnson Scout Center, Narrowsburg, NY

For generations of New Yorkers, the call of the Catskills has signaled a time for adventure, reflection, and building foundational skills. Nestled deep within the scenic Sullivan County landscape, the **Billy & Keith Johnson Scout Center** is a central feature of the renowned Camp Aquehonga, a premier destination within the sprawling 12,000-acre **Ten Mile River (TMR) Scout Camps** reservation. While primarily serving the Greater New York Councils, this historic location provides an unparalleled environment for developing leadership and resilience, and offers unique, accessible outdoor camping opportunities for local units and families throughout the year.

Camp Aquehonga, often referred to as 'AQ,' stands out as a unique and modern facility dedicated to instilling character and self-reliance in young people. The Billy & Keith Johnson Scout Center itself is the heart of the camp’s administration and advanced programming. As noted by visitors, this beautifully constructed building serves as the administrative hub for Camp Aquehonga and provides essential comforts like an air-conditioned lounge for unit leaders, ensuring a supportive and comfortable experience for the adults guiding the next generation. The entire facility is a testament to the blend of time-honored outdoor tradition and modern educational infrastructure.

This destination is more than just a summer camp; it represents a comprehensive approach to outdoor education and camping, making full use of the magnificent Upper Delaware River Valley setting. Its commitment to continuous facility improvements and diverse programming firmly establishes it as a beacon for high-quality outdoor experiences in the Northeast.

Location and Accessibility

The Billy & Keith Johnson Scout Center is located at Camp Aquehonga in the picturesque town of Narrowsburg, New York. This prime location sits right on the border of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, offering an ideal gateway to the Catskills and the natural wonders of the tri-state area.

Address: 115 Aquehonga Rd, Narrowsburg, NY 12764, USA

For residents across New York State, particularly those in the downstate region, Narrowsburg is conveniently situated. A drive of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from the New York City metropolitan area transports visitors from urban density into the tranquil, forested hills of Sullivan County. The primary route utilizes the Route 17 corridor (Quickway), offering a straightforward journey. The final leg involves scenic county routes, allowing visitors to instantly immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty. This relatively short travel time makes it an excellent choice for weekend unit trips, short-term family getaways, and extended summer stays, providing a high-quality outdoor experience that remains close to home. The camp's vast acreage ensures a feeling of true wilderness seclusion, even with the modern facilities nearby.

Services Offered

As part of the Ten Mile River Scout Camps system, the services provided by Camp Aquehonga—and housed in part by the Johnson Center—are extensive, designed for both educational rigor and comfortable camping. While primary services cater to organized Scouting units, several amenities benefit all visitors and year-round short-term campers.

Advanced Program Facilities: The Johnson Center houses a cutting-edge **STEM Center** for instruction in Robotics, Programming, and Digital Technology, blending nature with high-tech education.
Dining and Logistics: The camp specializes in **Patrol Cooking**, providing unit-level campers with fresh, portioned ingredients and cooking equipment to foster self-sufficiency and teamwork in their campsites.
Unit Camping Accommodations: The facility offers **tent, leanto, and cabin accommodations** for year-round short-term rental to affiliated units, available from September through June.
Aquatics and Waterfront: Camp Aquehonga is the only TMR camp with an **Olympic-sized swimming pool** and a **waterslide**, in addition to access to Half-Moon Lake for boating.
Camp Administration and Support: The Center contains the main camp administration offices, ensuring a professionally managed and safely operated environment.
Leader Comfort: A dedicated, air-conditioned **Scoutmaster Lounge** with fresh coffee is available for unit leaders, as attested by customer reviews, providing a crucial space for rest and planning.

Features / Highlights

Camp Aquehonga's unique features make it a standout destination for skill-building and adventure in the Northeast, appealing to those seeking more than a passive camping trip.

Premier High Adventure Programming: Features a comprehensive **COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) Course** which includes high and low elements, a 35-foot climbing wall, and a thrilling zip line experience.
Diverse Skill-Building Centers: Beyond the core camping areas, the facility includes newly renovated program areas such as a top-of-the-line **Scoutcraft** area with permanent pioneering structures, a modern **Nature Center and Trails**, and upgraded **Field and Shooting Sports** ranges.
Family Camp Opportunities: The adjacent **Lakeside at TMR Family Camp** provides cabin sites and tailored programs, making the TMR reservation a unique public campground option for families seeking a structured, amenity-rich outdoor experience outside of the main summer camp season.
Historic Setting: Part of the 90+ year legacy of the Ten Mile River Scout Camps, the reservation offers over **60 miles of hiking trails**, including the historical TMR Trail, connecting visitors to the rich history and vastness of the Catskills.
Trade Skills Workshop: Thanks to the contributions that established the Johnson Center, a nearby facility was reconfigured into a **Trade Skills Center**, offering unique merit badge programs in areas like Auto Mechanics, Plumbing, and Welding.

Contact Information

To learn more about the Billy & Keith Johnson Scout Center, Camp Aquehonga, or to inquire about non-summer camp reservations for short-term camping, please contact the Ten Mile River Scout Camps administration.

Address: 115 Aquehonga Rd, Narrowsburg, NY 12764, USA

Phone: (845) 252-2003

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for Locals

The Billy & Keith Johnson Scout Center at Camp Aquehonga is a phenomenal resource uniquely suited for New York locals, particularly those with an interest in youth development, family adventures, or organized group camping. The sheer scale and quality of the facilities, nestled on 12,000 acres of pristine Catskills wilderness, offers a depth of programming—from high-tech STEM to high-adventure ropes courses—that few other campgrounds can match. For local New York residents, it serves as an accessible, short-drive antidote to city life, offering an immediate immersion into nature. Whether it's a family utilizing the public-facing Lakeside camp for a cabin retreat, or a local youth group seeking unparalleled outdoor education, this destination is a proven environment for building character and forging lifelong memories. The ability to access a professionally managed, historic, and highly amenitized outdoor center in the scenic Upper Delaware Valley, mere hours from the city, makes the TMR reservation and its cornerstone facility, the Billy & Keith Johnson Scout Center, an invaluable and highly recommended outdoor destination for all New Yorkers.