Camp Decorah - Gateway Area Council, Scouting America

Wisconsin is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, from the majestic Great Lakes to its rolling hills and dense forests. For generations, outdoor experiences have been a cornerstone of life in the Badger State, providing opportunities for adventure, learning, and connection with nature. Among the many outdoor destinations, Camp Decorah, operated by the Gateway Area Council, Scouting America, in Holmen, stands as a prime example of a facility dedicated to fostering these experiences, particularly for youth, but also offering various amenities for other groups and families. This comprehensive camp offers a unique blend of rustic charm and exciting program facilities, making it an excellent choice for Wisconsin locals looking for an engaging outdoor getaway.

Camp Decorah, situated on a sprawling 330 acres of wooded land overlooking the Black River, is more than just a place to pitch a tent. It's a vibrant hub for outdoor education and adventure, built on a long tradition of Scouting. Visitors consistently praise its "excellent facilities and beautiful camp," noting the abundance of activities available. While one review mentions some minor issues with older facilities like latrine sinks or cabin windows, these are often offset by the "really nice" staff and the overall positive impact of the outdoor environment and unique program offerings, such as a "watch tower" and "many areas to hike at." The camp is designed to immerse visitors in nature while providing structured activities that promote personal growth and skill development, making it a compelling destination for a memorable outdoor experience.

Camp Decorah is located at W7520 Council Bay Rd, Holmen, WI 54636, USA. This address places the camp approximately seven miles north of Holmen, Wisconsin, and about four miles southeast of Galesville, Wisconsin, directly on the Black River. Its precise location makes it an accessible yet secluded natural retreat in western Wisconsin.

Holmen is a growing community situated near La Crosse, a larger regional hub. The camp's main entrance on Council Bay Road is easily reachable from major highways, ensuring a smooth journey for visitors arriving by car or bus. The proximity to La Crosse means that essential services, including larger grocery stores, emergency facilities, and diverse dining options, are within a reasonable driving distance, providing convenience without detracting from the camp's immersive natural setting.

The camp's direct frontage on the Black River and Council Bay offers significant advantages for water-based activities. This provides immediate access for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, allowing participants to fully utilize the river's recreational potential. Furthermore, the camp is surrounded by "wooded sand hills," creating a varied terrain ideal for hiking and exploring. This natural landscape, combined with structured program areas, offers a rich environment for outdoor activities. The accessibility of Camp Decorah from across western Wisconsin, along with its rich natural surroundings, makes it an ideal location for locals seeking a comprehensive outdoor experience that feels both remote and connected.

Camp Decorah, as a facility primarily for Scouting America programs and rentals, offers an extensive array of services and facilities:

• Diverse Lodging Options: The camp offers various types of accommodations, including rustic bunkhouses (like the Executive Lodge, Gebhardt Lodge, OA Lodge, Trading Post), more modern cabins (Guest Lodge, Training Center), and mini-cabins (Apache, Blackfoot, Cherokee, Chippewa, Winnebago). These often include features like half-kitchens (stove/refrigerator) or full kitchens and baths in modern units.

• Tent Campsites: Primitive tent sites (like Arapaho, Max Winter) and tent sites with wooden platforms (Comanche, Iroquois, Lenape) are available, catering to traditional camping preferences.

• Program Facilities with Trained Staff: Camp Decorah provides fully trained staff for specialized program facilities, which can be rented by various organizations. These include:

  • Archery Range

  • Climbing Tower and Zip Line (45' climbing tower, 100' zip line)

  • Stocked Fishing Pond (annually stocked with trout)

  • Low Ropes Course (COPE - Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience)

  • Nature Center (on-site library and display specimens)

  • Rifle and Shotgun Shooting Range (100-yard range)

  • Swimming Pool (large, available for rental with lifeguards provided for a fee, includes pool toys, basketball hoops, key log)

  • Waterfront Canoeing & Kayaking (on the Black River and Council Bay)

• Restroom and Shower Facilities: While some rustic cabins rely on nearby outdoor latrines and running water, modern cabins have full baths, and there is a poolhouse with segregated showers and restrooms. One review noted issues with some latrine sinks and lack of stalls in certain bathrooms, advising bringing hand sanitizer, but generally, facilities are available.

• Dining Hall: Meals are often served family-style during organized camps, with features like a salad and breakfast bar.

• Charging Stations: Available in the main lodge for phones and devices, acknowledging the need for modern conveniences.

• Hiking Trails: Numerous areas to hike within the 330 acres of wooded land.

It's important to note that while the camp offers extensive facilities, some amenities might be seasonal or require advance booking and staffing for private group rentals. For specific details on availability, a direct inquiry is always recommended.

• Expansive Natural Setting: Spanning 330 acres of wooded sand hills overlooking the Black River, the camp offers a truly immersive natural experience with diverse landscapes for exploration.

• Diverse Program Facilities: The camp boasts an impressive array of specialized program facilities, including a 45-foot Climbing Tower, 100-foot Zip Line, Archery Range, Rifle and Shotgun Shooting Range, Low Ropes (COPE) Course, and a stocked Fishing Pond. These facilities are staffed by trained personnel for organized groups.

• Waterfront Access: Direct access to the Black River and Council Bay provides excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and other waterfront activities.

• Variety of Accommodations: From rustic lodges and mini-cabins to primitive tent sites and sites with wooden platforms, Camp Decorah offers diverse lodging options to suit different preferences and group sizes.

• Swimming Pool: A large swimming pool is available for rental during summer months, complete with toys and lifeguards (for a fee), providing a fun way to cool off.

• Nature Center: An on-site nature center with a library and display specimens enhances educational opportunities and encourages appreciation for the natural environment.

• Dedicated to Youth Development: As a Scouting America camp, it has a strong focus on youth development, offering challenging and engaging programs designed to build skills, confidence, and leadership.

• Friendly Staff: Reviews indicate that the staff are "really nice," contributing positively to the overall camp experience.

• Hiking Opportunities: With "many areas to hike at," the camp provides ample trails for exploration and enjoying the outdoors.

As Camp Decorah is primarily operated by the Gateway Area Council, Scouting America, its pricing structure and "special offers" typically revolve around its mission to provide programs for youth and community groups. Traditional commercial promotions (like discounts for early booking or seasonal deals) are less common. Instead, the focus is on providing value through comprehensive program offerings and rental opportunities for various organizations.

However, the camp does offer various types of rentals for lodges, cabins, and campsites to Scouting units and other community organizations throughout the year, outside of specific summer camp programming. The value comes from:

• Program Facilities with Staff: The ability to rent specialized program facilities (climbing tower, zipline, ranges) with trained staff provided by the camp is a significant value proposition for groups seeking structured adventure activities.

• Seasonal Camp Programs: During the summer, the camp hosts various specialized programs for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA, such as Cub Scout Summer Camps, Webelos & Arrow of Light Camps, and Scouts BSA Summer Camps. These are packaged experiences designed to deliver specific merit badge opportunities and adventures.

• Facility Rentals: Groups can rent lodges, cabins, or campsites for their own events, providing a base for self-led activities. Pricing for these rentals would be determined by the Gateway Area Council. For example, some lodges are available for year-round rental.

For the most accurate and current information on availability, specific rental rates for lodges, cabins, or campsites, and details on seasonal program fees, it is essential to contact the Gateway Area Council or Camp Decorah directly. Inquiring about group rates or off-season availability would be the best approach to understand the cost structure for your specific needs.

For inquiries and reservations at Camp Decorah - Gateway Area Council, Scouting America:

• Address: W7520 Council Bay Rd, Holmen, WI 54636, USA

• Phone: (608) 526-6418 (Camp Decorah direct line)

• Mobile Phone: +1 608-526-6418

• Gateway Area Council Headquarters Phone: (608) 784-4040

• Email (Gateway Area Council): GatewayAreaCouncilBSA@scouting.org

It is highly recommended to call the camp directly or the Gateway Area Council headquarters for program inquiries, facility rentals, or any specific questions you may have.

For Wisconsin residents, Camp Decorah, operated by the Gateway Area Council, Scouting America, in Holmen, offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching outdoor experience, particularly for groups and families seeking more than just a place to sleep. Its unique combination of extensive facilities, diverse programming, and natural immersion makes it an ideal local destination.

Firstly, its primary focus on youth development through Scouting programs ensures a well-structured and purposeful environment. For local families with children involved in Scouting, or even those looking for similar growth opportunities, Camp Decorah provides a safe, supervised, and engaging setting. The array of specialized program facilities—from the climbing tower and zipline to archery and shooting ranges—offers unique adventure activities that are not commonly found at typical public campgrounds. These activities promote physical activity, teamwork, and skill-building, which are invaluable for young people.

Secondly, beyond organized Scouting events, the camp offers various lodging options, including lodges and cabins, which can be rented by other community groups or even larger family gatherings. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for local schools, church groups, or extended families looking for a dedicated space to host their own retreats or reunions with access to a wide range of amenities. The ability to rent facilities with trained staff for activities like climbing or waterfront programs significantly simplifies planning for event organizers.

Furthermore, the camp's expansive 330-acre natural setting on the Black River provides a profound connection with Wisconsin's beautiful outdoors. "Many areas to hike at," opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, and a stocked fishing pond mean that whether your group is engaging in structured activities or simply exploring, there's always something to do. Despite minor facility quirks mentioned in reviews (like the need for hand sanitizer or bringing sleeping mats), the overall positive sentiment towards the "excellent facilities" and "beautiful camp" underscores its appeal.

Finally, the "really nice" staff contribute significantly to a welcoming and supportive environment, ensuring that visitors feel comfortable and well-cared for. For Wisconsin locals, Camp Decorah represents a fantastic resource for fostering outdoor skills, building camaraderie, and creating lasting memories within a comprehensive and well-equipped natural setting, all conveniently located in their home state.