Camp Delaware, Oskaloosa, KS

Introduction / Overview

Camp Delaware, situated near Oskaloosa, KS (66066), represents a crucial and highly valued resource for local users in the Northeast Kansas region, particularly for families and youth organizations. It is not merely a campsite; it is a dedicated, specialized outdoor facility that forms the northern part of the larger, well-known Falley Scout Reservation (FSR). The FSR is proudly owned and operated by the Jayhawk Area Council (Scouting America), giving Camp Delaware a strong foundation of safety, organization, and a mission-driven focus on youth development.

Local feedback confirms Camp Delaware's primary role as the site for Cub Scout Summer Camp programs, including Webelos Resident Camp and Akela Camp. This specialization means the facilities, programming, and overall environment are intentionally geared toward younger campers. Reviewers highlight the presence of open fields for camping, good shelter with electricity, ample water sources, and a quality bathroom complex, emphasizing that the infrastructure is designed to be supportive and comfortable for youth.

For local users, Camp Delaware offers a distinct advantage: a welcoming, supportive, and somewhat less rugged entry point into the world of overnight camping. The friendly and inviting staff, as noted by a recent visitor, ensure a smooth transition for new campers and groups unfamiliar with the reservation. While part of the extensive Falley Scout Reservation, Camp Delaware provides a concentrated area of well-maintained amenities, making it a reliable and excellent choice for organized groups and family outdoor adventures throughout the year, especially outside of the peak summer programming season when the facilities may be available for general rental.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Delaware is strategically located within the expansive Falley Scout Reservation property near Oskaloosa, KS 66066, positioning it conveniently for residents across the Jayhawk Area Council’s 11-county service area, including the major population centers of Topeka, Lawrence, and surrounding communities. The camp is set amidst the glaciated terrain of Northeast Kansas, providing a scenic backdrop of mixed oak-hickory-walnut forest and prairie grassland, offering a genuine 'get out into the woods' experience without sacrificing accessibility.

Accessibility is a key strength for Camp Delaware, especially in its capacity as a venue for younger scouts. The facility is designed for easy navigation. The campsites, often described as open fields, are intentionally situated close to core program areas and a system of connecting roads and trails. This proximity to essential facilities, including the main bathroom complex and pavilions, greatly enhances user comfort and safety. Furthermore, FSR, which includes Camp Delaware, is committed to accessibility, with certain areas and paths designed to be wheelchair accessible, reflecting a dedication to inclusivity for all visitors.

The camp’s location near Perry Lake is another significant local draw. While the camp itself offers a dedicated outdoor environment, the vast recreational opportunities of the nearby lake—from boating and fishing to hiking—are just a short drive away, allowing local groups to easily incorporate broader regional attractions into their stay.

Services Offered

The services at Camp Delaware are built around supporting a safe, educational, and comfortable group camping experience, particularly for younger participants. They go beyond simple tent sites to provide functional infrastructure.

Dedicated Bathroom Complex: The site features a 'good bathroom complex' with modern latrines and likely hot-water showers, offering a level of comfort that is highly valued by families and youth groups.
Shelter and Utility Access: Campsites include access to 'good shelter with electricity' within the open fields, alongside 'several water sources' for potable water, which is critical for group safety and convenience.
Program Pavilions: Multiple pavilions are available, providing covered areas for dining, program activities, and gathering, which is essential for managing weather and group logistics.
Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff Support: Visitors consistently praise the friendly and inviting staff who offer tours and explanations of the camp, ensuring a welcoming and informed experience for those new to the facility.
Structured Summer Camp Programs: During the summer, the camp provides age-appropriate resident programs for Cub Scouts, focusing on skill-building, personal growth, and creating lasting memories.
Year-Round Facility Rental: Outside of the dedicated summer period, the camp facilities are generally available for rental by individual Scout units, families, and other organizations, offering a reliable venue for off-season events.
Dining Hall Access: Camp Delaware is connected to the wider Falley Scout Reservation, which includes dining hall facilities that are used for larger camps and are sometimes available for reservation by large groups.

Features / Highlights

Camp Delaware stands out for local users due to its specific focus and supportive environment within the larger Falley Scout Reservation.

Specialization for Younger Campers: It is a 'great addition to the camp that is geared to younger scouts,' making it the ideal first-time camping venue where safety and age-appropriate activities are prioritized.
Excellent Foundational Amenities: The combination of open field camping with close proximity to a good shelter, electricity, water, and modern bathroom facilities ensures a hassle-free experience.
A Welcoming, Supportive Atmosphere: The consistently noted friendly and inviting staff helps new visitors feel comfortable and ensures a positive, educational experience.
Part of a Larger, Established Camp: Being the northern part of Camp Jayhawk (and FSR) means campers benefit from the Jayhawk Area Council's strong support for the Order of the Arrow, lending a rich tradition and reliable organizational oversight to the entire property.
Accessible Outdoor Experience: It delivers a genuine 'get out into the woods' feeling that is close enough to local communities to be manageable for a weekend trip, fulfilling the need for accessible outdoor recreation.
Dedicated Program Opportunities: Access to a wide range of activities in the broader FSR, including aquatics, field sports, and nature programs, ensures a full and engaging outdoor itinerary.

Contact Information

For inquiries about Camp Delaware, including program details, facility rentals, and general information about Falley Scout Reservation, please contact the Jayhawk Area Council administrative office:

Address: Oskaloosa, KS 66066, USA (Location of the Camp)
Central Contact Phone: (785) 354-8541 (Jayhawk Area Council Office)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Camp Delaware is uniquely suitable for local Kansans, particularly those residing in the Northeast region, because it represents the perfect intersection of accessible location, reliable facilities, and a supportive, youth-focused mission. For local Scout units, it is the home for their vital summer programs, fostering skill-building and leadership close to home. For local families and non-Scouting groups seeking a rental facility during the off-season, Camp Delaware offers a structured, secure environment that is an upgrade from typical public campgrounds.

The proven combination of essential amenities—shelters with power, clean restrooms, and reliable water sources—in an easily accessible, short-drive location near Oskaloosa, eliminates the common barriers to organized group camping. It is a welcoming, reliable facility that local users, whether from Lawrence, Topeka, or surrounding towns, can count on for a quality, safe, and engaging outdoor experience. Camp Delaware is a cherished local asset that continues to prepare the next generation for adventure while providing an invaluable recreational space for the entire community to enjoy the beautiful Northeast Kansas countryside.