Camp, Plymouth, CT - Campground

Introduction / Overview

Nestled in the scenic, wooded landscape of Plymouth, Connecticut, the location known generally as "Camp" is, in fact, the historic and sprawling Mattatuck Scout Reservation. Established in 1939, this 500-acre property has served for generations as a premier outdoor educational and recreational facility, primarily catering to the Scouts of the Connecticut Rivers Council. It is much more than a simple campground; it is a full-service reservation dedicated to fostering community, adventure, and enthusiasm for the outdoors, all while promoting the ideals of the Scout Oath and Law.

While the Mattatuck Scout Reservation is renowned for its intensive summer camp programs—including Scouts BSA Resident Camp and the newly named Camp Toby for Cub Scouts—it is available year-round for seasonal camping and facility rentals. The reservation offers a diverse range of accommodations, from simple tent sites and Adirondack shelters to full-service cabins and lodges, making it a versatile location for various groups. The one customer review provided succinctly captures the essence of the location: "This is the place for the Boy Scouts." However, the camp's commitment to high-quality facilities and engaging activities means it’s an exceptional retreat space for a wide variety of organized groups seeking an authentic Connecticut wilderness experience.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Mattatuck is conveniently located in the town of Plymouth, CT, in the western part of the state. Its official summer mailing address is 221 Mt Tobe Rd, Plymouth, CT 06782, though the location is often identified by its GPS coordinates or the general location JXM4+47. The camp is set on Mount Tobe, providing a beautifully secluded environment that still maintains excellent accessibility for local and regional visitors.

Positioned just a few miles north of Waterbury, the camp is easily reached via CT Route 8 and Route 6. This central New England location places it roughly equidistant from both New York City and Boston, making it a manageable drive for groups across the entire tri-state area. The proximity to main highways, combined with its 500 acres of peaceful wilderness, offers the best of both worlds: a deep-woods retreat that is not a logistical nightmare to reach. For Connecticut residents, it's a perfect local destination for an authentic, structured, and challenging outdoor adventure.

Services Offered

The services and facilities at Mattatuck Scout Reservation are designed to support everything from weekend unit camping to full-scale week-long resident programs and large group events. The offerings extend well beyond a typical public campground to include specialized resources for outdoor education.

Year-Round Camping Accommodations: The facility offers a range of options suitable for all seasons, including basic Tent Sites, traditional Lean-To (Adirondack) Shelters with bunks and mattresses, and various insulated Cabins and Lodges, some featuring electricity and heat.
Dining Hall Services: A central Dining Hall is operational during the primary summer camp season, providing three prepared meals a day. This facility is also available for rental by large non-profit or organized groups outside of the main summer schedule, complete with a commercial kitchen.
Specialized Program Areas: The camp maintains highly specialized activity areas, including dedicated Shooting Sports Ranges (Rifle, Shotgun, Archery), a private lake for Aquatics, and a world-famous Climbing Tower and COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) Courses.
Meeting and Event Spaces: Numerous large structures are available for group use, such as the Dining Hall, a variety of Pavilions, and the Amphitheater, ideal for ceremonies, large group meals, or instructional sessions.
Essential Camping Utilities: Amenities necessary for a comfortable stay are provided, including clean Restrooms and Comfort Stations located throughout the camp, designated fire rings, and parking lots.
On-Site Trading Post/Camp Store: A Trading Post is generally available during peak seasons, stocking snacks, drinks, ice cream, and other essentials, alongside camp memorabilia.
Off-Season Availability: Many cabins, lean-tos, and tent sites are available for rental during the fall, winter, and spring, offering Connecticut groups a unique opportunity for cold-weather camping.

Features / Highlights

Camp Mattatuck’s most notable highlights are centered on its deep history in outdoor education and its exceptional array of high-adventure, skill-building activities.

High-Adventure Program Capacity: Unlike many public campgrounds, the camp offers fully equipped and staffed facilities for high-impact activities such as a Climbing and Rappelling Tower, Project COPE courses, and regulated shooting ranges, all managed by certified personnel.
Aquatic Activities on a Private Lake: The camp features a private lake perfect for a variety of water sports, including sailing, canoeing, and swimming, providing a safe and focused environment for aquatic merit badges and recreation.
The Camp Environment and Community: With a positive, family-like atmosphere consistently emphasized by staff and visitors, the camp excels at fostering community. Amenities like giant Jenga and Chess, along with the scenic views of Mount Tobe, encourage relaxed social interaction.
Extensive Trail System: The 500 acres of property include numerous wooded trails and open areas, supporting activities such as hiking, mountain biking on dedicated trails, and orienteering, all essential parts of a robust outdoor program.
Variety of Camping Options: The diversity of accommodation—from simple tent platforms to heated, electricity-equipped lodges—makes the camp flexible enough to host different types of groups, from small families to large organizations.
Seasonal Events: Beyond the summer program, the camp hosts unique seasonal events like fishing derbies, Klondike derbies, and even a Halloween Haunted Woods, providing year-round excitement for the local community and visiting groups.

Contact Information

For inquiries about year-round facility rentals, program information, or general details about the Mattatuck Scout Reservation, Connecticut residents should use the following contact information. Note that the phone number for the summer camp main office is only operational during the summer season.

Address: 221 Mt Tobe Rd, Plymouth, CT 06782, USA (Note: The provided address JXM4+47 refers to the general location of the camp.)

Summer Camp Main Office Phone (Seasonal): (860) 283-9577

Year-Round Director Contact: (203) 725-1209 (For facility rental and general inquiries outside of summer camp operations.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Connecticut residents, particularly those involved in youth organizations, non-profit groups, or simply seeking an intensive, well-organized outdoor experience, the Mattatuck Scout Reservation offers an unparalleled option. Its established reputation, extensive facilities, and commitment to safety and education make it an ideal, trustworthy destination. Unlike transient public campgrounds, Mattatuck provides a structured environment with access to activities—like high-quality shooting ranges and a climbing tower—that are difficult to find elsewhere. Its year-round availability via lodge and cabin rentals means that the benefits of a large, wooded retreat are not limited to the summer months. For any local group looking to challenge members, build teamwork, and disconnect from urban life in a professional, well-maintained, and historic setting right in the heart of Connecticut, Camp Mattatuck is the definitive choice for an exceptional and memorable outdoor adventure.