Camp La-No-Che

For Floridians seeking an unparalleled outdoor experience that combines adventure, education, and skill-building in a stunning natural setting, Camp La-No-Che in Paisley stands as a truly unique destination. While primarily renowned as a premier Boy Scouts of America camp, its expansive facilities and diverse program offerings extend well beyond traditional Scouting, welcoming various youth groups, organizations, and even families for a transformative wilderness immersion. It's a place where young individuals, and adults alike, can disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature, learning invaluable life skills that are simply not found indoors.

Camp La-No-Che consistently impresses visitors with its sheer size and the seemingly endless array of activities available. Described as "beautiful" and "unlike anything I'd ever seen," the camp offers a vast canvas for exploration and learning. From earning merit badges and participating in high adventure activities to simply enjoying the natural beauty of the water and surrounding forest, there's always something engaging to do. The camp's dedication to providing a top-notch experience is evident in its well-trained and highly motivated staff, accommodating food services, and readily available medical and ranger support. While navigating the natural environment requires awareness, particularly regarding wildlife like ticks, the fundamental mission of Camp La-No-Che to foster growth, resilience, and outdoor appreciation remains its most compelling attribute for anyone seeking an enriching camp experience in Florida.

Camp La-No-Che is strategically located at 41940 Boy Scout Rd, Paisley, FL 32767, USA. This address places it within the vast and ecologically diverse Ocala National Forest, near the southern border, and on the north shore of Lake Norris. This prime setting ensures a deeply immersive natural experience, surrounded by Florida's characteristic forests, springs, and abundant wildlife.

Despite its wilderness feel, Camp La-No-Che is surprisingly accessible. It's about 7 miles east of Altoona and 2 miles south of Paisley, making it reachable from major urban centers in Florida. While the address is Paisley, it's very much a part of the greater DeLand/Lake County region, known for its charm and access to various recreational opportunities. The road coming into the camp, Boy Scout Road, is generally navigable, even for larger rigs, though visitors have noted that some potholes may require careful driving. However, the journey is well worth it, leading into a sprawling property that feels a world away from the everyday. Its location also offers access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and other outdoor pursuits within the national forest, making it an ideal base for true nature enthusiasts.

Services Offered:

• Diverse Camping Options: Camp La-No-Che provides various accommodation types, including traditional tent camping sites, Adirondacks screened cabins (sleeping 6-10 per cabin), and even premier air-conditioned rooms/bunkhouses for specific programs or groups.
• Comprehensive Dining Hall: The W.T. Bland Dining Hall is a full-service food facility capable of producing three meals a day for over 1000 campers. It offers good food and is accommodating to special dietary needs, with an impressive salad bar.
• Merit Badge Programs: A core offering for Scouts, providing opportunities to earn a wide range of merit badges across various disciplines, facilitated by trained staff.
• High Adventure Activities: Features extensive high adventure programs including a climbing wall, rappelling, zip line (1300 ft), COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) courses, and even ATV programs (age-restricted).
• Aquatics Programs: Two waterfront areas with docks, swimming pools, canoeing, sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, rowboating, motorboating, and mile swim opportunities.
• Target Sports Ranges: Dedicated ranges for archery (target and 3D), rifle, and shotgun instruction, with trained staff.
• Health Lodge/Medical Staff: On-site medical staff ensures the health and safety of campers.
• Laundry Facilities: Available on-site for camper convenience.
• Scout Shop (Trading Post): An on-site store stocking Scouting merchandise, camp-specific items, and snacks.
• Camp Rangers/Support Staff: Plenty of dedicated camp rangers are available to assist when needed.
• Year-Round Operation: The camp is open 365 days a year, hosting weekend programs, summer camps, and winter camps.
• Conference & Meeting Facilities: Various pavilions, conference rooms (air-conditioned), and lodges are available for group rentals, suitable for meetings, classes, and events.
• Youth and Adult Training Programs: Offers various leadership and skill-based training for both youth and adult leaders.

Features / Highlights:

• Vast and Diverse Property: Encompassing 1600 acres (part of the larger Leonard and Marjorie Williams Family Scout Reservation), offering ample space for a wide range of activities and natural exploration.
• Premier Scout Camp: Renowned for over 70 years as a top-tier Scout camp, nationally accredited for nearly 50 years, ensuring high standards of programming and safety.
• Year-Round Program Variety: Beyond summer and winter camps, the facility hosts weekend programs for Cub Scouts, Scout BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, JROTC units, church retreats, and more.
• Immersive Outdoor Education: Provides a "one-of-a-kind interactive experience" for learning life skills, leadership development, team building, and nature studies.
• Abundant Wildlife: Located within the Ocala National Forest, the camp offers frequent opportunities for wildlife viewing, including birds, butterflies, and potentially bears.
• Unique Waterfront Activities: Beyond standard aquatics, offers specialized activities like personal watercraft (jet skiing) – one of only a few Scout camps nationwide to do so.
• Historical and Cultural Elements: Features a Native American Village/Pow-Wow Ring with chickee shelters and a dance ring, offering educational insights into indigenous cultures.
• Dedicated and Motivated Staff: Consistently praised for highly trained, accommodating, and friendly staff who enhance the camper experience.
• Accessibility to Sulphur Springs & Pooh Bear Lake: These natural features on the property add to the exploratory opportunities.
• Multi-Purpose Facilities: From outdoor chapels to sports fields and amphitheaters, the camp is equipped for various events and recreational pursuits.

Promotions or Special Offers:

As a non-profit organization primarily serving the Scouting community and other youth/group organizations, Camp La-No-Che's "promotions" are generally structured around its programming and membership benefits rather than typical commercial discounts. However, interested Floridians, whether affiliated with Scouting or not, should directly contact Camp La-No-Che at (352) 669-8558 or visit their official website for the most accurate information on current opportunities. Potential "offers" or valuable features include:

• Early Registration Discounts: Often available for summer and winter camps for Scouts.
• Leader Incentives: For Scout units, bringing a certain number of Scouts can qualify leaders for free attendance.
• Provisional Camping: A program for individual Scouts to attend camps even if their unit cannot, offering flexibility.
• Group Booking Rates: Special pricing is available for non-Scouting groups (JROTC, churches, businesses, schools) renting facilities for meetings, events, or field trips.
• Package Deals: For specific programs, particularly high adventure activities, there might be package pricing for groups.
• Merchandise Offers: The on-site Scout Shop may have seasonal sales or special merchandise related to events.

It's crucial to note that pricing for specific programs (like merit badges or high adventure) may involve additional fees beyond the basic camp fees due to material costs or specialized instruction.

Contact Information:

Address: 41940 Boy Scout Rd, Paisley, FL 32767, USA

Phone: (352) 669-8558

Mobile Phone: +1 352-669-8558

Email: camplocal@camplanoche.com

For Floridians, Camp La-No-Che is far more than just a campground; it is an invaluable educational and recreational resource right in our backyard. Its expansive and well-maintained facilities, coupled with a diverse range of programs spanning from fundamental life skills (like those learned through merit badges) to thrilling high adventure challenges, make it an ideal destination for youth development and unforgettable group experiences. The camp's prime location within the Ocala National Forest, on the St. Johns River and Lake Norris, offers a genuine wilderness immersion, promoting a deep appreciation for Florida's natural beauty and wildlife. While managing the occasional encounter with nature's elements, such as ticks, is part of the outdoor experience, the benefits of learning self-reliance, teamwork, and leadership in such an environment are immeasurable. For local families, schools, and organizations, Camp La-No-Che provides a unique and accessible opportunity to foster growth, create lasting memories, and truly embrace the adventurous spirit of the Sunshine State.