Camp Minsi CIT Site

- Pocono Pines, PA 18350

Nestled within the vast, 1,200-acre expanse of Camp Minsi—a celebrated and historic outdoor center in the heart of the Pocono Mountains—the designated Counselors-in-Training (

CIT

) site offers a distinct and more secluded camping experience. While

Camp Minsi

is primarily known for its extensive programs serving Scouts BSA, its varied camping facilities, including smaller, dedicated sites like the

CIT Site

, are often available for weekend rentals to local non-Scout groups, organizations, and families seeking an authentic Poconos wilderness retreat.

The property is a true Pennsylvania gem, situated along the tranquil 314-acre Stillwater Lake. The terrain is characterized by beautiful, relatively flat woodlands, offering a comfortable yet immersive natural setting. The

CIT Site

, being a more specialized area, typically offers a rustic, backwoods-style camping layout compared to the larger troop sites, often catering to smaller groups focused on training, solitude, or a more traditional tent-only experience. Its existence is tied to the camp's robust focus on leadership development, ensuring it is a place where nature, quiet reflection, and outdoor skill-building are prioritized.

For Pennsylvania residents, this location provides the perfect backdrop for escaping the urban and suburban bustle. It is an opportunity to camp amidst the varied wildlife and intriguing glacial moraine geology of the Poconos, with unparalleled access to a wealth of land and aquatic recreational features.

The

Camp Minsi CIT Site

is part of the extensive

Camp Minsi

property, officially located at 106 Camp Minsi Road, Pocono Summit, PA 18344. The provided address,

Pocono Pines, PA 18350, USA

, is a nearby and frequently referenced community that highlights the camp's central placement within the desirable Pocono Mountains region. The camp entrance is conveniently situated off Pennsylvania Route 940, making it highly accessible via major interstates such as I-80, I-380, and the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-476).

This exceptional accessibility is a significant draw for local users. From the Lehigh Valley, the drive is under an hour, and from the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area or even the Philadelphia metro region, the location remains within a highly manageable distance for a weekend trip. The surrounding area of

Pocono Pines

and Pocono Summit is a hub for tourism and recreation.

While the

CIT Site

itself may be more secluded within the 1,200 acres, the proximity to the camp's main facilities ensures that emergency access and core amenities are never far. Furthermore, campers at the site are just minutes away from local landmarks and commercial areas for any necessary resupply or off-site activities. The ability to be deep in the woods while remaining connected to a major thoroughfare is a key benefit of this Pocono Mountains location.

The

CIT Site

is a rustic campsite, meaning groups renting this area are typically looking for a more primitive camping experience. However, all registered guests at

Camp Minsi

have access to the main camp’s centralized services, depending on the season and operating schedule:

• Campsite Setup: The

  CIT Site

  is a dedicated camping area, likely featuring level ground for pitching multiple tents, and a central fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• Basic Sanitation: Rustic sites typically include basic pit latrines nearby, maintaining the wilderness feel of the location.
• Central Bathing Facilities: During the primary camping season (usually mid-April through October), central comfort stations with flush toilets and hot showers are available within a reasonable distance of the main camp area.
• Water Access: Year-round frost-free water spigots are available at the main maintenance building for drinking water supply, with seasonal running water in the main camp area.
• Camp Supplies: The main camp’s Trading Post is available, particularly during the summer, for purchasing essentials like ice, firewood, snacks, and camp-related gear.
• Recreation Equipment Rentals: Canoe and boat rentals are available through the camp for use on Stillwater Lake, providing direct access to aquatic activities.

The main appeal of utilizing the

CIT Site

stems from the incredible natural and recreational resources available throughout the 1,200-acre

Camp Minsi

property:

• Stillwater Lake Access: The 314-acre lake is a massive highlight, providing ample opportunities for swimming, fishing (bass, perch, trout), canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, with a fully developed aquatics center during the summer months.
• Extensive Hiking and Nature Trails: Camp Minsi features over 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through the natural Pocono woodlands, perfect for day hikes, orienteering practice, and wildlife observation. Key landmarks include the historic Ice House ruins and fresh-water springs.
• High-Adventure Opportunities: For the more thrill-seeking local groups, the camp provides access to specialized high-adventure programs (often available during the summer) such as whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River, mountain biking through the Lehigh Gorge, and rock climbing.
• Educational Program Areas: The camp is home to specialized program areas like

  Ecology-Conservation

  (E-con) for environmental study and the

  Shooting Sports

  range (archery, rifle, shotgun), which may be accessible to non-Scout groups through special arrangements.
• Four-Season Recreation: Beyond summer camping, the location offers excellent opportunities for winter activities, including ice fishing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing when Stillwater Lake freezes, appealing to year-round outdoor enthusiasts.

Since the

CIT Site

is an internal designation within the larger facility, all reservations and general inquiries should be directed to the Minsi Trails Council.

Address (Camp Minsi Main Address):

106 Camp Minsi Road, Pocono Summit, PA 18344

Address (Minsi Trails Council Service Center):

991 Postal Road, Allentown, PA 18109 (For general administration and registration)

Phone (Minsi Trails Council):

610-264-8551 (This number serves as the central contact for the Council, which manages camp rentals)

The

Camp Minsi CIT Site

provides a truly unique and highly suitable option for Pennsylvania locals seeking a peaceful, rustic, and organized group camping experience in the celebrated Pocono Mountains. For local organizations, large friend groups, or families committed to traditional, tent-based camping, the seclusion of a specialized site like the

CIT Site

is invaluable.

It strikes a perfect balance: you are immersed in 1,200 acres of authentic Pennsylvania wilderness, with over 20 miles of trails and a private 314-acre lake for recreation, yet you are conveniently located near Route 940 and the broader Pocono Pines/Pocono Summit community. This accessibility minimizes travel time for weekenders from across the state while maximizing the time spent enjoying the outdoors. The comprehensive offerings, from aquatics to high-adventure programs, ensure there is a rewarding outdoor activity for every age and interest level, solidifying

Camp Minsi

as a cornerstone of outdoor recreation that Pennsylvania residents can proudly and frequently utilize.

Camp Minsi CIT Site

Pocono Pines, PA 18350, USA