Camp Minsi Short Term Camp Site

- Tobyhanna Township, PA 18346

For Pennsylvanian families, youth organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic, well-supported wilderness experience, the Camp Minsi Short Term Camp Site offers a remarkable destination in the breathtaking Pocono Mountains. Located in Tobyhanna Township, this facility is part of the sprawling, 1,200-acre Camp Minsi property, which has been serving the outdoor community—primarily the Scouting program—for decades. It is a premier location that combines pristine natural beauty with organized, well-maintained camping facilities and an array of accessible activities.

While Camp Minsi is widely known for its intensive summer resident camps, the "Short Term Camp Site" designation specifically refers to the availability of its various facilities—including cabins, tents, and rustic outpost sites—for organized group use outside of the main summer season. This makes it an ideal year-round destination for Scouting units, educational groups, and other pre-approved organizations throughout Pennsylvania looking for a structured, safe, and activity-rich outdoor retreat. The camp sits on the shores of the expansive 314-acre Stillwater Lake, which serves as a central hub for aquatic adventures and truly defines the tranquil, natural setting.

The core mission of the Camp Minsi facility is to provide a place for personal growth and appreciation for nature. Visitors can expect a well-managed environment featuring over 20 miles of hiking trails, varied wildlife, and a commitment to preserving the beauty of the glacial moraine geology unique to the Pocono region. Whether you are planning a rustic overnight or a multi-day retreat with lodging, Camp Minsi offers a structured way to disconnect and immerse yourself in the great Pennsylvania outdoors.

Camp Minsi Short Term Camp Site is strategically located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains, specifically in Tobyhanna Township, PA 18346, which is part of the broader Pocono Summit area. This location is highly accessible for groups coming from the Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton areas served by the Minsi Trails Council, as well as units traveling from across Pennsylvania and the Northeast region.

The camp is situated conveniently near Pennsylvania Route 940, ensuring straightforward driving access from major state highways. This proximity to established road networks makes logistics simple for weekend trips, a crucial factor for group leaders and parents across the Commonwealth coordinating equipment and transportation. Its secluded-yet-accessible nature provides the desired wilderness escape without requiring an arduous journey into remote backwoods.

Furthermore, the Pocono Mountains region itself is a major tourist and recreational area, meaning local amenities, emergency services, and outdoor outfitters are within a reasonable driving distance. The camp is located within a 10-minute drive of emergency services, a vital safety feature. This balance of being immersed in over 1,200 acres of woodland while remaining close to necessary infrastructure is a significant draw for any Pennsylvania-based group planning an outdoor adventure.

The Short Term Camp Site designation refers to the rental of specific facilities and grounds, often coordinated through the Minsi Trails Council reservation system for Scouting and pre-approved non-Scouting groups. The services focus on providing essential infrastructure for a successful group campout.

• Year-Round Camping Options: Availability of various types of sites, including rustic tent sites, improved platform tent sites, and enclosed cabins or lodges for winter use.
• Facility Rentals: Opportunities to rent specific accommodations like the heated Wilcox Lodge, Tabins (winter tents with wood stoves), or smaller Adirondack shelters.
• Water Access: Year-round cold water is available near the maintenance building, with the full camp water system typically being activated between April 15th and October 15th.
• Latrine and Restroom Access: Most established campsites are equipped with latrines, and some facilities like cabins offer full bathrooms with flushing toilets and showers.
• On-Site Management: A volunteer Campmaster or Camp Ranger is usually scheduled to be at the camp most of the year to assist with check-in, check-out, and general questions during weekend use.
• Canoe Rentals: Units can rent canoe packs to use on Stillwater Lake or to take off-site for float trips, requiring self-provided Safe-Swim qualified leadership.
• Winter Camp Amenities: During the winter, units renting winter tents often have access to a winter meal lodge with picnic tables and a pot-belly stove for gathering and meals (no ovens or refrigeration provided).
• Firewood Provision: Crates of wood can be purchased on-site for heating stoves in winter tents and for campfires.
• Online Reservation System: All unit reservations are required to be made online through the council's dedicated system.

Beyond the basic camping infrastructure, Camp Minsi provides a wealth of features that enhance the quality of any short-term camping trip for groups and outdoor enthusiasts from Pennsylvania.

• Stillwater Lake: The centerpiece of the camp, this 314-acre lake allows for fishing (bass, pickerel, perch, and more—a PA fishing license is required) and various boating activities (canoeing, rowing, swimming), provided the group has the appropriate qualified leadership.
• Extensive Trail System: Over 20 miles of hiking trails traverse the 1,200+ acres of flat Pennsylvania woodlands, offering opportunities to explore the unique Pocono geology, including the glacial moraine.
• Orienteering and Geocaching: The camp features a 25-point land-navigation course, ideal for teaching map and compass skills or engaging in the popular geocaching activity.
• Winter Activity Opportunities: When the lake freezes, it provides a safe, thick surface for ice fishing, ice skating, ice hockey, and hiking, while the surrounding area is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
• Proximity to Regional Adventure: The camp is conveniently located near commercial high-adventure opportunities, including whitewater rafting on the Lehigh River, mountain biking in the Lehigh Gorge, and downhill skiing at Camelback and other nearby resorts.
• Variety of Camp Structures: From simple Adirondack shelters to full cabins with running water and heat, the diverse lodging options ensure year-round usability for groups with varying needs and experience levels.
• Dedicated Shooting Ranges: The site maintains Archery, Rifle, and Shotgun Ranges, available for use under proper safety guidelines and pre-arranged scheduling.

For organizations interested in reserving the Camp Minsi Short Term Camp Site, note that all reservations for chartered Scouting units must be placed through the Minsi Trails Council's online reservation system. Non-Scout groups should inquire about current availability and reservation policies, as non-Scouting group rentals may be temporarily suspended or require special approval.

Address (Camp Location): Tobyhanna Township, PA 18346, USA (The physical location is often referenced as being on or near 106 Camp Minsi Rd, Pocono Summit, PA 18346).

Minsi Trails Council Service Center (For central inquiries and reservations):

Phone: (610) 264-8551 (Professional Office Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday)

Camp Minsi Short Term Camp Site is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a foundational piece of Pennsylvania’s outdoor education landscape, providing a consistently high-quality setting for group development and adventure. For local organizations, especially those focused on youth development in the Commonwealth, the benefits are clear. The camp provides an unparalleled combination of extensive natural resources—over 1,200 acres of preserved Pocono woodland and the vast Stillwater Lake—with the structured safety of a professionally managed, nationally-accredited facility.

Pennsylvania users value convenience, and Camp Minsi delivers this with its central Pocono location and easy access via major roads. Furthermore, the sheer breadth of activities available, from the Minsi Muck Hike to ice fishing in the winter and the proximity to high-adventure sports, means groups can tailor their short-term experience to any season and any skill level. It provides the ideal atmosphere for fostering leadership, self-reliance, and a deep appreciation for the state’s natural heritage. Whether a unit needs a rustic trail outpost for a true wilderness trek or a warm, equipped cabin for a winter retreat, Camp Minsi remains one of the premier and most dependable short-term camping destinations in the Pennsylvania Poconos.

Camp Minsi Short Term Camp Site

Tobyhanna Township, PA 18346, USA