Camp Site #3

- 8065 Old Port Gibson Rd, Hazlehurst, MS 39083

Are you a Mississippian looking for an exceptional outdoor experience, particularly for youth, that offers a blend of traditional camping and thrilling adventure? While the address 8065 Old Port Gibson Rd, Hazlehurst, MS 39083 is listed as "Camp Site #3," public information indicates that this location is primarily associated with the Hood Scout Reservation. This expansive property serves as a premier youth camp, particularly for Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America) programs, providing a diverse range of activities and facilities rather than a public, individual campsite in the traditional sense.

The Hood Scout Reservation is a well-established and accredited camp nestled in the breathtaking natural beauty of Copiah County. It’s designed to ignite curiosity, build lifelong skills, and foster a profound appreciation for the great outdoors among young people. While it may not be a spot for casual, walk-in public camping, understanding its true nature reveals a fantastic resource for families and youth groups in Mississippi seeking structured outdoor adventure. The camp's offerings go far beyond a simple tent site, encompassing a wide array of challenging and enriching activities.

This article aims to provide a clear and engaging overview of what "Camp Site #3" truly represents: a dynamic and meticulously maintained outdoor education and recreation center. For those interested in youth summer camps, scouting events, or exploring diverse outdoor challenges in a safe and supportive environment, Hood Scout Reservation is an invaluable asset to the Mississippi community.

Hood Scout Reservation, where "Camp Site #3" is located, is situated at 8065 Old Port Gibson Rd, Hazlehurst, MS 39083, USA. This address places the extensive camp property in the scenic foothills of Copiah County, central Mississippi. Its rural setting provides an immersive natural environment, ideal for outdoor activities and a true escape from urban distractions.

Despite its seemingly remote location, Hazlehurst is accessible via major routes. Interstate 55 (I-55), a primary north-south highway through Mississippi, is within a reasonable driving distance, making the camp accessible from various parts of the state. For those coming from Jackson to the north or areas south like Brookhaven, the journey to Hazlehurst is straightforward. Once in Hazlehurst, Old Port Gibson Road guides visitors to the reservation, ensuring a manageable drive for groups and families.

The beauty of this location lies in its balance: a deep connection with nature that feels secluded, yet remains within reach of essential services in Hazlehurst and larger amenities in nearby towns. This accessibility allows Mississippians to easily transport youth groups, bring in supplies, and ensure that the camp can operate efficiently while offering a truly wild and adventurous experience. It’s a perfect spot for fostering outdoor skills and appreciation within a convenient travel radius for local residents.

• Diverse Camping Programs: Offers various camping experiences, primarily for Scouts BSA Troops, including traditional tent camping as part of structured summer camps and weekend events.
• Challenge Course Facilities: Features extensive challenge course elements including multiple climbing walls (up to 50' high), rappelling walls, a 20' bouldering wall, a giant swing, dual zip lines (approximately 475' parallel lines, starting at 50' high), a Crate Stacking area, and a Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (COPE) course.
• Shooting Sports Program: Provides dedicated areas and certified instructors for rifle, shotgun, archery, and muzzleloading activities, with camp-provided guns, ammo, and targets.
• Aquatics and Boating: The Johnson Family Boating Area on a 110-acre lake offers motorboating, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing during summer programs. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding rentals are also available during the off-season. Features like "The Blob" and Dual Water Slides are popular aquatic attractions.
• Extensive Trail System: Over twenty miles of clearly marked mountain biking trails suitable for all skill levels, with mountain bike rentals available. Also offers mountain boarding areas.
• Dining Hall Services: Professional cooks prepare youth-centered meals under the direction of a dietitian, providing nutritious food in a central dining hall.
• Trading Post: An on-site store offering camping essentials, memorabilia, apparel, snacks, drinks, and more.
• Health Lodge: Staffed 24 hours a day by highly qualified healthcare professionals during resident camps, with medication storage available.
• Modern Shower Facilities: Three central shower locations (North, Central, South) with individual showers and restrooms are strategically located throughout the camp.
• Accredited Programs: Accredited by the Boy Scouts of America and the State of Mississippi, ensuring high safety standards and quality programming.
• Merit Badge Sessions: Integral to the Scouts BSA programs, helping scouts earn various merit badges.
• Team-Building Exercises: Programs designed to develop leadership abilities and foster lasting friendships among participants.

• Premier Youth Outdoor Adventure Hub: Hood Scout Reservation is a leading facility for outdoor education and recreation, primarily for youth, offering a vast array of activities not typically found at a general campground.
• Extensive High-Adventure Elements: Highlights include significant climbing and rappelling walls (up to 50 feet), dual zip lines (475 feet long, 50 feet high), and a giant swing, providing thrilling and challenging experiences.
• Dedicated Shooting Sports Ranges: Offers comprehensive opportunities for rifle, shotgun, archery, and muzzleloading with certified instructors, emphasizing safety and skill development.
• Large 110-Acre Lake with Aquatics: The Johnson Family Boating Area on a substantial lake facilitates diverse water activities, including swimming, boating, and unique features like "The Blob" and water slides.
• Over 20 Miles of Mountain Biking Trails: Provides a robust network of trails catering to various skill levels, appealing to cycling enthusiasts.
• Professional Staff and Safety Standards: The camp is staffed by passionate and trained professionals, with meticulous facility maintenance and adherence to high safety protocols, ensuring a worry-free experience.
• Accreditation by BSA and State of Mississippi: Guarantees adherence to rigorous standards for programming, safety, and operation.
• Focus on Skill Building and Leadership: Programs are designed to develop lifelong skills, leadership abilities, and a profound appreciation for the outdoors.
• Full-Service Amenities: Includes a dining hall with professionally prepared meals, a trading post for essentials, and a 24-hour health lodge, providing comprehensive support for campers.
• Central Shower Facilities: Modern, clean, and strategically located shower and restroom facilities enhance comfort for campers.

As Hood Scout Reservation primarily operates as a youth camp and event venue (often for Scouting America programs), its "promotions" take a different form than a typical commercial campground. Instead of general public discounts, their offers often relate to program pricing and opportunities for youth participation. For Mississippians interested in sending their children to camp or participating in events, the following types of "offers" might be available:

• Summer Camp Registration: Specific pricing and registration periods for annual summer camp programs, often with early bird discounts or tiered pricing.
• Event Fees: Costs associated with specific weekend events (e.g., Cub Scout/Webelos weekends, shooting sports events), which are often set at a per-participant or per-family rate.
• Merit Badge Session Opportunities: Access to a wide range of merit badge sessions as part of summer camp, providing educational value.
• Group Rates: Special pricing for Scout Troops or other organized youth groups attending programs.
• Scholarship Opportunities: While not direct promotions, organizations like Scouting America often have scholarship funds or financial assistance programs to help youth attend camp.

To find out about current event schedules, summer camp pricing, or any specific opportunities for participation, interested individuals should visit the Andrew Jackson Council (Scouting America) website, as Hood Scout Reservation is operated by this council. They will provide detailed registration information and any applicable fees for their programs.

For detailed information regarding programs, events, facilities, or summer camp at Hood Scout Reservation ("Camp Site #3"), the best point of contact is through the Andrew Jackson Council of Scouting America, which operates the camp.

Physical Address: 8065 Old Port Gibson Rd, Hazlehurst, MS 39083, USA

While a direct phone number for "Camp Site #3" isn't generally listed for public inquiries outside of program registration, the main contact for the Andrew Jackson Council, which manages Hood Scout Reservation, is typically found on their official website (e.g., bsa-jackson.org). For general inquiries about the camp or specific program details, it's recommended to navigate their site or use the contact information provided there.

For Mississippians, particularly families and youth groups, Hood Scout Reservation at 8065 Old Port Gibson Rd, Hazlehurst, offers an exceptional and highly suitable outdoor experience. While not a typical public campground for independent stays, its true identity as a premier youth camp provides a unique and invaluable resource for fostering personal growth, outdoor skills, and a deep appreciation for nature among the younger generation.

The extensive array of activities—from thrilling zip lines and climbing walls to comprehensive shooting sports and aquatics programs on a large lake—ensures that participants engage in challenging and memorable experiences. The camp's commitment to safety, professional staffing, and accreditation by both the Boy Scouts of America and the State of Mississippi provides parents and guardians with peace of mind, knowing their children are in a well-managed and secure environment.

Located in the beautiful Copiah County foothills, the reservation offers an immersive natural setting that is both invigorating and easily accessible from across central Mississippi. For local Scouting troops, schools, or any youth organization seeking structured, high-quality outdoor adventures, Hood Scout Reservation stands as an unparalleled facility. It's a place where children forge lasting friendships, develop leadership abilities, and create cherished memories that will stay with them for a lifetime, making it an essential part of Mississippi’s outdoor education landscape.

Camp Site #3

8065 Old Port Gibson Rd, Hazlehurst, MS 39083, USA