Camp Strake Campsite 5

For Texans eager to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and outdoor spirit of the Lone Star State, Camp Strake stands out as a remarkable destination. Specifically, Campsite 5 within this expansive property offers a fantastic opportunity to experience organized camping in a state-of-the-art facility. Located near Coldspring, Texas, Camp Strake isn't just any campground; it's a premier, purpose-built outdoor education and adventure center, primarily serving the Scouting community but also available for other groups and activities. If you’re a local looking for a structured, safe, and engaging outdoor experience, this camp provides a unique blend of modern amenities and untouched wilderness.

Imagine waking up surrounded by the towering pines that characterize the Sam Houston National Forest, knowing that a day of adventure, learning, or quiet relaxation awaits. Camp Strake, and by extension its individual campsites like Campsite 5, offers a well-maintained and thoughtfully designed environment that caters to groups seeking both educational opportunities and traditional camping experiences. It’s a place where young people can develop leadership skills, earn merit badges, and create lasting memories, all within a secure and supportive setting. For Texas families and groups who appreciate the outdoors but also value structured programs and modern conveniences, Camp Strake truly shines.

This destination speaks directly to the Texas spirit of embracing the great outdoors. With its extensive grounds and diverse offerings, Camp Strake provides a comprehensive outdoor experience that goes beyond basic camping. It's an investment in character building, environmental appreciation, and physical activity, making it a suitable and highly recommended choice for Texans who want more from their camping adventures than just a patch of dirt and a campfire. It's about providing a foundational outdoor experience in a premier facility right here in our own backyard.

Camp Strake is ideally situated at JP7X+X4, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA. More precisely, its main address is 2020 Camp Strake Rd, Coldspring, TX 77331. This strategic location places the camp in a rural area of East Texas, specifically near the community of Evergreen, and importantly, it is bordered on three sides by the vast expanse of the Sam Houston National Forest. This proximity to a major national forest ensures a deeply immersive natural setting, offering abundant opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and a true escape into the wilderness.

Despite its serene, forested location, Camp Strake remains commendably accessible for Texans. It's approximately a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Houston, making it a feasible weekend getaway or a convenient destination for longer programs from the Greater Houston area and beyond. The camp is also close to major thoroughfares like I-45 and the Grand Parkway, facilitating travel from various parts of Texas. The Lone Star Hiking Trail, the longest hiking trail in Texas, is also located near one corner of the property, providing direct access to an extensive network for seasoned hikers. The camp has been designed to minimize vehicle traffic once inside, with designated parking areas and a comprehensive trail system for foot traffic to all activity locations, enhancing the outdoor experience and safety within the grounds.

This blend of secluded natural beauty and relatively easy access makes Camp Strake a highly desirable location for groups and individuals seeking an authentic Texas outdoor experience without excessive travel time. It strikes a perfect balance for locals looking to explore our state's natural treasures.

Camp Strake Campsite 5, as part of the larger Camp Strake facility, benefits from a wide array of services designed to support a robust and comfortable camping experience. These services go beyond typical campground offerings, reflecting its role as a premier outdoor education center:

• Campsite Pavilions: Each of the 20 campsites, including Campsite 5, features a covered pavilion with electric power. These pavilions provide shelter for group activities and a central gathering point.
• Modern Restrooms and Shower Houses: Strategically located along the main campsite road, modern restroom and shower houses are shared by several campsites. These facilities are well-maintained, feature flush toilets, and are designed to be ADA compliant, offering individual stalls with toilets, sinks, and showers.
• Air-Conditioned Dining Hall: A large, air-conditioned dining hall capable of seating 450 people provides three meals per day during organized programs like summer camp. The meals are high-quality, nutritious, and prepared by a professional food service company, with accommodations for many dietary needs.
• Program Support: During organized events (like Scouts BSA summer camps), the camp provides comprehensive program support, including merit badge instruction, activity equipment, and experienced staff.
• Medical Screening and Support: For organized programs, medical screenings are often performed upon arrival, and a health lodge is on-site, ensuring a safe environment for all participants.
• Tents (for specific programs): For some organized programs, 2-person wall tents set on wooden pallets are provided at campsites prior to arrival, offering a basic yet elevated sleeping arrangement.
• Wi-Fi Service: Wi-Fi service is available across most of the camp, providing connectivity in various locations, though some remote activity areas like climbing and shooting sports might have limited or no service.

Camp Strake, and consequently Campsite 5, boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that set it apart as a premier outdoor destination in Texas:

• Vast Natural Setting: Spanning 2,816 acres and surrounded on three sides by the Sam Houston National Forest, the camp offers an unparalleled natural environment for exploration and appreciation.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Opened in 2020, Camp Strake is a modern facility designed for a 21st-century outdoor experience, including a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) center, a shooting sports complex (rifle, shotgun, archery), and an aquatics center.
• Aquatics Center with Private Lake: Features a 28-acre private lake for canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rowing, along with a swimming pool and pool house for refreshing aquatic activities.
• Adventure Activities: Offers thrilling experiences such as a climbing and rappelling tower, ziplines, a high-ropes course (COPE), and even an ATV experience for exploring trails.
• Extensive Trail System: A network of trails connects various program areas and provides ample opportunities for hiking and exploring the diverse flora and fauna of the East Texas piney woods.
• NASA Partnership: Uniquely, Camp Strake is the only council in Scouting America with a Space Act Agreement with NASA, offering exclusive programs like Strake Odyssey, the NASA Stars & STEM Program, and even "Train Like an Astronaut" activities including SCUBA and Helicopter Underwater Egress Training (HUET).
• Direct Access to Lone Star Hiking Trail: A partnership with the United States Forest Service provides direct access to this iconic Texas hiking trail, a significant advantage for avid hikers.
• Eco-STEM Center: An impressive facility designed for Scouts to earn merit badges in various science, technology, engineering, and math fields, offering hands-on learning experiences.
• Cool Zone: A designated area for cooling down, which is a valuable feature during hot Texas summers.

As Camp Strake primarily functions as an organized camp and outdoor education center, particularly for the Sam Houston Area Council of Scouting America, its "promotions" often come in the form of specialized programs and structured camping opportunities rather than traditional discounts. For example, specific rates are associated with various programs such as:

• Summer Camp: Week-long, council-organized overnight camps for Scouts BSA, offering opportunities to earn merit badges with a comprehensive program fee that includes meals and activities.
• Winter Camp: Similar to summer camp, providing opportunities for merit badge earning during the colder months.
• STEM Camp: Focused programs on science, technology, engineering, and math, sometimes with unique NASA-related content.
• Weekend Camping Reservations: Troops, crews, and ships can reserve campsites and program areas for weekend camping, with varying fees based on campsite capacity.
• Trail to Eagle Camp: Specific programs designed to help Scouts earn Eagle-required merit badges.

While general public promotions might not be advertised, interested groups, especially those affiliated with Scouting or other youth organizations, should directly contact the Sam Houston Area Council for detailed pricing, program schedules, and any specific package deals or availability for their particular needs. It's always best to inquire about current rates and booking procedures for the upcoming season, as these can vary.

For detailed information, program inquiries, or to make reservations for Camp Strake Campsite 5 and other facilities at Camp Strake, you can reach out through the Sam Houston Area Council, which operates the camp. While there isn't a direct public phone number specifically for Campsite 5, the general contact information for Camp Strake is as follows:

• Main Camp Address: 2020 Camp Strake Rd, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA
• Emergency 24-hour Line (for Camp Strake during operations): 936-520-4001 (Note: This number is likely for emergencies and operational support during camp events, not general inquiries.)

For reservations and general inquiries about programs and availability, it is best to visit the Sam Houston Area Council's official website (shacbsa.org/camp-strake) or contact their main office directly. They manage all bookings and can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Camp Strake Campsite 5 and other facilities.

For Texans, Camp Strake Campsite 5 represents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the outdoors in a structured, safe, and incredibly well-equipped environment. As locals, we value strong communities, educational opportunities for our youth, and access to our state's vast natural landscapes. Camp Strake delivers on all these fronts. Its location, nestled within the beauty of the Sam Houston National Forest area, provides that authentic Texas wilderness experience we cherish, offering a serene escape just a manageable drive from major population centers like Houston.

What makes Camp Strake particularly suitable for Texans is its dedication to providing a modern, comprehensive outdoor experience. It's not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a facility designed to foster growth, learning, and adventure. The state-of-the-art amenities, including clean restrooms, comfortable dining facilities, and diverse program areas, ensure that even those new to camping can enjoy the experience without sacrificing comfort or safety. For parents across Texas, knowing that their children can participate in merit badge programs, STEM activities, and exciting adventures like ziplining or canoeing, all within a well-supervised and established camp, is a significant draw.

The unique partnerships, such as the one with NASA, offer truly distinctive educational opportunities that you won't find at typical campgrounds, enriching the experience for participants. Whether it’s a weekend getaway for a local Scouting troop, a school outdoor education trip, or another organized group looking for a top-tier outdoor setting, Camp Strake Campsite 5 provides the facilities, programs, and natural beauty that resonate deeply with the spirit of Texas. It’s a testament to how our state prioritizes outdoor education and responsible engagement with our natural resources, making it an ideal choice for any Texan seeking a rewarding and memorable camping adventure.