Camp Tongawood, Tonganoxie, KS

Introduction / Overview: Your Adventure Gateway in Northeast Kansas

Nestled just outside of Tonganoxie, Kansas, Camp Tongawood is a cherished 78-acre property dedicated to outdoor education, leadership development, and hands-on discovery. Operated by the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri (GSKSMO), this camp is not just a place for sleeping outdoors; it’s envisioned as a regional hub for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) learning, fully integrated with nature. Its dynamic landscape—characterized by wooded slopes, rock outcrops, a long ridge, and an open wetland meadow—provides a unique classroom for girls and youth groups across the region.

The camp offers a versatile range of accommodations, making it suitable for everyone from the most seasoned outdoor enthusiast to those seeking a comfortable, year-round indoor experience. From rustic, primitive tent sites to modern indoor lodges complete with full kitchens and climate control, Camp Tongawood is designed to host a variety of troop camps, council-wide events, and day-use activities. While it is primarily focused on empowering girls through outdoor challenges, the property is also available for reservation by other groups and non-members, extending its valuable educational and recreational resources to the wider Kansas community.

Location and Accessibility: A Convenient Escape Near the Heartland

Camp Tongawood benefits from an ideal location that feels secluded and immersed in nature, yet remains remarkably accessible for residents throughout Northeast Kansas.

Address:

18634 Evans Rd, Tonganoxie, KS 66086, USA

The camp is situated near the city of Tonganoxie, which positions it conveniently for Kansas locals, particularly those traveling from the Lawrence, Topeka, and Kansas City metropolitan areas. Its location west of the Kansas Speedway means a relatively short and easy drive off major roadways, allowing groups to maximize their time enjoying the camp rather than navigating complex backroads. The property’s own entrance road, Evans Road, leads visitors into a natural environment that immediately feels removed from urban life. This blend of easy accessibility with deep, natural woods makes Camp Tongawood a practical and attractive choice for weekend troop camping and day camps. The grounds themselves are topographically diverse, featuring dramatic elevation changes and unique landscape features that are incorporated into the camp’s programming and trail systems.

Services Offered (Accommodations and Reservations)

Camp Tongawood provides multiple types of lodging to fit varying comfort levels, group sizes, and seasons.

Building Camping (The Lodge): Indoor, year-round camping with modern amenities, including a full kitchen with supplies, restrooms with showers, central air conditioning and heat, and a large multipurpose room. The Lodge has a unit capacity of 24.
Permanent Camping Units (Chalets and Adirondacks): Canvas-sided, permanent structures with roofs available year-round. These units typically include cots, picnic tables, fire pits, grills, and unit shelters with electricity.
Tent Camping (Yucca Flats and Primitive Campsite): Designated areas for campers to bring their own tents. These sites include access to a port-a-potty, a fire pit, and wood. Yucca Flats is near the pond with running water nearby, while the Primitive Campsite (Outpost) is more rugged with no running water available.
Essential Facilities: Water spigots or running water are generally available at most units (except primitive sites and during winter shutdowns), along with port-a-potties or latrines depending on the unit type.
Group Reservations: The camp is primarily reserved by Girl Scout troops and service units, with a structured reservation process. Non-Girl Scout organizations, such as community groups, family reunions, and corporate retreats, can also inquire about pricing and availability for property rentals.

Features / Highlights (Adventure and STEM Learning)

The true value of Camp Tongawood lies in its diverse program offerings, designed to encourage courage, skill-building, and environmental stewardship.

STEAM Learning Center Focus: The camp serves as a premier outdoor education center, offering unique, hands-on, place-based experiential learning opportunities focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, often utilizing the wetland and forest ecosystems.
Adventure Activities: A wide variety of high-adventure and skill-building activities are available to groups, often requiring certified facilitators. These options include Archery, Tomahawk Throwing, Slingshots, and a Traverse Wall for climbing.
Waterfront Recreation: The on-site pond provides opportunities for Canoeing and Fishing, which are popular activities for summer and day camps.
Unique Camp Features: The property includes several specialized features such as a Daisy Climbing Wall, a Gaga Pit, a Zipline, a Human Foosball area, and a potential future boardwalk through the open wetland meadow, enhancing the ecological learning opportunities.
Diverse Terrain: The 78 acres feature woods, hills, rock outcrops, and a pond, providing varied and beautiful backdrops for hiking, nature observation, and geocaching.

Contact Information (Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri)

Camp Tongawood is a key property of the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri (GSKSMO), who manage all reservations, programming, and facility maintenance.

Address:

18634 Evans Rd, Tonganoxie, KS 66086, USA

Phone (General Inquiries and Reservations): (816) 358-8750 (GSKSMO Council Contact)

Mobile Phone: +1 816-358-8750

**Note: Inquiries about non-member property rentals should be directed to the council office. Groups must adhere to all camp guidelines, including required adult-to-camper ratios and necessary certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Outdoor Camping skills.**

Conclusion: Why Camp Tongawood is Suitable for Kansas Locals

For families, youth organizations, and schools across Kansas, Camp Tongawood is an essential local resource. It provides a structured, safe, and easily accessible environment for youth development that goes far beyond traditional camping. Locals appreciate the camp’s commitment to providing a variety of experiences, from the modern comfort of The Lodge to the hands-on challenge of primitive camping, allowing groups to tailor their experience to their specific needs and skill levels. The unique focus on STEM and outdoor education means that a visit here is more than just a trip; it is an investment in a child’s confidence, leadership, and knowledge of the natural world.

The user-provided feedback highlights that the camp creates "awesome memories" and is a "fun week for the Girl Scouts," underscoring its historical importance and continued success in providing high-quality youth experiences. While past users have noted areas for potential improvement, such as updating older structures like the chalet canvases and addressing mosquito control near certain units, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive. The camp’s established programs, diverse activity offerings (ziplining, archery, canoeing), and dedication to creating leaders in the great outdoors make Camp Tongawood a trusted and foundational local institution for creating lasting Kansas memories. It is a cornerstone for building courage and character for the next generation.