Camp Trexler, Kunkletown, PA

For nearly a century, the sprawling wilderness complex known simply as Camp Trexler has served as a revered outdoor sanctuary in the Pocono Mountains. Located in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, this vast property, historically a key part of the Trexler Scout Reservation, was dedicated to shaping generations of youth through outdoor education, high-adventure challenges, and robust camping programs. While the property has recently transitioned to a new purpose, its legacy as a premier group facility and its extensive, well-loved amenities remain relevant and available for specialized use.

Camp Trexler’s former operational model as a multi-camp reservation offered an exceptional variety of experiences, from rustic camping to comfortable cabin stays. The property’s recent sale—in 2023—to the Trexler Veterans Initiative (TVI), which is leasing the land to the nonprofit Valor Clinic Foundation, marks a new chapter focused on supporting military veterans. This transition ensures the land's preservation and, crucially for local Pennsylvania users, provides opportunities for continued use. The Minsi Trails Council, the former owner, has maintained the ability to rent the facility on weekends for Scouting activities, demonstrating that the site's rich outdoor infrastructure is still active and potentially accessible for other organized groups upon special arrangement with the current management.

The enduring appeal of Camp Trexler lies in its capacity to handle large groups and offer diverse seasonal options, a feature highly valued by its past visitors. Customer reviews frequently highlighted the property’s winter readiness, noting that "A&B and Pioneer cabins" with their effective "wood stoves" provided perfect accommodations for cold-weather trips. This practical, group-oriented infrastructure continues to make the Kunkletown location a highly functional and desirable retreat center.

Camp Trexler is situated deep within the tranquil, forested landscape of the Pocono Mountains in eastern Pennsylvania. This location offers a true escape from city life, yet remains easily accessible for organized groups traveling from major population centers across the state. The address, 288 Camp Trexler Rd, Kunkletown, PA 18058, USA, places it specifically in Polk Township, Monroe County, an area renowned for its natural beauty and conserved land.

For local users in Pennsylvania, the camp’s location is a significant benefit. It is generally less than an hour's drive from the Lehigh Valley (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton) and offers convenient access via routes like PA-33 and PA-115, minimizing travel time for weekend excursions or training sessions. The secluded nature of the approach roads quickly transports visitors into an authentic wilderness setting, ideal for retreats, team-building, and outdoor exploration. While the facility’s primary mission now supports veterans’ programs, its physical location continues to serve as an invaluable, geographically central hub for specialized group camping in the region.

Given the transition in ownership, the services offered by Camp Trexler are evolving to support the mission of the Valor Clinic Foundation while also accommodating pre-arranged rentals by outside groups. Services are focused on providing functional, year-round facilities for large groups.

Services Offered (For Organized Group Rentals)

Year-Round Cabin Rentals: Multiple cabin styles are available for reservation, including the noted Pioneer Cabin and Antler & Buckeye (A&B) Cabin, which are equipped with heating (often wood stoves or gas heat) and bunk rooms suitable for large groups.
On-Site Bathroom and Kitchen Facilities: Select cabins, such as the A&B Cabin, include internal, well-maintained bathrooms. Groups utilizing the facility for weekend stays can often set up their own camp kitchen using existing appliances (like a toaster oven, microwave, and dorm-style fridge, as noted in previous reviews) within the cabin structures, complementing the rustic experience.
Designated Campsites: Numerous primitive and platform campsites (such as Pinecrest, Bald Eagle, and Laurel Flats) remain available for organized group tent camping, generally from spring through fall.
Facility Access: Groups may reserve access to general facilities like the Fire Circle, various pavilions (e.g., Wilderness, Lake Trexler Pavilion), and athletic areas for special events or programming, subject to the new management’s operational schedule.
Aquatics and Waterfront Access: The reservation’s lakes, Lake Trexler and Lake Minsi, offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and related activities, with aquatics areas opening seasonally for structured programs.

The sheer size of the 772-acre property, coupled with the existing infrastructure from its former life as a multi-generational camp, means Camp Trexler is rich in features designed for comprehensive outdoor activities.

Features / Highlights

Year-Round Group Lodging: A significant highlight is the robust, winter-ready lodging, which includes various cabins that feature wood stoves and fireplaces, making it an excellent destination for organized winter outings and ski trips in the nearby Poconos.
Extensive Water Access: The camp includes multiple lakes, notably Lake Trexler, which supports a large aquatics program area for swimming, canoeing, and fishing, making it a great seasonal feature for group recreation.
High-Adventure Infrastructure: The reservation is equipped with one of the Northeast’s largest Challenging Outdoor Physical Encounters (COPE) courses and high ropes elements, including climbing walls and zip lines, offering advanced team-building and leadership development opportunities for groups.
Athletic and Recreational Fields: The dedicated Athletics Area provides courts and fields for sports like basketball, baseball, and volleyball, perfect for group fitness and organized sports training camps.
Trail System: Over 25 miles of hiking and orienteering trails offer unmatched opportunities for conservation, nature studies, and long-distance treks across the property's diverse terrain.
Dedicated Program Buildings: The property includes central structures like the former Dining Hall, now being utilized by the Valor Clinic Foundation as a large-scale food pantry and preparation space, which may also serve as a gathering point for large rental groups.

Contact Information

Address: 288 Camp Trexler Rd, Kunkletown, PA 18058, USA

Phone: (484) 222-0450

Mobile Phone: +1 484-222-0450

Note: As Camp Trexler is now primarily utilized by the Trexler Veterans Initiative and the Valor Clinic Foundation, inquiries regarding general public or non-Scouting group facility rentals should be directed to the current management via the provided phone numbers for the most up-to-date availability and reservation policies.

For local Pennsylvania groups, particularly those serving youth development, organized retreats, or specialized training (like winter preparedness or sports), Camp Trexler remains a vital and highly suitable destination. While its primary mission has shifted to supporting veterans—a noble cause that the local community can be proud of—the physical infrastructure remains intact and available for weekend and off-season rentals for compatible uses.

The positive reviews of the camp's winter readiness and robust cabin facilities underscore its enduring utility for organized groups seeking year-round accessibility in the Poconos. Choosing Camp Trexler for your next group outing means supporting the continued preservation and active use of this historic Pennsylvania wilderness, while enjoying unparalleled access to high-quality cabins, extensive trails, and specialized recreational features right in your backyard. The memory and spirit of this historic place continue to be honored through its active use, making it an excellent choice for a purposeful and memorable local adventure.