Camp Trexler Nature Lodge

- Kunkletown, PA 18058

Welcome to Camp Trexler Nature Lodge, a cherished and expansive outdoor destination nestled in the breathtaking landscape of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania. For decades, this 772-acre property has served as a cornerstone for group outdoor experiences, nature education, and character-building retreats, making it an invaluable local resource for the entire Lehigh Valley and Pocono Mountains regions. While deeply rooted in its heritage as a premiere scout reservation, Camp Trexler is a multifaceted Nature Lodge, dedicated to providing a structured and immersive environment for organized groups to connect with the incredible natural beauty of the Commonwealth.

More than just a traditional campground, Camp Trexler Nature Lodge operates as a true nature education center. It embodies the spirit of conservation and learning, offering a unique opportunity to step away from the daily grind and truly experience the wild heart of Pennsylvania. The "Nature Lodge" aspect speaks to its commitment to environmental programming and appreciation, including unique exhibits like the taxidermy displays mentioned by visitors, which serve as hands-on educational tools for learning about local wildlife. This unique blend of rustic camping and focused nature study is what sets this destination apart as a truly special place for Pennsylvania residents seeking a meaningful group outdoor experience. The sheer scale of the property ensures that every visitor can find their own quiet space for reflection, learning, and adventure, whether they are navigating the extensive trail system or engaging in a structured outdoor program.

The core mission is to foster an appreciation for the outdoors and provide the facilities necessary for organized groups—from educational programs to youth organizations and community gatherings—to thrive. This focus allows the facilities and programming to be tailored specifically for comprehensive group logistics, safety, and engagement, ensuring a high-quality experience that is both memorable and educational for all participants.

Camp Trexler Nature Lodge is strategically located in Kunkletown, PA 18058, placing it perfectly within reach of major population centers in Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, yet feeling miles away from the hustle and bustle. Situated near the foothills of the Pocono Mountains, the journey to the camp is an easy and scenic drive for families and groups traveling from Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and even the greater Philadelphia area. This convenient accessibility is a significant benefit for local organizations, minimizing travel time while maximizing the time spent immersed in nature.

The property's location provides direct access to the rich geological and ecological features characteristic of the region. The surrounding landscape is defined by its rolling hills, mature forests, and pristine waterways, including the significant on-site body of water, Lake Trexler. The camp is not only a destination but a gateway to regional adventure, sitting close to the expansive Trexler Nature Preserve area, allowing for extended educational opportunities and access to an even broader network of hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing trails. For locals, this means having a premier natural destination on their doorstep, an easy escape that doesn't require an all-day drive. The Kunkletown location offers the perfect balance: deep woods isolation coupled with the logistical ease of being near key regional highways and infrastructure. This blend of remote feel and accessible location makes Camp Trexler an ideal and sustainable choice for recurring group events throughout the year.

The facilities at Camp Trexler Nature Lodge are thoughtfully designed to support large-scale, organized group reservations, emphasizing both rustic immersion and necessary amenities. The focus is on providing various accommodation types to suit different group needs, from primitive wilderness experiences to more developed cabin settings.

• Reservable Campsites: Various dedicated campsites are available, many featuring permanent platforms for framed canvas tents, picnic tables, firepits, and seasonal water sources. Specific areas like the Pinecrest, Bald Eagle, and Laurel Flats campsites are structured to accommodate large groups with essential amenities like latrine stations.
• Adirondack-Style Shelters: Groupings of Adirondack lean-to shelters offer a unique, semi-rustic accommodation option, perfect for smaller groups or as an alternative to traditional tents, often including their own dedicated firepit areas.
• Reservable Cabins: A variety of cabins, from the rustic Pioneer Cabin (no electric, wood stove heat) to the more modern Antler & Buckeye (A&B) Cabin (wood stove, garage door entryways, full year-round bathrooms), are available to provide year-round lodging options for organized groups.
• Seasonal Shower Houses: Full shower facilities are available seasonally to ensure comfort and convenience during the peak summer and fall camping months.
• Large Group Gathering Facilities: The camp features several centralized areas for programs and events, including the Camp Trexler Fire Circle (with two giant fire pits and amphitheater seating), the Vespers Field (a large open area for ceremonies and activities), and the Middle Creek Hollow amphitheater.
• Support Facilities: Key infrastructure includes a centrally located Dining Hall for meal services (by arrangement), a Trading Post for essential supplies, and designated activity fields.

The Nature Lodge’s features extend far beyond basic accommodations, providing a wealth of recreational and educational opportunities that leverage the camp's stunning natural setting and infrastructure. The activities are designed to promote physical activity, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.

• Waterfront Activities on Lake Trexler: The on-site Lake Trexler is a major highlight, currently used for boating, canoeing, and fishing. This offers invaluable instruction in aquatics and water safety within a controlled environment.
• Shooting Sports and Archery: Dedicated, supervised ranges for shooting sports and archery provide a safe and instructional setting for participants to learn focus, discipline, and safe handling techniques, a popular and valuable outdoor skill.
• Miniature Golf Course: An 18-hole miniature golf course offers a fun, group-friendly recreational activity that balances the intensity of wilderness programs with lighthearted competition.
• Extensive Trail System: The camp’s property and surrounding areas, including proximity to the Trexler Nature Preserve, boast a vast network of trails perfect for educational hikes, nature observation, and exploration of local flora and fauna.
• Nature Education Focus: The camp’s "Nature Lodge" theme is supported by programming that often includes elements of local ecology, conservation, and hands-on learning, such as interpreting the natural history through exhibits like the taxidermy display noted by customers, offering a close look at the species native to Pennsylvania.
• Proximity to Trexler Environmental Center: While separate, the nearby Trexler Environmental Center (TEC) offers a contemporary example of sustainable building and provides community rooms for deeper environmental education programs, which can complement a group's stay at the lodge.

For all inquiries regarding group reservations, availability, and specific facility details, please use the following contact information. Note that all reservations are required for organized groups and should be made in advance through the administering organization.

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

Phone Number: (Please consult the Minsi Trails Council or administering organization's official website for the most current group reservation phone line and dedicated email contact.)

Camp Trexler Nature Lodge is more than just a destination; it’s a living part of Pennsylvania's outdoor heritage, perfectly suited for local groups and organizations. For residents across the Lehigh Valley, the Poconos, and beyond, this Kunkletown retreat offers an unparalleled opportunity to host impactful, nature-focused gatherings without the inconvenience of long-distance travel. The property’s rich history, tied to General Harry C. Trexler's vision for land preservation and education, makes every visit a connection to the state’s commitment to its natural resources. This is particularly appealing to local organizations that value tradition and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.

The extensive facilities—ranging from fully-equipped cabins to primitive tent platforms and large-scale gathering areas—mean that Camp Trexler can accommodate various group sizes and programmatic needs, from week-long summer programs to weekend educational retreats. The wealth of on-site activities, including aquatic programs on Lake Trexler, shooting sports, and access to a vast network of hiking trails, ensures a dynamic and engaging experience for all participants. By prioritizing the needs of organized groups, the camp maintains a safe, structured, and focused environment ideal for learning, team-building, and personal growth. Whether you are part of a youth organization seeking a comprehensive summer experience, an educational body planning a field science trip, or a community group looking for a meaningful nature retreat, Camp Trexler Nature Lodge stands ready. It is a vital, accessible, and truly enriching group camping resource right here in the heart of Pennsylvania. Choosing Camp Trexler means investing in a local legacy of nature education and providing your group with a premier, unforgettable Pennsylvania outdoor adventure.

Camp Trexler Nature Lodge

Kunkletown, PA 18058, USA