Camp Warren Levis

For Illinoisans seeking an enriching outdoor experience that combines adventure with natural beauty, Camp Warren Levis in Godfrey stands as a premier destination. More than just a campground, this expansive property is a hub of activity, offering a diverse array of outdoor pursuits that cater to families, youth groups, and anyone looking to connect with the great outdoors. With a long-standing reputation for providing engaging programs and a supportive environment, Camp Warren Levis promises an unforgettable adventure for all its visitors.

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of southwestern Illinois, Camp Warren Levis is renowned for its well-maintained facilities and the dedicated volunteers and staff who make every visit special. Whether you're an avid camper, a thrill-seeker eager to try rock climbing, or a family looking for a fun and educational getaway, this camp has something for everyone. It’s a place where kids can learn new skills, families can bond over shared experiences, and individuals can simply enjoy the tranquility of nature. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to Camp Warren Levis, detailing its prime location, the extensive range of services and activities offered, its unique features, and why it's an ideal choice for locals in Illinois seeking their next outdoor adventure.

Camp Warren Levis is conveniently located at 5500 Boy Scout Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035, USA. This address places the campground just north of Alton, Illinois, in the charming village of Godfrey. Its strategic position offers easy accessibility from major population centers in Illinois and Missouri, making it a convenient escape for many.

Godfrey, part of the Metro East region, is easily reached via major highways, including Illinois Route 3 and U.S. Route 67, which connect to the broader St. Louis metropolitan area. From downtown St. Louis, the camp is typically less than an hour's drive, providing a perfect option for a day trip or a weekend retreat for those across the Mississippi River. For Illinois residents, it's readily accessible from cities like Springfield, Peoria, and other parts of central and southern Illinois. The drive to Camp Warren Levis itself is often scenic, winding through the rolling terrain characteristic of the region. Despite its natural setting, the camp is not far from local amenities in Godfrey and Alton, including gas stations, grocery stores, and various dining options, ensuring that essential supplies are always within reach. This blend of secluded natural beauty and convenient access to modern necessities makes Camp Warren Levis an ideal location for a hassle-free outdoor experience.

Camp Warren Levis, primarily operating as a Scout camp and increasingly opening its doors to the general public for specific programs and group reservations, offers a wide array of services designed to facilitate an active and engaging outdoor experience:

• Camping Facilities: The camp provides extensive camping opportunities, including numerous patrol sites suitable for tent camping. These sites generally come with basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water.
• Modern Bathhouses: Reviewers consistently highlight the cleanliness of the "bath houses," indicating that the camp maintains modern, well-kept restroom and shower facilities for visitor comfort.
• Boating and Fishing: The camp features a "pristine, well-stocked private lake" that is available for boating (kayaking, canoeing, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards) and fishing. This is a major draw for water enthusiasts.
• Target Sports Ranges: Campers can engage in a variety of target sports, including archery, BB gun, rifle, and shotgun ranges, supervised by trained staff to ensure safety and proper technique.
• Climbing Tower: A multi-faceted climbing tower with a rock wall offers a thrilling challenge for various skill levels, often including elements like a slackline.
• Swimming Pool: An inviting outdoor swimming pool is available during the summer months, providing a refreshing way to cool off and enjoy aquatic recreation.
• Hiking Trails: The 285 acres of property offer "abundant camping and hiking opportunities," with trails winding through captivating natural surroundings.
• Program Support and Staffed Activities: For specific events and programs (like Cub Scout Overnight Camps or Adventure Saturdays), the camp provides staff supervision for specialized activities, including those requiring certifications (e.g., target sports, climbing, boating). This is often an "à la carte pricing" option for groups renting facilities.
• Dining Hall: For certain organized camps and events, meals may be provided in a central dining hall.
• Event Hosting: The camp's facilities, including pavilions and open fields, can be reserved for various events such as family reunions, corporate outings, and more.
• Camp Store/Trading Post: While not explicitly detailed in provided reviews, most large camps like Warren Levis feature a trading post or camp store for essentials, souvenirs, and camp-branded merchandise.

Camp Warren Levis is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts and groups in Illinois:

• Wide Range of Outdoor Activities: As highlighted by reviews, the camp offers "so many outdoor activities," including "kayaking/canoeing, fishing, rock walls, archery, camping, hiking, movie nights, etc." This diverse offering ensures there's something for every interest and energy level.
• Dedicated and Friendly Volunteers/Staff: A recurring theme in positive feedback is the quality of the people. "The volunteers helping run the stations are so great with the kids!" and the camp is praised for its "great scouting camp" atmosphere, indicating a supportive and engaging environment.
• Beautiful Surroundings and Natural Bliss: The camp embraces "285 acres of pure outdoor bliss," offering "scenic views" and opportunities to immerse oneself in "the captivating beauty of the surroundings."
• Pristine, Well-Stocked Private Lake: The presence of a private lake for boating and fishing is a significant asset, providing exclusive access to water recreation.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The "bath houses are kept so clean," a crucial factor for comfort during any camping trip, reflecting a commitment to visitor experience.
• Variety of Program Offerings: Beyond general camping, the camp hosts structured programs like Cub Scout Overnight Camps, Adventure Saturdays, and a Godfrey Summer Camp, offering age-specific activities, skill-building (STEM, outdoor skills), and opportunities for advancement (for Scouts).
• Flexible Reservation Options: Groups can reserve camp areas and select activities and facilities with "easy à la carte pricing," bringing their own certified instructors or utilizing camp staff for specialized supervision.
• Community-Focused Events: The camp frequently hosts events like "Adventure Summit," designed for both Scouts and the general public, fostering a sense of community and shared outdoor experiences.
• Historic Significance: As an active Boy Scout council camp, it holds a legacy of outdoor education and youth development, which adds to its unique character.

As a facility primarily associated with Scouting and youth programs, Camp Warren Levis's "promotions" often come in the form of structured program fees, group discounts, or special event pricing rather than typical commercial offers. However, there are specific opportunities for savings and unique experiences:

• Group/Pack Discounts for Cub Scout Overnight Camp: For Cub Scout Overnight Camps, the Greater St. Louis Area Council (which operates Camp Warren Levis) offers "free adult" ratios. For example, one free adult can attend with 3 Scout registrations, two free adults with 11 Scout registrations, and so on. This encourages group participation and makes it more affordable for packs.
• Provisional Camper Option: For Cub Scout Overnight Camps, an option is available for an increased fee where camp staff assume adult responsibility for a child, allowing parents to drop off campers without adult leadership. This can be seen as a convenience "offer" for busy families.
• Adventure Saturdays: New in 2025, Camp Warren Levis is offering specific Saturdays with staff onsite to supervise specialized activities (swimming, boating, BBs, archery) for a flat fee (e.g., $25 per person). This is a great way to experience a range of activities with certified support without a full camp stay. No additional camping reservation is required for these weekends if you plan to stay Friday and/or Saturday night.
• Early Bird Registration for Camps: For various summer camps and programs, early registration periods often come with discounted rates. Checking the Greater St. Louis Area Council Scouting website's calendar is crucial for these deadlines.
• Merchandise Sales: Periodically, the Gateway Traders online store (which sells Camp Warren Levis branded merchandise) offers sales, such as "$5 T-shirt Sale" on past season's items, allowing visitors to grab souvenirs at a reduced price.
• Parent & Pal Weekends: These themed weekends, often returning in certain years (e.g., "Returning in 2026!"), are designed for parents to camp with their Scouts and often include a package of activities within the registration fee.

For the most current details on pricing, availability, and specific program offers, it is highly recommended to visit the official Greater St. Louis Area Scouting website and check their calendar or the Camp Warren Levis specific page.

To learn more about Camp Warren Levis, inquire about specific programs, or make a reservation for your group or family, here is the contact information:

Address: 5500 Boy Scout Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035, USA

Phone: (618) 234-9111 (This is often listed as the main phone number for the Greater St. Louis Area Council, which operates the camp.)

Alternative Phone for Reservations/Assistance: (314) 256-3090 (Support staff for camp reservations).

Head Ranger: Jim Goeken | (618) 567-4407 | james.goeken@scouting.org

For specific inquiries about renting facilities for events, you can also contact Camping Director, Matt Kaufman at matt.kaufman@scouting.org.

For the most efficient way to make reservations or find detailed program information, visiting the Greater St. Louis Area Scouting website (stlbsa.org) and navigating to their "Properties" or "Camps" section, specifically for Camp Warren Levis, is highly recommended. Online reservation portals are typically available there.

Camp Warren Levis is exceptionally well-suited for locals in the Illinois region, particularly those in the Metro East and surrounding areas. Its convenient location in Godfrey offers an accessible natural escape that feels miles away from urban hustle, yet remains within easy driving distance for a day trip or a weekend adventure. This accessibility is a key factor for busy Illinois families and groups looking for quality outdoor recreation without extensive travel.

The camp's primary strength lies in its diverse and engaging activity offerings. With opportunities for "kayaking/canoeing, fishing, rock walls, archery, camping, hiking, and movie nights," there's truly something to captivate every member of the family, from adventurous teens to younger children. The consistent praise for the "friendly and helpful" volunteers and staff ensures a supportive and positive atmosphere, which is invaluable, especially for youth programs and first-time adventurers.

Furthermore, the "beautiful surroundings" and "incredibly clean" facilities, including the bathhouses, guarantee a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether it's a Cub Scout embarking on an overnight camp, a family enjoying an "Adventure Saturday," or a group utilizing the facilities for an event, Camp Warren Levis fosters a deep connection with nature and provides opportunities for skill development and lasting memories. For Illinoisans seeking a blend of outdoor excitement, well-maintained amenities, and a welcoming community spirit, Camp Warren Levis stands out as an excellent and highly recommended local destination.