Delaware

For Illinois residents seeking a distinctive outdoor adventure, Delaware Campground, nestled within the expansive Camp Warren Levis in Godfrey, IL, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourselves in nature with a structured and amenity-rich environment. While primarily known as a Boy Scout camp, Camp Warren Levis, including its various campsites like Delaware, opens its doors for broader use, providing a vast landscape for diverse outdoor activities and gatherings. It’s not your typical commercial campground; instead, it offers a glimpse into a well-organized, large-scale camp setting with a wide array of facilities designed to cater to active groups and individuals.

Many Illinoisans are constantly on the lookout for places that offer more than just a campsite – they desire experiences that combine natural beauty with recreational opportunities and a sense of purpose. Delaware Campground, as part of Camp Warren Levis, provides just that, with its lake, trails, and various program areas. This article will delve into what makes Delaware Campground, within the context of Camp Warren Levis, a truly unique and suitable choice for your next Illinois outdoor experience, detailing its location, the services it provides, its key features, and why it's a hidden gem for local groups and families.

Delaware Campground is one of several campsites located within the larger Camp Warren Levis, a sprawling 285-acre property in Godfrey, Illinois. Established in 1921, Camp Warren Levis is operated by the Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. While its primary function is to serve scouting programs, its facilities, including specific campsites like Delaware, can often be reserved by other groups or individuals, offering a unique camping experience that blends traditional outdoor living with extensive recreational amenities.

Unlike typical commercial campgrounds, Delaware provides a more structured camping environment, drawing on the long-standing tradition of organized outdoor education. Delaware specifically is a tent campsite that shares a latrine with another nearby campsite (Ouatoga). This particular site is designed for groups ranging from 25-30 people, suggesting it's well-suited for larger family gatherings, youth groups, or outdoor clubs looking for a dedicated space. The overall camp offers a diverse range of accommodations, from primitive tent sites to cabins, along with a multitude of program areas, indicating a focus on active and educational outdoor experiences rather than just passive relaxation.

Delaware Campground is located within Camp Warren Levis at 5500 Boy Scout Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035, USA. This address places it in Godfrey, a village in Madison County, Illinois. For Illinois residents, especially those in the central and southern parts of the state, accessing Camp Warren Levis is generally straightforward. Godfrey is situated within reasonable driving distance of major population centers, including the St. Louis metropolitan area, making it a convenient escape for a weekend or longer.

Access to the camp is typically via well-maintained local roads. The address "Boy Scout Ln" indicates a dedicated entry point for the camp, leading visitors into its extensive grounds. While Godfrey itself offers a range of local amenities, including gas stations, grocery stores, and local dining, the camp's relatively secluded location provides a sense of being immersed in nature, away from urban distractions. However, essential supplies are never too far away. It's important to note that camp entrance gates are typically locked between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, which requires attention for arrivals and departures.

The geographic setting in Godfrey provides a pleasant backdrop, characterized by rolling terrain and wooded areas. This natural environment is conducive to hiking, wildlife observation, and other outdoor pursuits that complement the camp's structured activities. Its accessibility for Illinois families and groups makes it a prime location for those seeking an organized yet wild outdoor experience.

As part of Camp Warren Levis, Delaware Campground benefits from the extensive services and facilities offered by the larger camp. While Delaware itself is a primitive tent site, campers utilizing it have access to broader camp amenities:

• Diverse Campsites: Camp Warren Levis offers a variety of camping options, including numerous tent campsites (like Delaware, which accommodates 25-30 people), as well as cabin rentals (such as the Winter Lodge and Swaim Lodge dining hall/kitchen facility).
• Water Access: Spigots are available at various points within the camp (e.g., at the Illini latrine, hand wash stations, and frost-proof hydrants), although Delaware specifically shares a latrine and relies on nearby water sources within the camp. Levis Lake provides opportunities for watercraft activities.
• Restrooms and Showers: Access to camp shower houses (located by the pool) and latrines (shared with Delaware) ensures basic hygiene facilities are available.
• Dining Hall: Swaim Lodge offers a dining hall and kitchen suitable for large groups, providing catering capabilities on-site (though typically for larger, organized events).
• Program Areas: The camp boasts a wide array of program areas, including Archery/BB Range, Rifle/Shotgun Range, COPE Field, D/A Field, Horse Corral, Pioneer Field, and a Climbing Tower, many of which require certified instructors.
• Watercraft Rentals: Canoes and pedal boats are available for use on Levis Lake from April through October, subject to safety certifications.
• Swimming Pool: An in-ground pool is available near the parking area, though groups must provide their own certified lifeguards.
• Pavilions and Shelters: Pioneer Pavilion offers a sheltered area for gatherings.
• On-Site Staff: The camp is staffed by rangers and potentially other personnel who oversee operations and safety.

Delaware Campground, within the context of Camp Warren Levis, offers a multitude of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination:

• Extensive Acreage: The 285-acre property provides ample space for exploration, hiking, and diverse outdoor activities, ensuring campers feel truly immersed in nature.
• Levis Lake: A central feature of the camp, Levis Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing (though specific fishing rules should be confirmed), and scenic views. The Council Ring/Amphitheatre with a lake view provides a beautiful setting for gatherings.
• Diverse Program Areas: The sheer variety of activity areas, from shooting ranges to a climbing tower and COPE field, makes it exceptionally suitable for active groups, youth organizations, and educational outdoor programs. These facilities differentiate it from typical, less structured campgrounds.
• Structured Environment: For groups that appreciate organization and access to specific activity zones, the camp’s layout and rules provide a controlled and safe environment for learning and recreation.
• Historical Context: As an established Boy Scout camp since 1921, there's a rich history of outdoor education and youth development embedded in the grounds, adding a unique character to the camping experience.
• Cabin Options: Beyond tent camping, the availability of cabins like Winter Lodge and the larger Swaim Lodge provides options for groups seeking more comfort or facilities for dining and indoor activities.
• Natural Beauty: Despite the structured nature, the camp is set amidst a beautiful natural landscape, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying the Illinois outdoors.

As a facility primarily serving scouting and organized youth groups, Camp Warren Levis (and by extension, Delaware Campground) does not typically offer public "promotions" in the commercial sense that a private campground might. Pricing is usually based on per-person or per-site reservation fees, and potential discounts are often tied to affiliated organizations (e.g., Boy Scouts of America membership) or group sizes.

• Group Rates: Reservations are generally made by groups, and pricing structures will likely reflect group rates based on the number of participants and the specific facilities or program areas being utilized. Contacting the Greater St. Louis Area Council directly is essential for understanding these rates.
• Day Pass Option: The camp offers a "Day Pass" option, allowing families or groups to enjoy the camp facilities for a single day. This can be a great way to experience the camp without an overnight commitment, and it usually involves a single fee for the entire family/group.
• Seasonal Availability: While some facilities might be year-round, activities like watercraft rentals are seasonal (April-October), which might influence booking choices depending on desired activities.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on booking rates, availability, and any specific terms for non-scouting groups, it is crucial to contact the Camp Warren Levis management or the Greater St. Louis Area Council directly.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Delaware Campground within Camp Warren Levis, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 5500 Boy Scout Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035, USA
• Phone: (618) 724-2493 (This number is often associated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake Project Office, which sometimes manages various recreational areas. For direct contact with Camp Warren Levis or the Greater St. Louis Area Council, it's advisable to search for their specific contact number.)
• Alternative Contact: The official website for Camp Warren Levis (often found through a search for "Greater St. Louis Area Council, BSA" or "Camp Warren Levis") or the reservation platform (e.g., campreservation.com/312/Camps/710) would be the most reliable sources for contact information and booking details.

Please note that camp entrance gates have specific hours (locked between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. Sunday through Thursday), which should be considered when planning your arrival and departure. Any guest arrangements must be approved in advance.

Delaware Campground, as part of Camp Warren Levis in Godfrey, offers a truly distinctive and highly suitable outdoor experience for Illinois locals, particularly for organized groups, families seeking active adventures, or those with a connection to scouting. Unlike typical recreational campgrounds, Camp Warren Levis provides a vast, well-maintained environment with an unparalleled array of program areas. This makes it ideal for youth organizations, school groups, family reunions, or even just a group of friends who want to engage in activities like archery, climbing, or canoeing on a lake.

For Illinois residents, the accessibility of the Godfrey location makes it a convenient option for a weekend trip or a longer stay. The structured environment, with its emphasis on safety and organized activities, can be particularly appealing to parents and group leaders who desire a well-managed outdoor setting. While Delaware itself is a primitive tent site, the access to shared facilities like shower houses and the vast array of recreational opportunities across the 285-acre property elevates the camping experience far beyond a simple overnight stay.

Ultimately, if you’re an Illinoisan looking for an outdoor destination that combines the beauty of nature with a wide range of engaging activities and a sense of history rooted in outdoor education, Delaware Campground at Camp Warren Levis is a compelling choice. It offers a chance to create memorable experiences in a unique and dynamic outdoor setting right in your home state.