First Presbyterian Church of Paris, Scout Camp

Deep in the heart of Northeast Texas, tucked away on the shores of Pat Mayse Lake, lies a unique and somewhat secluded retreat: the First Presbyterian Church of Paris, Scout Camp. While not a typical public campground, this property offers a distinctive setting for organized groups, particularly scout troops and church fellowships, seeking a natural environment for meetings, events, and outdoor activities. For Texans looking for a private, serene, and functional space to host gatherings or enjoy rustic camping near a beautiful lake, this camp presents a compelling, albeit quietly managed, option. It's a place where the tranquility of the woods meets the potential for focused group activities, away from the hustle and bustle.

The First Presbyterian Church of Paris, Scout Camp serves a specialized purpose: providing a dedicated outdoor facility for the church's youth programs, scouting activities, and potentially other compatible group events. Its design leans towards facilitating structured outdoor experiences, offering a balance of natural immersion with essential amenities for comfort and functionality. Unlike bustling public campgrounds, this camp prioritizes privacy and a focused environment for its users. Its low-key digital presence suggests a commitment to serving its primary constituents and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. For local organizations in Texas, especially those in the Paris area, seeking a private and managed outdoor space for their programs, this camp offers a valuable resource for fostering community, learning, and connection with nature. It’s a testament to the church’s commitment to youth development and outdoor education, providing a dedicated space where young people can grow and thrive in a natural setting.

The First Presbyterian Church of Paris, Scout Camp is located at County Rd 34950, Paris, TX 75460, USA. This address places it just north of the Elks Campground, at the very end of County Rd 34950, on the south side of the expansive Pat Mayse Lake. Specifically, it's situated approximately 2.9 miles west of US-271, a major highway connecting Paris with other parts of Texas.

For Texans, the accessibility of this camp requires a bit of local knowledge. While it's located off a county road, US-271 provides a straightforward route to the Paris area from various parts of Northeast Texas. Paris itself is a significant regional center, offering a range of services, including grocery stores, gas stations, dining options, and medical facilities, all within a reasonable drive from the camp. This means that groups utilizing the camp can easily resupply or access urban amenities as needed. The camp's position on Pat Mayse Lake is a major draw, providing potential access to one of Texas's popular recreational lakes, known for fishing and boating. The description notes an old boat ramp access road opposite the locked entry gate, suggesting a historical connection to lake access, though current usability would need direct confirmation. The secluded nature of the location, at the end of a county road and with a locked entry gate, emphasizes its private and dedicated use, offering a true escape from everyday distractions for organized groups. This provides a unique blend of natural seclusion and practical access to nearby city resources.

Based on the available information, the First Presbyterian Church of Paris, Scout Camp provides fundamental services aimed at supporting group activities and a rustic camping experience within its private grounds. The facilities are designed to be functional for events and overnight stays in a natural setting.

Services Offered:

• Meeting facility: A central building on the property designed for gatherings and indoor activities, offering a designated space for instruction, presentations, or group meals.
• Tent camping space: The expansive property likely provides ample undeveloped areas suitable for pitching tents, allowing for a traditional outdoor camping experience.
• Potential for basic utilities: While not explicitly detailed, such a facility often includes access to water and potentially some form of electricity within the meeting facility to support its use.
• Access to natural surroundings: The 39-acre property, located near Pat Mayse Lake, inherently offers opportunities for outdoor exploration and activities, managed within the camp’s private boundaries.

The features and highlights of the First Presbyterian Church of Paris, Scout Camp stem from its dedicated purpose and private setting. It’s designed to be a functional and secluded retreat for specific types of groups, emphasizing privacy and a natural environment.

Features / Highlights:

• Secluded location: Situated at the end of County Rd 34950, offering a private and undisturbed environment away from public thoroughfares.
• Dedicated use: Primarily intended for the First Presbyterian Church of Paris’s scout programs and potentially other compatible group activities, ensuring a focused and managed environment.
• Proximity to Pat Mayse Lake: Located on the south side of the lake, offering potential for lake-related activities (though specific access points and usability should be confirmed directly with the camp).
• Meeting facility: Provides an indoor space for educational sessions, planning, or inclement weather contingencies.
• Natural setting: The 39-acre property allows for exploration of wooded areas and enjoyment of the Texas outdoors.
• Controlled access: A locked entry gate helps ensure the security and privacy of groups utilizing the camp.
• Rustic appeal: Offers a more traditional, less commercialized camping and event experience, appealing to those who appreciate simplicity and nature.

Given that the First Presbyterian Church of Paris, Scout Camp is a private facility primarily serving the church and its affiliated scout programs, it typically does not publicize commercial promotions or special offers in the same way a public campground would. Any "offers" would likely pertain to booking terms for specific groups or organizations.

• Group Booking: Pricing and availability for external groups (non-church or non-scout affiliated) would need to be directly negotiated with the camp management.
• Church or Scout Affiliation Benefits: Groups directly associated with the First Presbyterian Church of Paris or official scouting organizations may have preferential booking or reduced rates as part of their organizational support.
• Long-Term Use: For extended stays or recurring events by approved organizations, it is possible that tailored arrangements could be made.

To inquire about the possibility of booking the camp for your group, its current availability, and any potential fees or arrangements, direct communication with the camp management is essential. They will be able to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding usage and any applicable terms.

To inquire about the First Presbyterian Church of Paris, Scout Camp, its availability for group bookings, or any other questions, please use the following contact information:

Address: County Rd 34950, Paris, TX 75460, USA

Phone: (903) 340-2664

Mobile Phone: +1 903-340-2664

As the camp has a limited digital footprint and is primarily managed by the church, contacting them directly by phone is the most reliable way to get detailed information about booking, facilities, and any specific policies. It’s advisable to be clear about the nature of your group and your intended use when you call to ensure an accurate response.

For Texans, particularly those involved with youth organizations, church groups, or even family reunions seeking a private and natural setting, the First Presbyterian Church of Paris, Scout Camp offers a distinctive and valuable resource. Its secluded location on the south side of Pat Mayse Lake provides an ideal backdrop for outdoor activities, offering a true escape from urban environments. The presence of a meeting facility on the property is a significant advantage, allowing for structured indoor activities, presentations, or simply a comfortable gathering space regardless of the weather. This blend of rustic camping opportunities with a functional indoor amenity makes it uniquely suitable for groups that need both the freedom of the outdoors and the convenience of a dedicated facility. The exclusivity provided by a locked entry gate ensures privacy and security, which is highly beneficial for youth programs. For Texans who prioritize a private, controlled, and naturally immersive environment for their group events, this camp stands out as a unique and practical choice, fostering a sense of community and connection with the beautiful Texas landscape. It provides a focused environment for learning, fellowship, and outdoor adventure, tailored to the specific needs of organized gatherings.