French Creek Org Group Camp 2, Douglassville, PA

Introduction / Overview

For organized groups throughout Pennsylvania looking for a substantial, rustic, and historically rich retreat center, the French Creek Organized Group Camp 2, often referred to as Camp Clewell, presents an exceptional option. Located within the sprawling, nearly 8,000-acre French Creek State Park—one of the largest contiguous forests in Southeast Pennsylvania—this facility is specifically designed to accommodate large groups, such as youth organizations, school groups, and qualified adult associations. It offers a unique blend of a secluded natural environment with the essential communal infrastructure required for an extended stay.

Unlike the park's main family campground, Group Camp 2 is a dedicated complex featuring multiple sleeping cabins, a large central lodge (dining hall), and a central washhouse. These facilities date back to the historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era, lending the camp a rich, enduring character. The setting promotes togetherness and self-sufficiency, giving groups a private space to conduct programs, seminars, or simply enjoy a collective escape into the Schuylkill Highlands. While the lodging is intentionally rustic—aligning with the deep-woods experience—the facility provides key necessities, including basic electricity in the main structures, ensuring a comfortable and memorable outing.

Location and Accessibility

French Creek Organized Group Camp 2 (Clewell) is nestled within a secluded section of French Creek State Park, accessible via 491 Scott's Run Rd, Douglassville, PA 19518. This location places the camp strategically across Berks and Chester counties, making it highly accessible for organized groups originating from Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and the wider Mid-Atlantic region.

The park itself is easily reached from major Pennsylvania thoroughfares, specifically from PA Route 345, north of PA 23, and via the Morgantown exits of the PA Turnpike. The secluded nature of the group camp, set back from the main public campground and roads, provides the privacy essential for organized events. Despite its seclusion, it remains connected to the park's extensive trail system and is only a short distance from the park's two beautiful lakes, Hopewell and Scotts Run. The proximity to these natural assets allows groups to smoothly integrate hiking, fishing, and boating activities into their schedules, with the convenience of returning to a private, dedicated facility.

Services Offered

The French Creek Organized Group Camp 2 is set up to support a substantial number of guests with rustic but essential infrastructure:

Capacity and Lodging: The facility is designed to accommodate organized groups, with a reported capacity of approximately 68 people (Group Camp 2 Clewell), housed in multiple rustic camper cabins and staff quarters.
Central Dining Hall: A large, central building serves as a dining hall or multipurpose gathering area, which is suitable for banquets, programs, and indoor activities. This building often includes basic electricity.
Central Washhouse: Dedicated bath houses and shower stalls are provided in a central location within the camp complex, offering shared, modern facilities for the entire group.
Utilities: The complex features basic electricity in the main communal buildings and some of the structures, along with convenient access to potable water throughout the camp area.
Cooking Facilities: A kitchen complex is part of the dining hall structure, designed to handle large-scale food preparation for the entire group, though specific equipment details should be confirmed during reservation.
Recreational Space: Adjacent play fields or open areas provide space for sports, games, and outdoor group activities.
Season of Operation: The Organized Group Cabin Camps are typically open to qualified groups from mid-April through mid-October, requiring advance reservations and often a minimum stay.

Features / Highlights

Group Camp 2 offers distinct advantages that make it a premier choice for organizational retreats:

Historic CCC Legacy: The camp structures were originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), providing a tangible link to Pennsylvania's conservation history and a truly unique, enduring architectural style.
Secluded Group Environment: Unlike the bustling family campground, this complex is entirely dedicated to the needs of one large organized group, providing a high degree of privacy and control over the event's atmosphere.
Close to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site: The camp is ideally positioned near the Hopewell Furnace NHS, offering groups an excellent, educational field trip opportunity to explore a restored 1830s iron-making community.
Immediate Trail Access: Groups have direct access to the park's nearly 40 miles of trails for structured hiking, nature walks, and orienteering, making it a perfect base for outdoor skills development.
Water Recreation Potential: With Hopewell Lake and Scotts Run Lake nearby, groups can incorporate activities like fishing, kayaking, and non-motorized boating into their itinerary (boating permits required).

Contact Information

Reservations and detailed inquiries for the French Creek Organized Group Camp 2 (Clewell) must be directed to the main park office to check availability and obtain the required application materials for organized groups.

Official Camp Address: 491 Scott's Run Rd, Douglassville, PA 19518, USA (Note: This is the specific address for the complex.)

Park Office Phone: 610-582-9680 (For information and group application process.)

Park Office Address: 843 Park Road, Elverson, PA 19520 (Mailing/General Park Inquiries.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For local Pennsylvania-based organizations—including scout troops, churches, school clubs, and large extended families—French Creek Organized Group Camp 2 is an unparalleled resource. Its capacity to host large numbers, coupled with dedicated communal facilities like the central dining hall and washhouse, solves the logistical challenges of organizing a large-scale retreat. The camp provides a necessary and beautiful 'home base' for extended educational or recreational stays. Located just a short drive from the greater Philadelphia area and other regional hubs, it allows local groups to conduct multi-day programming in a truly rugged, historic, and protected forest environment without incurring excessive travel costs. This facility is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a fully self-contained, rustic community space that fosters teamwork, education, and unforgettable shared experiences in the heart of the Commonwealth’s stunning natural landscape.