Hanta Pa Ha Campsite, Pottsboro, TX

For Texans involved in youth organizations and seeking a robust outdoor experience, Hanta Pa Ha Campsite offers an outstanding option within the renowned Camp James Ray. Situated on the beautiful shores of Lake Texoma in Pottsboro, this campsite is not a public, walk-in campground but rather a dedicated facility primarily serving the programs of the Boy Scouts of America's Circle Ten Council. Hanta Pa Ha is notable for being the largest of the three West campsites within Camp James Ray, providing ample space and specific amenities tailored for group camping.

Camp James Ray, and by extension, Hanta Pa Ha Campsite, is a cornerstone of outdoor education and youth development in North Texas. It hosts a variety of programs, including summer resident camps for Cub Scouts and Webelos, as well as the National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) program. This focus means that Hanta Pa Ha offers a structured yet authentic primitive camping experience, equipped with essential facilities to support organized groups and their leaders, all while being immersed in the natural beauty of Lake Texoma.

Hanta Pa Ha Campsite is located on Camp James Ray Rd, Pottsboro, TX 75076, USA. More specifically, it resides within the expansive Camp James Ray, a significant outdoor facility managed by the Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Camp James Ray itself is positioned on the south shore of the immense 96,000-acre Lake Texoma, approximately eight miles northwest of Pottsboro, Texas. Pottsboro is a welcoming community in Grayson County, known for its direct access to Lake Texoma and its charming small-town atmosphere.

Accessibility to Hanta Pa Ha Campsite involves first navigating to the main entrance of Camp James Ray. From Pottsboro, visitors typically take Highway 120 West, turn left (West) on Locust Road, then at a 4-way stop, turn right onto Mill Creek Road. Following Mill Creek Road for about two miles leads directly to the camp entrance, marked by a large stone entryway at 2026 Mill Creek Rd, Pottsboro, Texas 75076. Once inside the camp, Hanta Pa Ha is one of the designated campsites, with internal roads and signage guiding units to their specific area. While considered a primitive campsite, the overall camp provides relatively good access roads. However, visitors should be aware that vehicles must return to the main parking lot once unloading is complete, though a vehicle/trailer hooked up may remain in the campsite. This well-established infrastructure ensures relatively smooth travel for groups coming from various parts of Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Hanta Pa Ha Campsite, as part of the extensive Camp James Ray facility, offers a specific set of services designed for organized group camping, particularly for Scout units. While it is a primitive campsite, it comes with essential amenities to support comfortable and safe outdoor experiences.

Large Capacity: Hanta Pa Ha is noted as the largest of the three West campsites, capable of accommodating substantial groups of campers.
Metal Pavilion: The campsite features a 20x20 metal pavilion, providing a valuable shaded or sheltered area for gatherings, meals, and activities, crucial in varying Texas weather.
Pit Latrine with Showers: It is equipped with a pit latrine, uniquely designed with separate youth and adult sides, each featuring three toilets and three showers. A shared hand-washing sink is also available, providing essential hygiene facilities for primitive camping.
Year-Round Water Access: A frostless, year-round use faucet is available within the camp, ensuring access to potable water regardless of the season.
Designated Tent Areas: While primitive, the campsite provides ample space and likely designated areas for pitching tents, ensuring an organized setup for groups.
Trash Disposal: All trash can be conveniently placed in trash dumpsters located at the dining hall loading dock within the main camp area.
Central Camp Ranger Support: Camp James Ray has a Camp Ranger and staff available to provide support, ensure safety guidelines are followed, and assist units during their stay.
Vehicle Access for Loading/Unloading: Vehicles are allowed to the campsite for loading and unloading (weather permitting), facilitating the setup and breakdown of camp.

Hanta Pa Ha Campsite, nestled within the broader Camp James Ray, offers several distinct features and highlights that enhance its appeal as a prime outdoor destination for Texans, particularly for youth groups and educational programs.

Integrated within a Premier Scout Camp: Its location within Camp James Ray means campers have access to a vast array of specialized program areas, setting it apart from typical public campgrounds.
Equipped Primitive Camping: It strikes a balance between a rustic experience and essential amenities. The presence of a metal pavilion, pit latrines with showers, and year-round water access at the campsite itself makes primitive camping more comfortable and manageable for groups.
Access to Lake Texoma: Camp James Ray is directly on Lake Texoma, offering unparalleled opportunities for aquatic activities such as canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing. The Sanford Aquatics Center within the camp provides a swimming pool, water slides, and "the blob."
Extensive Program Offerings: The camp provides a wide range of programs beyond just camping, including shooting sports (archery, rifle, shotgun ranges), a climbing tower, a Western Heritage area, and various outdoor skills training.
Dedicated Leadership Training: Home to the Circle Ten Council's NYLT program, the camp fosters leadership development and teamwork through challenging outdoor experiences.
Youth-Focused Environment: The entire facility is designed with youth development in mind, providing a safe, educational, and engaging environment for Cub Scouts, Webelos, and older Scouts.
Natural Beauty and Trails: The 540-acre camp offers numerous trails for hiking and exploring, with abundant wildlife and opportunities for nature studies.

As Hanta Pa Ha Campsite is an integral part of the Circle Ten Council's Camp James Ray, promotions and special offers are primarily tied to the organized programs and group bookings rather than individual public discounts for the campsite itself.

Program-Specific Fees: Participation in summer resident camps (Cub Scout or Webelos) or other council-run programs at Camp James Ray includes the use of campsites like Hanta Pa Ha, with fees covering program materials, meals, and accommodations.
Early Registration Incentives: Often, early bird discounts are available for units that register and pay for summer camp or other large programs by specific deadlines. This can result in significant savings per participant.
Package Deals for Activities: While the campsite itself has a booking fee, access to ranges (rifle, shotgun, archery), pool usage, and watercraft rentals are typically reserved and paid for prior to arrival via Circle Ten's online reservation system, sometimes bundled into program fees.
Council-Wide Events: Look for announcements from the Circle Ten Council regarding special events or weekends at Camp James Ray that might offer package deals or incentives for participation.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on program fees, booking procedures, and any available special offers, interested groups or individuals should consult the official Circle Ten Council website or their specific program guides for Camp James Ray.

To inquire about Hanta Pa Ha Campsite or to learn more about the programs and facilities at Camp James Ray, you can use the following contact information:

Address: Camp James Ray, 2026 Mill Creek Rd, Pottsboro, Texas 75076, USA (This is the main camp entrance, which will lead you to Hanta Pa Ha Campsite).
Circle Ten Council Phone: (This is the main governing body for the camp, and the most reliable point of contact for reservations and inquiries) - (903) 786-2591 (General Camp James Ray Phone)
Email: (Look for contact email on the official Circle Ten Council website, often related to camping or program directors.)

It is crucial that all reservations and changes are made at least seven days in advance via their online reservation system. No late reservations or walk-ins are accepted for units.

For Texans, Hanta Pa Ha Campsite within Camp James Ray offers a truly suitable and enriching outdoor experience, particularly for organized youth groups. Its prime location on Lake Texoma provides access to a wealth of water-based activities, while the structured environment of a top-tier Scout camp ensures safety, education, and skill development. Hanta Pa Ha stands out as the largest of the West campsites, offering a comfortable, primitive camping experience complete with its own pavilion, pit latrines with showers, and year-round water.

This campsite is ideal for local Scout troops, Webelos dens, and other youth organizations seeking a well-equipped base for their outdoor programs. The emphasis on merit badges, leadership training, and a diverse array of activities from shooting sports to climbing makes it a valuable asset for fostering growth and adventure. For Texans committed to providing impactful outdoor experiences for their youth, Hanta Pa Ha Campsite at Camp James Ray is a premier local destination that blends natural immersion with comprehensive programming, creating lasting memories and essential life skills.