Ingersoll Scout Reservation

For organizations and groups across Illinois seeking an outstanding outdoor facility for development, education, or simply a structured retreat, Ingersoll Scout Reservation in London Mills stands as a premier choice. While deeply rooted in its mission to serve Scouting programs, this extensive property offers far more than just traditional camping. It is a robust facility designed to foster growth, collaboration, and memorable experiences, making it an excellent consideration for a wide range of organized groups, including corporate entities, non-profits, schools, and more.

Ingersoll Scout Reservation is renowned for providing "Outstanding Scout camp" experiences, but its capabilities extend to serving as an exceptional venue for "corporate outings and team building activities." This dual functionality makes it a unique asset within Illinois, offering structured programs and ample space for various group needs. It’s important for potential visitors to understand that while a review mentions "not open to public visitors," this generally refers to casual, drop-in public access. However, for pre-booked groups, organizations, and Scouting units, Ingersoll Scout Reservation is indeed a welcoming and fully equipped destination. If your group is looking for a structured outdoor experience that combines natural beauty with purpose-driven activities, Ingersoll Scout Reservation warrants a closer look as a top-tier facility right here in Illinois.

Ingersoll Scout Reservation is strategically located at 33 Knox Rd 650 E, London Mills, IL 61544, USA. This address places it within a vast natural setting in Fulton and Knox Counties, offering an immersive outdoor experience while remaining accessible for groups traveling from various parts of Illinois. London Mills itself is a small, rural community, contributing to the secluded and focused environment that makes Ingersoll Scout Reservation ideal for dedicated programs and retreats.

The accessibility of Ingersoll Scout Reservation is a key advantage for groups across Illinois. It is situated approximately 40 miles west of Peoria, a major Illinois city, and is reachable via Route 116. This provides a relatively straightforward drive from larger metropolitan areas, ensuring that organizing transportation for your group is manageable. Whether your team is traveling from Central Illinois, the Quad Cities region, or even further afield, the routes leading to the reservation are well-maintained, accommodating various types of vehicles, including buses and vans typically used for group travel. Upon arrival, visitors are guided to designated parking areas, maintaining the organized and secure environment of the reservation. The sense of getting away from urban distractions, combined with practical accessibility, creates an ideal balance for productive team-building events, focused training sessions, or immersive youth programs. This blend of seclusion and convenience makes Ingersoll Scout Reservation a prime choice for organizations looking for a facility that is both impactful and easily reachable within the state of Illinois.

Services Offered:

• Campsite Rentals: Ingersoll Scout Reservation offers numerous campsites equipped with amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, with many featuring permanent pavilions for year-round use.
• Building Rentals: Various lodges and buildings are available for rent, including the RMS Lodge (sleeping up to 44 people with a warming kitchen and meeting room), the Camp Office Annex (with bunkbeds, kitchen, and meeting space), the Dining Hall (large meeting space suitable for events), and the Shotgun Building (with bunkbeds and kitchenettes).
• Outdoor Activities & Program Areas:
  • Aquatics: Access to Lake Roberts for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and rowboating. Staffing and equipment rentals available.
  • Shooting Sports: Archery, Rifle, and Shotgun ranges with equipment provided and certified instructors required.
  • Climbing Tower & COPE Course: Opportunities for high-adventure activities that promote trust and teamwork (requires approval and certified staff).
  • Hiking & Mountain Biking: Extensive trail system, including the Cedar Creek Trail, with mountain bike rentals available.
• Educational Programs: Tailored programs, especially for Scouting units, focusing on merit badges, skill development, and outdoor education.
• Group & Corporate Rentals: Facilities and activities can be rented by external groups, including businesses, churches, schools, and non-profit organizations for various events and retreats.
• Event Hosting: Capable of hosting events like weddings, as evidenced by positive reviews, leveraging its beautiful and peaceful setting.
• Dedicated Staff Support: The reservation provides staff for check-in/check-out procedures, facility walkthroughs, and support during activities (e.g., certified staff for aquatics and shooting ranges).

Features / Highlights:

• Expansive and Beautiful Property: Encompassing almost 1000 acres of varied Illinois terrain, including woodlands, prairies, and wetlands along Cedar Creek, providing a rich natural environment for diverse activities.
• Versatile Lodging Options: From traditional tent campsites to modern lodges and A-frame style cabins, catering to different group sizes and comfort preferences. Many campsites feature permanent pavilions, ideal for year-round camping.
• Comprehensive Program Offerings: A wide array of outdoor and educational activities, including a climbing tower, shooting ranges, aquatics on Lake Roberts, and extensive hiking/biking trails. This diversity allows for customized experiences.
• Emphasis on Team Building: Explicitly highlighted as a strength for corporate outings and group development, with facilities like the COPE course designed for collaborative challenges.
• Outstanding Reputation (Scout Camp): Consistently rated highly as a premier Scout camp, indicating excellent infrastructure, safety standards, and program delivery.
• Abundant Wildlife: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, enhancing the outdoor experience.
• Professional and Supportive Environment: While primarily a Scout facility, its structured environment and professional management make it suitable for a variety of organized groups.
• Winter Camping Capabilities: Several campsites and buildings are equipped for comfortable winter use, extending the seasonal utility of the reservation.
• Dedicated Facilities for Specific Activities: Specialized areas like shooting ranges and aquatic zones ensure safe and effective participation in various outdoor pursuits.

While Ingersoll Scout Reservation primarily caters to pre-booked Scouting units and organized groups, specific public promotions or special offers are not typically advertised in the same way as commercial campgrounds. Pricing for rentals and activities is usually provided upon direct inquiry and varies based on the type of group, duration of stay, and specific facilities or programs requested.

For Illinois businesses, schools, churches, or other organizations interested in utilizing Ingersoll Scout Reservation for corporate outings, team building, retreats, or educational programs, it is highly recommended to contact the W. D. Boyce Council directly. They can provide detailed information on availability, rental fees, and any tailored packages that might suit your group's specific needs. Inquiring directly is the best way to understand the full scope of what the reservation can offer and to discuss any potential cost-saving opportunities for your planned event.

For all inquiries regarding facility rentals, program offerings, or to discuss how Ingersoll Scout Reservation can accommodate your group, please use the following contact information:

Address: 33 Knox Rd 650 E, London Mills, IL 61544, USA

Phone: (309) 673-6136 ext. 123

Mobile Phone: +1 309-673-6136 ext. 123

The staff at Ingersoll Scout Reservation and the W. D. Boyce Council are available to assist organized groups and units in planning their visit, providing detailed information on available facilities, activities, and reservation procedures. Connecting directly ensures you receive the most accurate and up-to-date details for your planned event.

Ingersoll Scout Reservation stands out as an exceptionally suitable facility for a diverse range of local Illinois groups and organizations. While its historical and ongoing commitment to Scouting is paramount, its robust infrastructure and program capabilities make it an ideal venue for much more than just traditional youth camping. For Illinois businesses, it offers "outstanding" opportunities for corporate outings and team-building activities, as highlighted by satisfied users. The expansive, beautiful wooded property, coupled with specialized facilities like climbing towers, shooting ranges, and aquatic programs on Lake Roberts, provides a unique backdrop for fostering collaboration, leadership, and personal growth.

For schools, churches, and other non-profit organizations within Illinois, Ingersoll Scout Reservation presents a chance to engage participants in outdoor education, character development, and memorable shared experiences in a structured and safe environment. The availability of various lodging options, from campsites with pavilions to comfortable lodges, ensures that groups can choose accommodations that best fit their needs and budget. The staff's expertise in managing large programs and ensuring safety protocols, derived from years of Scouting operations, translates directly into a reliable and well-organized experience for all renting groups.

It is crucial for Illinois locals to understand that while the "website says open to the public is not open to public visitors," this refers to casual, unannounced visits. Ingersoll Scout Reservation is, in fact, actively available for pre-booked rentals by various organized entities. This distinction means that if you are part of a company, a school club, a church youth group, or any other structured organization in Illinois looking for an impactful outdoor venue, Ingersoll Scout Reservation is not only accessible but highly recommended. Its proven track record, diverse amenities, and dedication to creating positive experiences make it a premier choice for group-focused outdoor activities and retreats across the state.