Navesink Campsite HMSR 2024

- Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972

For families and youth groups across Pennsylvania, particularly those involved in Scouting, the Navesink Campsite represents a premier, well-maintained outdoor destination. Located within the expansive Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation (HMSR), this campsite is not a typical public campground but a dedicated facility owned and operated by the Hawk Mountain Council, Scouting America. It is specifically designed to support the youth leadership programs and outdoor education of Scouting units and other approved groups.

In 2024, Navesink Campsite continues to serve as a vital part of the 700-acre reservation, providing an authentic and well-structured camping experience. It's crucial for local users to understand that HMSR, and therefore Navesink Campsite, is not open to the general public for recreational camping. Access is strictly limited to registered Scout units (Cub Scout Packs, Webelos Dens, Scouts BSA Troops) and other non-Scout groups by specific prior arrangement and reservation. This exclusivity ensures a focused environment for outdoor development, which is highly valued by its dedicated users. The commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Scout experience, as highlighted by a local user review of a "great site with good layout," is central to the operation of Navesink and HMSR as a whole.

The Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation is strategically situated in the foothills of the Blue Mountains in Eastern Pennsylvania, near the town of Summit Station, and conveniently close to the address provided for Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. This location is easily accessible for Scout units traveling from within the Hawk Mountain Council’s territory (Berks, Schuylkill, and Carbon counties) and beyond.

The reservation is found just off Route 183, a key artery connecting the region, making the trip relatively straightforward from many major Pennsylvania population centers. From the south, access is typically via Interstate 78 to Route 183 North, and from the north via Route 183 South. The specific facility address is: 402 Blue Mountain Road, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972-9033. Access to the Navesink Campsite itself is generally good, with maintained internal roads providing room for parking and unit trailers near the site. The natural setting, bordering the Appalachian Trail in some areas, offers a rugged, yet accessible, backdrop for outdoor learning and adventure, allowing local units to minimize travel time and maximize program time.

Navesink Campsite is designed to support the needs of Scouting units focusing on the Patrol Method and outdoor skill development. The services provided are tailored to facilitate a dedicated, youth-focused outdoor experience.

• Unit Camping Accommodations: Navesink specifically features approximately 20 tent platforms, requiring visiting units to bring their own tents. This setup supports organized patrol camping and unit structure.

• Shelter and Gathering Space: The campsite includes a covered pavilion and a dedicated fire circle, providing essential space for program activities, cooking, and unit meetings, regardless of weather conditions.

• Restroom Facilities: A dedicated latrine is available at the campsite for convenient use by the unit.

• Water Access (Seasonal): From approximately October 15th to April 15th, running water is turned off at the site to prevent freezing. During this period, the closest water source is typically available on the road near the Randy Rowe Lodge, requiring units to plan accordingly.

• Year-Round Use: The reservation is generally available for weekend unit camping throughout the fall, winter, and spring months, not just during the main summer camp season, ensuring continuous access for local groups.

• Parking: The road leading to Navesink is suitable for access, with room available for units to park a trailer at the campsite itself.

The entire Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation, where Navesink Campsite is situated, is renowned for its expansive, feature-rich environment, providing a complete educational and recreational experience for youth.

• Program-Rich Environment: During summer camp and other dedicated events, the reservation offers a huge variety of programs including Aquatics (pool and lakefront activities), Shooting Sports, Climbing and Zip-lining, Outdoor Skills, Conservation, and numerous opportunities for Merit Badge completion for older Scouts.

• Diverse Facilities: Beyond the individual unit campsites like Navesink, HMSR features central facilities such as a Dining Hall (used during long-term summer camp), a well-stocked Trading Post (Scout Shop), and various training centers for adult leaders.

• Aquatic Resources: The reservation includes an 11-acre lake used for canoeing, rowboating, and sailing, as well as a full-size swimming pool available during certain programs, providing safe and engaging water-based activities.

• Adjacency to Blue Mountain and Appalachian Trail: The camp's location near the Blue Mountain provides a stunning natural backdrop and potential access to local trails, promoting conservation and advanced hiking skills.

• Dedicated Staff Support: The reservation is administered by a full-time Camp Director and Ranger team, with Camp Masters on duty during many weekend periods to assist with check-in, check-out, and on-site support.

All reservations and general inquiries regarding Navesink Campsite and the Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation must go through the Council Service Center or the Reservation Office.

Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation Address (Navesink Campsite Location Area):

402 Blue Mountain Road

Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972-9033, USA

Reservation Office Phone:

570-754-7552 (Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation)

Council Service Center (for Reservations/Booking):

5027 Pottsville Pike

Reading, PA 19605-1284

610-926-3406 (Council Office)

It is mandatory to contact the Council Office to arrange any reservation, as the campsite is not open to the general public and requires a permit for check-in.

For local Pennsylvania families and youth leaders invested in the Scouting program, Navesink Campsite and the broader Hawk Mountain Scout Reservation offer an unparalleled local resource. Its primary suitability lies in its dedicated mission to foster leadership, character development, and outdoor skills within a highly organized and safe environment. This is not a casual destination but a premier youth training center.

The facility's proximity to major regional centers means that local units in Schuylkill and surrounding counties can easily access a 700-acre wilderness tract without extensive travel. The availability of year-round weekend camping, specialized programs, and essential facilities ensures that local youth have consistent access to the highest quality Scouting experience. For residents whose children are members of Cub Scouts or Scouts BSA, Navesink provides the reliable, structured, and feature-rich setting necessary to achieve rank advancement, earn merit badges, and create lifelong memories of outdoor adventure right here in Pennsylvania. While it remains exclusive—a point of pride and purpose for its users—it is the cornerstone of local Scouting outdoor education.

Navesink Campsite HMSR 2024

Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972, USA