Oreland Troop 1 Hawk Mountain Camp, New Ringgold, PA

Introduction / Overview: The Spirit of True Rustic Camping in Pennsylvania

For organizations, youth groups, and Scout troops across Pennsylvania seeking an authentic, rustic outdoor experience, the Oreland Troop 1 Hawk Mountain Camp is a treasure trove of wilderness tradition. It is critical to note from the outset that this facility, located in Schuylkill County, is a private, 17.52-acre property owned and operated by Oreland Scouts BSA Troop 1 since 1961. This ensures that the camp maintains a dedication to unspoiled, self-reliant outdoor programming, offering a rare alternative to heavily developed commercial sites or large, centralized council reservations.

This destination is renowned for preserving the rugged, traditional elements of camping. Visitors will find no electrical hookups or modern running water within the structures, promoting the very core values of self-sufficiency, leadership, and appreciation for the natural environment. The camp is not open for general public bookings or individual family camping; rather, it is maintained specifically as a training and activity ground available for rental by qualified youth and civic organizations looking to foster team-building, resilience, and personal growth in a beautiful, secluded setting. It is the perfect place for Pennsylvania groups seeking a true "back to basics" experience without sacrificing essential functional facilities like a large, capable dining hall.

The entire 17.52-acre tract is a testament to dedicated stewardship, featuring broad fields, deep forests, and the refreshing flow of the Indian Run stream, providing an ideal, immersive classroom for outdoor education and adventure.

Location and Accessibility: Schuylkill County’s Gateway to Nature

Oreland Troop 1 Hawk Mountain Camp is strategically situated in East Brunswick Township, a few miles southeast of the town of New Ringgold in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. Its official address is 78 Indian Run Rd, New Ringgold, PA 17960, USA. For Pennsylvania organizations traveling from across the state, the camp is conveniently accessed via major arteries leading into the Blue Mountain region of Eastern Pennsylvania.

The camp's geographical position is one of its major draws for local groups. It sits just a short distance from two of Pennsylvania's most famous natural landmarks: the world-renowned Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary and the celebrated Appalachian Trail. This proximity provides unparalleled opportunities for off-site educational field trips, conservation studies, and significant hiking excursions. For groups seeking to integrate local ecology and environmental education into their program, the nearby Sanctuary offers extensive programs focused on raptor migration and conservation.

While the setting is wonderfully remote and rustic, the camp remains accessible for vehicle entry and supply transport, simplifying the logistics for organized groups. Its location at the base of Hawk Mountain offers stunning topography, characterized by the picturesque Indian Run, a tributary to the Little Schuylkill River that bisects the camp, contributing to the rich, stream-fed ecosystem that has defined the site since its acquisition in 1961.

Services Offered (Organizational Focus)

The services offered at Oreland Troop 1 Hawk Mountain Camp are geared specifically toward supporting organized group camping, retreats, and leadership development, emphasizing self-reliance and community effort.

Exclusive Organizational Rental: The primary service is the rental of the entire 17.52-acre camp property for full weekends or week-long programs. Access is limited to other Scout Troops, Cub Scout Packs, and qualified civic and youth organizations, ensuring a focused and appropriate environment.
Food Preparation Facilities: A large, well-equipped Dining Hall (or Main Cabin) is available, featuring a substantial kitchen and prep area. This includes a twelve-burner stove, large griddle, multiple ovens, and seating capacity for over 100 people, greatly simplifying group catering.
Rustic Accommodation Structures: Sleeping arrangements are facilitated by seven sturdy Adirondack shelters (lean-tos) situated around the property, offering covered, semi-permanent bunking for campers, along with numerous maintained grassy fields for tent camping.
Water Supply Access: While there is no running water in the structures, a central, deep well and pump system is available, providing a source of water, which groups must treat or utilize a separate source for potable needs, reinforcing the rustic experience.
Central Sanitary Facilities: A central pit latrine serves the camp area, maintaining necessary sanitation standards without compromising the camp’s rustic, off-grid focus.
Program Support: Groups benefit from the dedicated nature trails, fire rings, parade grounds, and structured areas designed to support merit badge work, ceremonies, and large group activities.

Features / Highlights of the Camp

The camp's dedication to an authentic, traditional camping atmosphere is evident in its unique natural and constructed features, which provide countless opportunities for outdoor adventure and skill-building.

The Indian Run Stream: The camp is bisected by the beautiful Indian Run stream, creating a vital natural habitat and adding a calming, picturesque element to the grounds. The stream is bordered by historic stone arch bridges at the property's boundaries.
Two Man-Made Ponds: The site features a dedicated Fishing Pond, which is stocked with bass and panfish, providing excellent, accessible fishing opportunities, and a separate Swimming Pond, perfect for summer aquatic activities.
Massive Dining Hall/Pavilion: The 48-foot by 48-foot main cabin/pavilion serves as an essential central meeting area. With a large dual fireplace, wood-burning stove for winter use, and ample seating, it is perfect for large assemblies, ceremonies, and year-round cold-weather programming.
Adirondack Lean-Tos: Seven rugged, open-sided Adirondack shelters are scattered throughout the camping areas. These structures allow groups to experience traditional trail camping accommodations while providing essential protection from the elements.
Diverse Natural Environment: The 17-plus acres encompass fields, forests dominated by White Ash, Eastern White Pine, and American Sycamore, and even swampy areas containing diverse local flora, including the state-threatened American Holly trees, offering a rich environment for nature studies.
Focus on Rustic Integrity: The complete lack of external electrical service or cabin-style running water ensures that groups can fulfill requirements for "true rustic camping" and develop crucial self-reliance and survival skills that are often missed at modern campgrounds.

Contact Information

Organizations interested in renting this unique Pennsylvania facility should utilize the contact information below to inquire about scheduling, fees, and rental instructions for qualified civic and youth groups:

Address: 78 Indian Run Rd, New Ringgold, PA 17960, USA

Phone: (Please note, as a private, rustic camp, direct public phone contact is often managed by Troop volunteers. Initial inquiries for rental are best routed through the owning organization's public channels or contact person, which is typically found on their official website. For organizational rental inquiries, consult the Oreland Troop 1 contact information for the current Camp Coordinator.)

Initial Contact Phone for General Inquiries/Troop: Based on the nature of the facility, please rely on the provided physical address and consult the owning organization's website for the most current rental contact information and phone number.

Conclusion: Why This Rustic Camp is Suitable for Pennsylvania Organizations

For Pennsylvania-based youth organizations, Scout troops, and civic groups, Oreland Troop 1 Hawk Mountain Camp represents a priceless opportunity for high-impact, authentic outdoor programming. In a state rich with natural beauty, this private camp offers a controlled yet rugged environment perfectly suited for teaching leadership, conservation, and self-reliance—values that resonate deeply within the community.

The rustic nature of the camp—the lack of electricity, the central water pump, and the use of pit latrines—is not a limitation; it is the *feature*. It provides the necessary friction that encourages problem-solving and true skill development, distinguishing it from the more convenient, amenity-heavy campsites. The camp's size (17.52 acres) and features (swimming pond, fishing pond, large dining hall) are ideally scaled for group bookings, offering both seclusion and critical infrastructure for programs of up to 100 people.

Furthermore, its location near the Appalachian Trail and the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary allows Pennsylvania groups to leverage world-class natural attractions as extensions of their programming. By choosing to rent this camp, organizations are not only providing an unforgettable experience for their members, but they are also supporting the stewardship and legacy of one of Pennsylvania's oldest and most dedicated Scouts BSA troops, ensuring this tradition of rustic camping endures for generations of local youth.