Youth & Scout Campground

For scout troops, youth organizations, and large family or ministry groups here in Kansas looking for a dedicated and accommodating outdoor experience, the Youth & Scout Campground at Hillsdale State Park in Paola is an excellent choice. This particular section of the park is specifically designed to cater to the needs of larger groups, providing ample space and essential amenities that facilitate memorable and well-organized camping trips. Unlike individual campsites, this area offers a communal yet spacious environment where groups can truly connect with nature and each other.

Located within the expansive and activity-rich Hillsdale State Park, the Youth & Scout Campground provides a foundational camping experience. It features a large area specifically for tent camping, allowing for flexibility in group arrangements. While direct customer reviews specifically for "Youth & Scout Campground" are not provided, the consistent positive feedback for Hillsdale State Park as a whole, with its friendly staff and well-maintained facilities, suggests that this group area upholds similar standards. It's a place where the focus is on providing a functional and enjoyable base camp from which groups can explore the vast recreational opportunities that Hillsdale Lake and its surrounding park offer, making it an invaluable resource for fostering outdoor skills, teamwork, and community spirit among Kansas's youth and other organized groups.

The Youth & Scout Campground is located within the expansive Hillsdale State Park, near Paola, Kansas. While a specific street address for this particular campground within the park is not always explicitly listed beyond "Paola, KS 66071, USA," its placement within Hillsdale State Park means it benefits from the park's overall excellent accessibility. Hillsdale Lake and its associated park facilities are situated in Miami County, a convenient drive from the Kansas City metropolitan area, making it an ideal choice for groups coming from various parts of Eastern Kansas.

Access to Hillsdale State Park is straightforward, typically via major state highways like US-169 and K-7. The park roads are generally well-maintained, allowing easy navigation for buses, vans, and multiple vehicles typically used by scout troops or youth groups. Once inside the park, clear signage guides visitors to the various campground areas, including the Youth & Scout Campground. This ease of access, combined with its natural setting away from the direct hustle and bustle, makes it a suitable and practical destination for organized groups looking for a seamless arrival and immersive outdoor experience.

• Large Area for Tent Camping: The campground is specifically designed with a "large area for tent camping," providing ample space for multiple tents and group activities without feeling overcrowded.

• Water Spigot: A convenient "water spigot" is available, offering easy access to potable water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene, which is essential for group camping.

• Portable Toilet: The presence of a "portable toilet" provides basic sanitation facilities within the campground area.

• Parking Lot: A dedicated "parking lot" ensures adequate space for vehicles, vans, or buses transporting large groups to the site.

• Flag Pole: A "flag pole" is a notable amenity, particularly useful for scout groups for flag ceremonies and instilling a sense of camaraderie and tradition.

• Quiet Hours: The campground operates with "quiet hours" from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., promoting a respectful and peaceful environment for all campers.

• Proximity to Park Amenities: While specific amenities within the Youth & Scout Campground are basic, its location within Hillsdale State Park provides groups with access to a wider range of facilities across the park. This includes modern restrooms and shower houses (available in other developed campgrounds within Hillsdale State Park), designated swimming beaches, extensive hiking and biking trails, and boat ramps for lake access.

• Group-Oriented Space: The very designation "Youth & Scout Campground" implies that the area is managed with group camping needs in mind, potentially offering booking flexibility or special considerations for large organizations.

• Dedicated Group Area: The primary highlight is that this campground is specifically designated as a "Youth & Scout Area." This means it's set up to accommodate larger groups, ensuring adequate space and a setting conducive to group activities and camaraderie, which might not be found in individual campsites.

• Spacious Tent Camping: The provision of a "large area for tent camping" allows for flexible layouts for multiple tents, enabling groups to set up their camp in a way that best suits their needs for sleeping, cooking, and gathering.

• Essential Basic Amenities: While basic, the inclusion of a water spigot and a portable toilet means that fundamental needs are met directly within the group area, reducing the need for constant trips to other parts of the park for these necessities.

• Natural, Open Setting: The campground offers a natural environment within Hillsdale State Park, providing opportunities for outdoor education, skill-building, and immersion in nature for youth groups.

• Proximity to Hillsdale Lake Activities: Being part of Hillsdale State Park means groups have easy access to a vast array of recreational opportunities offered by the lake and surrounding land. This includes fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming at designated beaches, and exploring the park's extensive network of hiking and biking trails (over 24 miles).

• Safe and Regulated Environment: As a state park facility, the campground operates under specific rules and regulations (e.g., quiet hours, prohibition of actions that disturb others), ensuring a safe and organized environment for youth and scout leaders.

• Opportunity for Outdoor Education: The natural setting and access to park resources make it an ideal base for teaching outdoor skills, environmental awareness, and promoting leadership among young participants.

• Community Building: The design of a group camping area inherently encourages teamwork, fellowship, and community building, which are core tenets of scout and youth programs.

As part of Hillsdale State Park, the Youth & Scout Campground falls under the administration of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). Unlike commercial campgrounds, state park facilities typically do not offer traditional "promotions" or "special offers" on individual campsite bookings in the same way. Their pricing structure is generally standardized for different types of sites and group sizes. However, there are considerations that can make a group booking cost-effective:

• Group Rates/Permits: The Youth & Scout Campground is designed for groups. It is highly likely that there are specific group rates or permits required for booking this area, which might differ from individual campsite fees. These rates are tailored to accommodate larger numbers of participants more efficiently than booking multiple individual sites.

• Kansas State Park Vehicle Permits: While not a discount on the camping itself, a Kansas State Park Vehicle Permit is required for all vehicles entering the park. For large groups, discussing group entry permits or potential exemptions with the park office might be beneficial to understand the most cost-effective approach for vehicle entry.

• Partnerships with Youth Organizations: Some state park systems may have partnerships with organizations like the Boy Scouts of America or Girl Scouts of Kansas, potentially offering specific reduced rates or waived fees for official scout-related activities. For instance, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland notes that their members can get FREE access to basic/primitive campsites at 26 Kansas State Parks, with some parks discounting group campsite fees or waiving vehicle fees in exchange for service projects. It's worth inquiring about such potential programs.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, booking procedures for groups, and any specific considerations for scout or youth organizations, it is essential to:

• Contact the Hillsdale State Park office directly using the provided phone number.

• Review the official KDWPT website for Hillsdale State Park (ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Hillsdale) and any specific group camping reservation pages.

• Consult with the relevant regional or local scout council or youth organization headquarters, as they may have established booking procedures or partnerships with state parks.

For reservations, inquiries about group site availability, or any other questions regarding your planned outing at the Youth & Scout Campground within Hillsdale State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: Paola, KS 66071, USA (located within Hillsdale State Park)

The primary contact for all Hillsdale State Park campgrounds and facilities, including the Youth & Scout Campground, is the park office:

Hillsdale State Park Office:

26001 W. 255th Street, Paola, KS 66071

Phone: (913) 594-3600

Mobile Phone: +1 913-594-3600

It is highly recommended for group leaders to contact the park office directly well in advance of their desired camping dates, especially given the specialized nature of this group campground. This will ensure proper booking, understanding of any specific group requirements, and a smooth planning process for your scout or youth outing.

For us Kansans, especially those involved in youth organizations, scouting, or planning large family and church gatherings, the Youth & Scout Campground at Hillsdale State Park offers an unparalleled and highly suitable camping solution. Its design and purpose perfectly align with the needs of local groups seeking a dedicated, functional, and naturally rich environment for their outdoor programs.

The distinct advantage for locals is the campground's specialized focus. It's not just a collection of individual sites; it's a large area specifically earmarked for tent camping by groups. This means ample space for setting up multiple tents, organizing activities, and fostering a sense of community that might be difficult to achieve in standard campgrounds. The presence of essential amenities like a water spigot and a portable toilet directly within the group area significantly enhances convenience, streamlining the logistical aspects of group camping. The flagpole also adds a traditional touch, especially valued by scouting organizations.

Furthermore, its location within the expansive Hillsdale State Park opens up a world of recreational opportunities. Groups can easily access the vast Hillsdale Lake for fishing, boating, and swimming, or explore the park's extensive network of hiking and biking trails. This integration with the broader park ensures that there's always something engaging for every participant, from active outdoor pursuits to educational nature exploration. Being a state park facility also assures a level of safety and regulation, providing peace of mind for group leaders and parents.

In essence, the Youth & Scout Campground at Hillsdale Lake is a tailored solution for Kansas groups to immerse themselves in the outdoors. It provides the space, basic necessities, and access to a wealth of activities, making it an ideal local hub for building character, fostering teamwork, and creating indelible memories in the heart of our beautiful Kansas landscape.