Armadillo Den Camp Site

For Texans deeply involved in the scouting community, or those seeking a truly rustic and skill-focused outdoor experience, the Armadillo Den Camp Site at Camp Trevor Rees-Jones in Athens, TX, offers a specific kind of adventure. Located within the expansive Clements Scout Ranch, this particular campsite provides a more primitive setting, designed to challenge and engage older scouts while fostering essential outdoor skills. It's a place where the focus is on traditional scouting activities and embracing a less developed natural environment.

This article is tailored for local Texans, particularly those affiliated with scouting organizations, providing a factual and informative overview of what to expect at Armadillo Den Camp Site. We'll explore its specific location within the larger Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, the facilities and amenties relevant to this primitive site, and the features that make it suitable for more experienced scouts. Understanding its characteristics, including its distance from certain amenities, will help you determine if Armadillo Den is the right fit for your next rugged Texas outdoor expedition.

Armadillo Den Camp Site is located within the expansive Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, part of the Clements Scout Ranch, at the address Camp Trevor Rees - Jones, Athens, TX 75751, USA. This places the campsite in Henderson County, in the scenic East Texas region. While the primary address is for the overall Scout Camp, Armadillo Den itself is noted as a specific, more primitive area within the larger property.

Camp Trevor Rees-Jones is accessible from various parts of Texas, making it a central hub for scouting activities:

• From Dallas: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours drive, via US-175 E.
• From Houston: Roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours drive, via US-59 N and TX-155 N.
• From Tyler: Being quite close to Tyler, it's typically a 45-minute to 1-hour drive, making it very convenient for East Texas residents.

It's important to understand that while the main camp has more developed areas, Armadillo Den Camp Site is described in reviews as "Not really near anything except Shooting," and "Not near lake or other buildings." This suggests it is situated in a more remote or secluded section of the extensive scout ranch. Access to the Armadillo Den site itself would likely involve internal roads within Camp Trevor Rees-Jones. Visitors should anticipate a less centralized location within the overall camp grounds, emphasizing a more traditional, "backcountry-lite" camping experience. This means proximity to a shooting range, but a distance from main camp facilities like the dining hall, lakefront, or more extensive restroom buildings.

As a primitive campsite within a larger scout camp, Armadillo Den Camp Site focuses on providing basic necessities that support a self-sufficient and traditional camping experience, particularly for scouting activities. Based on reviewer comments and typical primitive scout camp offerings within a large ranch, services generally include:

• Designated Primitive Campsites: Armadillo Den offers specific areas for tent camping, designed to provide a more rugged experience. These sites are likely cleared, but otherwise minimally developed, allowing for a true wilderness feel.
• Latrine Facilities: Reviews mention that the site is "far from a full bathroom," implying the presence of more basic "latrine" facilities (such as pit toilets or vault toilets) rather than flush toilets and showers directly at the site. Campers should be prepared for this.
• Water Access (Potable): While not directly at each site, access to potable water would typically be available at a central point for a cluster of primitive sites, or at a short distance. Campers might need to carry water from a central spigot.
• Fire Rings: Standard at most campsites, providing a designated and safe area for campfires and cooking (always subject to burn bans).
• Proximity to Activity Areas: The site's location is noted as being "near Shooting," indicating convenient access to the camp's shooting sports facilities (rifle, shotgun, archery ranges), which are a key program offering at Camp Trevor Rees-Jones.
• Camp-Wide Resources: While Armadillo Den itself is primitive, campers would have access to the broader resources of Camp Trevor Rees-Jones by traveling to more central areas. These might include:
  • Main Dining Hall (often air-conditioned)
  • Medical/First Aid Lodge
  • Program Areas and Staff (for activities like COPE, climbing tower, aquatics, etc.)
  • Trading Post/Camp Store (for supplies, snacks, and merchandise)
  However, the key distinction for Armadillo Den is that these amenities are not directly adjacent to the site, necessitating travel within the camp.

It's crucial for groups planning to stay at Armadillo Den to be prepared for a more self-reliant camping style, bringing necessary gear and supplies suitable for primitive conditions, and factoring in distances to full facilities.

Armadillo Den Camp Site, nestled within the expansive Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, offers specific features that make it particularly suited for certain types of camping experiences, especially for scouts. Its highlights emphasize ruggedness and program-specific access:

• Primitive Camping Experience: The primary highlight is its primitive nature. For scouts and campers who value developing self-sufficiency and traditional outdoor skills, Armadillo Den provides an authentic, less developed environment. This fosters resourcefulness and a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.
• Proximity to Shooting Sports: A key feature noted in reviews is its location "near Shooting." This means convenient access to the camp's well-regarded shooting ranges (rifle, shotgun, and archery). This is a significant draw for scout troops focused on earning merit badges or honing their marksmanship skills.
• Ideal for Older Scouts: Reviews explicitly state, "Might be good for older scouts IMHO!" This suggests the site's rustic nature and specialized program access (like shooting sports) are better suited for scouts with more experience and a readiness for less immediate amenities. It caters to a different demographic than, for instance, Cub Scout groups seeking more comforts.
• Seclusion and Quiet: Being "far from a full bathroom" and "not near lake or other buildings" implies a greater degree of seclusion and quiet. This allows for a more peaceful camping experience, away from the busier, more centralized areas of the main camp.
• Part of a Larger Scout Ranch: While primitive, Armadillo Den benefits from being within the vast Clements Scout Ranch (3,200 acres). This means campers, by traveling within the ranch, can access a wide array of high-quality facilities and programs that the Circle Ten Council provides, including:
  • A 60 ft. John Coffman Climbing Tower
  • The Roy & Frances Rea COPE (Challenge Course) Center
  • Multiple lakes (Lake McElvaney, Lake Murchison) for fishing and aquatics (canoeing, rowing, swimming)
  • Horseback riding trails and equestrian programs
  • Air-conditioned dining hall and other centralized buildings
  • Hiking trails through diverse terrain
• Focus on Skill Development: The overall environment supports a focus on core scouting skills, wilderness navigation, and responsible outdoor practices, making it an excellent training ground for advancement.

Armadillo Den's unique blend of primitive camping and specialized activity access within a premier scout ranch makes it a distinct and valuable asset for the Texas scouting community.

For specific inquiries about Armadillo Den Camp Site, its availability, or to coordinate a visit, it is essential to contact the administration of Camp Trevor Rees-Jones or the larger Clements Scout Ranch, as Armadillo Den is a specific campsite within their property.

Address: Camp Trevor Rees - Jones, Athens, TX 75751, USA (This is the general address for the overall scout camp, which houses Armadillo Den).

Phone: (903) 677-9371

Mobile Phone: +1 903-677-9371 (This appears to be the same primary contact number).

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, especially concerning reservations, specific program offerings, camp policies (e.g., age restrictions for certain activities, rules for primitive sites), and any required certifications for activity leaders, it is highly recommended to:

• Call the provided phone number directly. This is the primary contact method for the camp.
• Visit the official website for the Circle Ten Council (the Boy Scouts of America council that operates Clements Scout Ranch/Camp Trevor Rees-Jones). Their website will have detailed information on camp programs, facility rentals, maps of the various campsites (including primitive ones like Armadillo Den), and registration procedures.

Understanding that this is primarily a scout camp, communication channels and reservation processes are geared towards scout troops and groups, so it's advisable to specify your group type and needs when contacting them.

Armadillo Den Camp Site, nestled within the expansive Camp Trevor Rees-Jones in Athens, TX, is a uniquely suitable destination for local Texans, particularly those engaged in the scouting movement or seeking a more rugged, skill-building outdoor experience. Its location in East Texas provides convenient access from major metropolitan areas like Dallas and Houston, making it a feasible and attractive option for weekend trips or longer summer camp sessions without extensive travel. This accessibility allows local scout troops and outdoor enthusiasts to frequently utilize a premier facility designed for developing essential wilderness skills.

What truly makes Armadillo Den ideal for Texans, especially older scouts and those with a taste for primitive camping, is its deliberate distance from the more centralized amenities. This fosters self-reliance, wilderness navigation, and a deeper appreciation for simpler living. The direct proximity to shooting sports facilities is a significant draw, offering unparalleled opportunities for marksmanship training and merit badge advancement, which are highly valued within the scouting community. This specialization ensures that groups focused on these activities find an environment perfectly suited to their goals.

While the campsite itself is primitive with basic latrines and distant full bathrooms, it benefits from being part of the larger, well-equipped Clements Scout Ranch. This means that while campers at Armadillo Den embrace a rustic experience, they still have access to the ranch's comprehensive program areas, including advanced climbing towers, COPE courses, aquatics, and even horseback riding, by traveling to other parts of the sprawling property. This balance allows for both rigorous outdoor skill development and access to a wide array of activities that enhance the overall camp experience.

For Texans who value a challenge, seek to hone their outdoor living skills, and appreciate a strong focus on core scouting principles, Armadillo Den Camp Site provides an authentic and rewarding experience. It's a place where young people can grow, learn, and create lasting memories in a truly Texas wilderness setting, away from the distractions of modern conveniences, making it an invaluable resource for the local community.