BSA Camp Meisenbach

For Texans who cherish the rugged beauty of the outdoors and seek a truly immersive camping experience, BSA Camp Meisenbach in Athens, TX, offers an ideal retreat. As part of the expansive Clements Scout Ranch, this campground provides a somewhat secluded and rustic setting that allows visitors to disconnect from the everyday hustle and reconnect with nature. It’s a fantastic option for those who prefer their camping a little less "glamorous" and a lot more authentic, promising quiet nights under the stars and days filled with exploration in the East Texas piney woods.

BSA Camp Meisenbach, also formerly known as Camp Comanche, is specifically designed for year-round primitive camping. This means you can expect a more traditional, back-to-basics approach to your outdoor adventure. It’s a place where the sounds of the forest and the gentle lapping of the lake become your soundtrack, and the focus shifts to outdoor skills and appreciation for the natural environment. While it offers a quiet respite, its connection to the larger Clements Scout Ranch means you're part of a vast 3,500-acre property that boasts well-stocked lakes and diverse terrain, perfect for a range of activities. This balance of seclusion and access to wider amenities makes Camp Meisenbach a unique and appealing destination for Texas locals.

BSA Camp Meisenbach is strategically located at 11217 FM 2970, Athens, TX 75751, USA. Its address places it within the larger Clements Scout Ranch, making it a convenient drive for many Texans, especially those residing in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. Reviewers often highlight its accessibility, noting that it's "not a far drive from the DFW area," which is a significant advantage for weekend trips or longer excursions without extensive travel time.

Upon arriving at the Clements Scout Ranch, visitors will take a specific route to reach Camp Meisenbach, typically involving a left at the first fork past the main entrance and continuing on a paved road. While the road to Meisenbach has been repaved, it's described as potentially subject to potholes and flooding, so caution is advised. This hints at the rustic nature of the camp, preparing visitors for a genuine outdoor experience rather than a manicured resort. Despite its primitive feel, the campground remains close enough to the "civilization in Athens" to allow for quick trips to town for any necessities. This blend of secluded nature and nearby town amenities makes it an appealing choice for locals who want to feel disconnected without being completely cut off.

As a primitive camping area, BSA Camp Meisenbach focuses on providing essential facilities for a back-to-basics experience, complementing the wider offerings of the Clements Scout Ranch. While it leans towards rustic, it does provide key services to support campers:

• Primitive Campsites: The camp features six to eight weekend campsites, designed for tent camping, often with a natural, un-landscaped feel. These sites are typically large and wooded, offering plenty of shade.
• Pavilions: Each campsite usually includes a pavilion, some with electricity, providing a covered area for gathering and protection from the elements. Camp Meisenbach is noted to have two large pavilions.
• Latrines: Basic latrine facilities (deep holes in the ground with seats) are available at the campsites. Visitors are advised to bring their own toilet paper.
• Running Water: Some campsites may have access to running water, though campers should be prepared to bring their own soap and be self-sufficient with hygiene.
• Lake Access: The camp is located on Murchison Lake, offering direct access for water activities.
• Fire Rings: While not always permanent fixtures at every site, campers are encouraged to bring their own camp rings for fires, along with firewood.
• Hiking Trails: Extensive hiking trails are available throughout Camp Meisenbach and the broader Clements Scout Ranch.

BSA Camp Meisenbach offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Texans seeking an authentic outdoor adventure:

• True Primitive Camping Experience: Unlike highly developed campgrounds, Meisenbach embraces a rustic feel. This is ideal for campers who enjoy a more challenging and immersive experience, where nature is the primary amenity. Reviewers mention it's "very rustic, not as landscaped for easy camping" and can be "challenging to navigate at night," highlighting its genuine wild character.
• Secluded and Quiet Environment: Despite being part of a larger Scout ranch, Camp Meisenbach is known for being "somewhat secluded" and "pretty quiet for the most part," providing a peaceful escape from urban noise and crowds.
• Lake Murchison Access: The camp's location on the beautiful 160-acre Murchison Lake provides excellent opportunities for fishing. It's one of the "best-stocked fishing lakes in the State of Texas," with several fishing docks and a large pavilion along the water's edge. Canoeing programs are also offered on the lake.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: With 13 miles of hiking trails within Camp Meisenbach and access to others like the "Governor's Trail," it's a prime destination for hikers. The trails wind through 3,500 acres of East Texas piney woods, offering varied terrain for exploration.
• Part of Clements Scout Ranch: While Meisenbach is primitive, being part of the larger Clements Scout Ranch means campers can potentially access other facilities for organized programs, such as shooting ranges (rifle, shotgun, archery), a climbing tower, and even a pool at the Trevor Rees-Jones Scout Camp side of the ranch (some restrictions apply and often require prior booking and certified leaders/lifeguards). This allows for a blend of primitive camping and access to specialized Scout activities.
• Proximity to Athens: The camp's location near Athens provides the convenience of accessing local stores and restaurants if needed, offering a balance between being immersed in nature and having amenities close by.
• Year-Round Availability: Camp Meisenbach is available for year-round primitive camping, allowing Texans to enjoy its natural beauty in all seasons, including cooler fall weather, which is often praised for comfortable sleeping.
• Wildlife Observation: The extensive wooded acreage is home to various wildlife, providing opportunities for observation. Campers should also be mindful of natural elements like poison ivy, indicating a truly wild setting.

For direct inquiries or to plan your visit to BSA Camp Meisenbach, you can use the following contact information. As it is part of the Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America, inquiries may also be directed to the council's main office or through their reservation system for specific unit bookings.

Address: 11217 FM 2970, Athens, TX 75751, USA

Phone: (903) 675-3781

Mobile Phone: +1 903-675-3781

For bookings and more detailed information, particularly for Scout units, it is recommended to visit the Circle Ten Council's official website or their reservation portal, where specific facility availability and booking procedures are managed.

BSA Camp Meisenbach is an outstanding choice for Texas locals seeking an authentic and engaging outdoor experience. Its commitment to primitive camping appeals to those who truly want to immerse themselves in nature, offering a quiet, secluded environment away from the typical crowds. For Texans, the convenient drive from major metropolitan areas like DFW means less time traveling and more time enjoying the vastness of East Texas's piney woods and the tranquility of Murchison Lake.

Whether you're an avid angler hoping to catch a largemouth bass, a hiker eager to explore miles of scenic trails, or simply a family looking to pitch a tent and disconnect, Camp Meisenbach provides the perfect backdrop. While it encourages self-sufficiency, its accessible latrines and running water (at some sites) offer essential comforts for a primitive setting. The opportunity to be truly "unplugged" while still being within a reasonable distance of Athens for supplies makes it a practical and desirable option. For local Boy Scout troops and youth groups, it provides an invaluable training ground for outdoor skills and character development. In essence, Camp Meisenbach allows Texans to embrace the adventurous spirit of their state, offering a genuine camping experience right in their backyard.