Camp Decorah - Gateway Area Council, Scouting America

Camp Decorah, owned and operated by the Gateway Area Council of Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America), is a premier outdoor education and group camping destination located in Holmen, Wisconsin. Situated along the scenic banks of the Black River, approximately 15 miles north of La Crosse, WI, this facility serves as a vital hub for Scouting programs and is also available for rental by non-Scouting groups, including retreats, outdoor socials, nature and environmental education groups, family reunions, business team-building events, and community gatherings. Within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, Camp Decorah is unique in its primary mission to foster youth development through outdoor adventure, while also providing robust infrastructure for a variety of group-oriented outdoor experiences.

The environment at Camp Decorah is a testament to the natural beauty of Western Wisconsin's "Coulee Region." Spanning a significant acreage, the camp is nestled amidst rocky bluff lands and offers a diverse landscape. The Black River and its tributary, Council Bay, form a central part of the camp's natural setting, providing opportunities for waterfront activities. The grounds are characterized by a mix of wooded areas, open spaces, and well-maintained trails. Lodges and campsites are often situated to take advantage of the natural features, with some cabins overlooking Council Bay. The temperate climate of the region, combined with the varied topography, creates an ideal setting for a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities. From hiking and biking the bluffs to exploring the many local rivers and waterways, including the mighty Mississippi River nearby, the environment at Camp Decorah immerses visitors in an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The property is carefully managed to preserve its ecological integrity while providing safe and accessible areas for camping, educational programs, and recreational pursuits.

Camp Decorah offers an extensive range of services and lodging options to accommodate various group sizes and preferences. For overnight stays, the camp provides a mix of rustic and modern facilities:

• Lodges: These include the Executive Lodge (bunkhouse, sleeps 14, half-kitchen), Gebhardt Lodge (rustic, sleeps 21, half-kitchen), Guest Lodge (modern, sleeps 3, full kitchen and bath, often used by camp hosts), OA Lodge (rustic bunkhouse, sleeps 35, indoor fireplace, half-kitchen), and the Trading Post (rustic bunkhouse, sleeps 30, indoor fireplace, half-kitchen). The Training Center is a modern cabin that sleeps 16 and features a full kitchen and large male and female bathrooms with individual shower stalls.
• Mini-Cabins: Several mini-cabin areas like Apache (Lower/Upper), Blackfoot, Cherokee, Chippewa, and Winnebago offer multiple cabins, each typically sleeping 2-4 individuals, with shared fire rings, benches, pavilions, and nearby latrines and running water. These are excellent for smaller groups or families within a larger unit.
• Campsites: Traditional tent campsites are available, including primitive sites like Arapaho (capacity 30) and Max Winter (capacity 20, remote, near Nature Trail), as well as more developed tent sites with wooden platforms for tents, such as Comanche (Lower/Upper), Iroquois (includes two handicap accessible mini-cabins with electricity), and Lenape. These sites typically feature picnic tables, fire rings with bench seating, and close proximity to latrines and running water.

Beyond lodging, essential services include access to clean latrines and running water across the camp. Modern facilities like the Dahl Family Scouting Center house a functional dining/meeting hall with a large commercial kitchen, full audio-visual connections, restrooms, heating, and A/C, capable of seating up to 295 people. Hagerman Hall offers complete kitchen facilities, restrooms, heating, A/C, and a stone fireplace, with a capacity of 150. Meals are often served in the dining hall during week-long camps, prepared by experienced cooks who can accommodate dietary needs. The camp also provides a dedicated dump station for RVs. The availability of fully trained staff for program facilities (like shooting ranges, climbing tower) is a significant service, ensuring safety and instruction for various activities. A Camp Host Program utilizes volunteers to check units in/out, restock supplies, and promote program options, acting as a friendly first point of contact for visiting units.

The features of Camp Decorah are extensive, catering primarily to the development of outdoor skills, leadership, and adventure. These include:

• Program Facilities:
  • Archery Range: Located in a wooded setting, accommodating five archers simultaneously.
  • Climbing Tower: A 45-foot tower set amongst red pine trees, offering climbing and rappelling opportunities for all ages.
  • Fishing Pond: Stocked annually with trout, ideal for honing fishing skills.
  • Low Ropes Course (COPE): Designed for team building, trust, and confidence development.
  • Nature Center: Features an on-site library and display specimens for environmental education.
  • Rifle and Shotgun Shooting Range: A 100-yard range in a wooded setting.
  • Swimming Pool: Large pool with toys, basketball hoops, and a key log (log rolling), available for rental with required lifeguards.
  • Waterfront Canoeing & Kayaking: Opportunities on the Black River and Council Bay.
  • Zip Line: A 100-foot zip line from a 25-foot platform.
• Multi-Function Halls: Dahl Family Scouting Center and Hagerman Hall offer year-round, handicapped-accessible spaces for meetings, dining, and events.
• Trails: Numerous hiking trails, providing access to diverse habitats and wildlife observation.
• Outdoor Areas and Pavilions: Various outdoor spaces and covered pavilions for group activities and gatherings.
• Youth Development Programs: The camp is well-known for its summer camps, including Scouts BSA Resident Summer Camp (offering merit badges and advancement), Cub Scout Summer Camps (Webelos/Arrow of Light overnight camps, Minecraft-themed camps), and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).
• Accessibility: Efforts are made to ensure accessibility, with some facilities and campsites being handicap accessible.

These features combine to create a dynamic environment where youth and groups can learn, grow, and experience the outdoors in a structured yet adventurous way.

Promotional information for Camp Decorah emphasizes its role as a key resource for Scouting and a versatile rental facility for the broader community. The Gateway Area Council actively promotes its summer camp programs, highlighting specific dates, themes (e.g., Minecraft for Cub Scouts in 2025), costs, and available merit badges and activities. For Scouts BSA Summer Camp, costs are typically around $350 for youth and $155 for adults for a week-long stay, with a $100 deposit required for merit badge registration. Provisional camp options are available for Scouts unable to attend with their troop. Cub Scout Day Camps and Overnight Camps also have clear pricing structures, with adult leaders often attending for free or at reduced rates. Discounts may be offered for early registration or for siblings. The camp strongly encourages advance reservations for all facilities and programs, particularly for popular events like "Cheese Fest Weekend" (though this is more of a local event name, not directly tied to Camp Decorah’s promotional materials, it signifies a busy period). Non-Scouting groups are invited to rent facilities, and information on rental accounts and special large group rates is provided through direct contact with the Gateway Area Council office. The camp participates in fundraising efforts, such as the "Centennial Campaign," which supports upgrades and maintenance of Camp Decorah. Promotional materials often showcase testimonials, photographs of activities, and details about the qualified staff. Policies regarding refunds (often requiring written requests and subject to administrative fees, with no refunds for "change of mind" or similar non-extenuating circumstances) are clearly communicated. Special events like the Klondike Derby, Fall Cub Camp, and the annual "Spook-o-Ree" are highly promoted as unique experiences offered at Camp Decorah, attracting both Scouting units and community members. The camp's continuous efforts to upgrade facilities, such as new programs like paintball, skilled trades, a bouldering wall, and a 5-mile multi-use trail, are also highlighted to attract new visitors and retain existing ones. The overarching message is one of providing enriching outdoor experiences and a welcoming environment for all who seek adventure and learning in nature.