Camp Edgewood

⚜️ **Introduction / Overview: The Resilience of Camp Edgewood**

For generations of Louisiana residents, **Camp Edgewood** has been synonymous with outdoor adventure, leadership, and the enduring spirit of Scouting. Located in the beautiful, natural surroundings near DeQuincy, this expansive 283-acre property serves as the primary outdoor program facility for the Calcasieu Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). It is a vital resource for youth programs, hosting events like Winter Camp and the popular Swamp Derby, which is beloved by local boys and praised by families for its "wonderful staff."

However, the camp’s story is currently one of resilience and rebuilding. As is common with many cherished Louisiana outdoor sites, Camp Edgewood has sustained significant damage from recent severe weather events, prompting dedicated restoration efforts. While some visitors have noted that the camp "seems rundown now" with "rotted bridges" and dry creeks—a direct result of the storms—local volunteers and the staff are "working hard to restore the grounds." This effort reflects the commitment of the Southwest Louisiana (SWLA) community to bringing the camp "better than ever before."

Despite the ongoing restoration, Camp Edgewood remains open and operational for many programs and rentals, maintaining its legacy as a unique place where the SWLA outdoors can be experienced. It is a working camp, primarily focused on youth programs, but its facilities—including its large dining hall and expansive grounds—are also available to church and civic groups, schools, private parties, and weddings.

📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Camp Edgewood is strategically situated in the natural, often wooded, landscape of southern Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, nestled between the towns of DeQuincy and Ragley.

• Address: 3419 Camp Edgewood Rd, Dequincy, LA 70633, USA

Key Locational Details:

• Regional Access: The camp is conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from downtown Lake Charles, making it easily accessible for families and groups from the greater Calcasieu Parish area and other surrounding parishes.
• Parish Setting: Situated in Beauregard Parish, the camp offers a true Louisiana woodland experience, rich in natural flora and fauna, ideal for outdoor education and adventure.
• Road Conditions: Access to the camp is generally straightforward, but visitors should be mindful that some access roads, like the one carrying traffic over Hickory Creek, are rural and should be approached with caution, especially after heavy rains.

The location on Camp Edgewood Road signals its remote, dedicated nature, assuring groups that their experience will be immersive and focused on the outdoors, away from urban distractions.

🛠️ **Services Offered: Program-Centric Facilities and Rentals**

Camp Edgewood’s services are built around supporting large group activities, youth development, and providing foundational camping facilities.

• Group Camping: The camp includes 14 distinct campsites suitable for Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, Venture Crews, and non-Scouting groups, often with associated latrines and basic fire rings.
• Dining and Kitchen Facilities: A central Dining Hall with a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen can accommodate up to 250 people, making it perfect for feeding large groups during events or for use by large private parties.
• Program Areas: Multiple dedicated program areas are available to support events like the Swamp Derby and general scouting activities.
• Target/Range Activities: Specialized facilities include archery, rifle, and shotgun ranges with features like automatic low and high houses for comprehensive skill development.
• Water Access (Seasonal): Historically, the camp has featured a lake and creeks for activities, though current conditions may be affected by drought or storm damage, requiring guests to check ahead.
• Year-Round Programming: The camp hosts council programs year-round on weekends and during school breaks, including Winter Camp and various service weekends.
• Trading Post/Concession Stand: A Trading Post is typically available during major events for snacks, souvenirs, and supplies.

🌟 **Features / Highlights: Commitment to Youth and Community Use**

Camp Edgewood's features focus on providing a structured environment for adventure, education, and community gathering, driven by a dedicated, resilient spirit.

• Massive Acreage: Spanning 283 acres, the camp offers expansive space for hiking, wide-games, and diverse outdoor activities.
• Dedicated Staff & Volunteers: Customer reviews consistently praise the "wonderful staff" who work hard to run successful programs like Swamp Derby, and the tireless volunteers who assist with cleanup and service weekends.
• Educational Facilities: The specialized target and range areas provide invaluable opportunities for skill development that are often unavailable at public campgrounds.
• Group Rental Versatility: The availability of the large Dining Hall and grounds for non-Scouting groups (churches, schools, private parties) highlights the camp's commitment to serving the broader SWLA community.
• Restoration in Progress: The ongoing cleanup and rebuilding efforts are a testament to the camp's importance to the region, assuring locals that their beloved camp is being brought back to its full potential.
• Historical Significance: The camp is a place of deep tradition, serving generations of Louisiana youth and providing a foundational, high-quality outdoor experience.

📞 **Contact Information**

For scheduling visits, making group reservations, or inquiring about current facilities and the status of restoration projects, interested parties should contact the Calcasieu Area Council or the camp staff.

• Administrative Address: 3419 Camp Edgewood Rd, Dequincy, LA 70633, USA
• Phone (Primary/Reservations): (337) 436-3376 (often the primary number for the Calcasieu Area Council office)
• Phone (Alternate/Mobile): +1 337-436-3376
• Group Reservations Contact: Sheena Cole (Sheena.Cole@scouting.org) is the listed contact for scheduling visits and rentals.

Louisiana groups are strongly encouraged to contact the reservations manager to confirm pricing, availability, and receive the latest updates on the condition of specific facilities (like bridges and waterfront areas) before booking.

✅ **What is Worth Choosing: A Legacy of Adventure and Community Spirit**

Camp Edgewood is worth choosing for the Louisianian who needs a large, established, program-ready outdoor venue that benefits from the dedication of the local community.

The camp is the superior choice for:

• Youth Organizations and Troops: It remains the premier destination for Scouting programs in the region, offering structured activities, leadership development, and specialized range facilities that are necessary for merit badges and skill training.
• Large Group Gatherings: The capacity of the 250-person Dining Hall and the availability of multiple campsites make it an ideal, cost-effective venue for large church retreats, corporate team-building events, or private gatherings.
• Supporting Local Resilience: By utilizing the camp, guests directly support the restoration and maintenance efforts that are working to return this historic Louisiana property to its full glory following storm damage.
• An Immersive Wilderness Experience: Located on 283 acres of classic Louisiana woodlands, the camp offers a profound connection with nature, which is the heart of any great camping and outdoor education program.

Choose Camp Edgewood for an outdoor experience rich in history, backed by a dedicated staff, and driven by the unwavering spirit of the Southwest Louisiana community.