Camp Edgewood Campsite 8

For Louisiana residents and organizations seeking a vast, reliable, and secure venue for structured outdoor programs, **Camp Edgewood** in Beauregard Parish holds a special place. This expansive **283-acre facility** is the official flagship camp of the Calcasieu Area Council of Scouting America (formerly BSA). While dedicated to the Scouting mission, Camp Edgewood actively extends its exceptional facilities to the broader community, welcoming reservations from **church groups, schools, civic organizations, and private parties**.

The facility is meticulously designed to support the logistics of large-scale group gatherings, and **Campsite 8** is one of its **14 designated, reservable camping areas**. Unlike the uncertainty of public camping, securing Campsite 8 means reserving a dedicated, cleared, and relatively secluded plot of land within the camp’s protected boundaries. This ensures your group has the necessary privacy and space to conduct its activities, pitch tents, and safely manage equipment in a controlled environment.

Choosing Campsite 8 provides the perfect operational base. It combines the fundamental appeal of rustic, traditional camping with access to Camp Edgewood's specialized activity ranges, extensive support amenities, and the high level of security provided by a professionally managed property. For any organized group in Southwest Louisiana committed to delivering a high-quality, memorable outdoor experience, this is a premium, dependable choice.

Introduction / Overview

Camp Edgewood is strategically located in the timber-rich landscape of southern Beauregard Parish, situated between the communities of DeQuincy and Ragley, yet conveniently close to Lake Charles. The core function of the camp is to facilitate high-impact outdoor education and training. Campsite 8, like its 13 counterparts, is a prepared, dedicated field designed to host temporary tent cities for visiting groups.

The entire camp operates on a **strict reservation-only policy**. This structured approach is essential for maintaining order, safety, and exclusivity for the groups utilizing the property. When a group books Campsite 8, they are guaranteed that the space is reserved for their exclusive use, allowing leaders to focus entirely on their program without external interruptions. This focus on organized, pre-planned usage makes Camp Edgewood an invaluable logistical resource for regional organizations.

The dedication to the facility's condition is evident through the Calcasieu Area Council's ongoing volunteer and staff maintenance efforts, which ensure all areas, including Campsite 8, remain safe, clean, and fully functional for year-round group bookings.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite 8 is located within the extensive acreage of Camp Edgewood in a peaceful, natural area of Beauregard Parish. The facility’s central address is:

Physical Address: 3419 Camp Edgewood Road, DeQuincy, LA 70633

General Area: Beauregard Parish, LA 70633, USA

The camp is approximately a **30-minute drive from downtown Lake Charles**, making travel practical for groups mobilizing from the urban centers of SWLA. Given the specialized nature of the facility, access is highly regulated. The property is **gated**, and entry requires **prior authorization** through the Council's reservation system. Group leaders must coordinate their arrival and check-in to receive the necessary access information and directions to Campsite 8, ensuring a secure and orderly process for all visitors.

Services Offered (Structured Group Support)

The services provided to groups utilizing Campsite 8 are comprehensive, focusing on central infrastructure that supports large groups engaged in multi-day programs:

• **Exclusive Campsite:** Reservation guarantees sole use of the designated Campsite 8 area for organized tent camping and group activities.
• **Sanitation:** Access to centrally located, clean **restroom and shower facilities** across the camp property, crucial for extended stays.
• **Potable Water:** Availability of **safe drinking water** points across the camp to meet the needs of all large groups.
• **Central Dining:** Use of the large **Dining Hall** (by separate agreement) with its **commercial kitchen** and capacity to serve up to 250 people for meals and large indoor assemblies.
• **Specialized Activity Areas:** Reserved access to the camp’s signature program areas, including the **10-acre lake for aquatics** and the structured **Rifle, Shotgun, and Archery Ranges**.
• **Logistical Support:** Access to administrative support from the Calcasieu Area Council staff for check-in, check-out, and program coordination.

Features / Highlights (A Focus on Learning and Adventure)

Camp Edgewood’s defining features go beyond mere accommodation; they focus on structured adventure, skill development, and large-group operations, all of which are accessible from Campsite 8:

• **Outstanding Training Ranges:** The availability of **dedicated rifle, shotgun, and archery ranges** is a major highlight, offering unique opportunities for safe, structured instruction in marksmanship, which is a major draw for Scouting and youth development programs.
• **Large-Scale Venue Capacity:** With 14 campsites and a Dining Hall seating 250, the camp is one of the few places in the region that can reliably host **major organizational events**, retreats, and conferences requiring significant space and infrastructure.
• **Aquatics Program:** The on-site **10-acre lake** provides a perfect setting for canoeing, kayaking, and water safety instruction, adding a vital dimension to the outdoor program.
• **Controlled Security:** The **gated and reserved nature** of the camp ensures a secure environment, which is paramount for leaders running youth programs, minimizing safety concerns and external interference.
• **Community Institution:** As a facility with over 70 years of history in the region, the camp carries a sense of tradition and community involvement, providing a meaningful backdrop for any group event.

Contact Information

All reservations, inquiries, and administrative needs for Campsite 8 are handled centrally through the Calcasieu Area Council.

Address: Beauregard Parish, LA 70633, USA (Campsite Location)

Reservation Contact (Calcasieu Area Council Service Center):

Phone: (337) 436-3376

Email: Sheena.Cole@scouting.org

Prospective groups are strongly advised to contact the reservation coordinator directly to confirm availability, obtain the official **Camp Edgewood Rental Agreement Form**, and discuss pricing, which ensures a smooth and confirmed booking process.

What is Worth Choosing Campsite 8 at Camp Edgewood

For Louisiana organizations, selecting Campsite 8 at Camp Edgewood is choosing a premium, purpose-built facility over a general public campground. This choice is valued for its ability to deliver a structured, high-quality experience:

The **exclusivity of the reservation** means your group is guaranteed space and privacy, which is essential for focused training, team-building, and organizational retreats.

Access to the **unique and robust program facilities**—the ranges, the lake, and the Dining Hall—allows for a highly diverse and impactful schedule of events that standard campsites cannot offer.

By using this facility, groups are supporting a **local non-profit organization** (Scouting America) that is dedicated to providing vital character development and leadership training for the youth of Southwest Louisiana.

In conclusion, Campsite 8 at Camp Edgewood is the authoritative choice for any organized Louisiana group seeking a secure, well-equipped, and supportive venue for their next large-scale outdoor adventure or event in Beauregard Parish.