Camp Strake Campsite 11

Camp Strake Campsite 11 is a valued component of the impressive Camp Strake, a state-of-the-art facility that is a leading destination in the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category. Located in a serene rural landscape, Camp Strake spans a remarkable 2,816 acres and boasts a unique geographical advantage: it is bordered on three sides by the magnificent Sam Houston National Forest. This strategic position offers an unparalleled opportunity for deep immersion in nature while benefiting from modern amenities and a wide array of comprehensive services. Primarily serving as a premier site for Scouting America groups, Camp Strake Campsite 11 also extends its welcome to other outdoor enthusiasts, families, and individuals seeking a rich and rewarding camping and outdoor adventure.

The environment surrounding Camp Strake Campsite 11 is characterized by its pristine natural beauty and meticulously maintained surroundings. As one of 20 individual camping pavilions available across the vast Camp Strake, Campsite 11 offers a comfortable and sheltered base for campers. Each pavilion is thoughtfully designed with a protective cover and electric power, providing convenience for tent setup and designated areas for building campfires. These campsites are strategically arranged along a horseshoe-shaped road that forms the core of the camp, fostering a sense of community while ensuring ample personal space. The natural landscape is teeming with diverse flora and fauna, including a variety of native plants and wildflowers; great care was taken during the camp's development to preserve these natural elements. A significant and serene feature of the camp's environment is its 28-acre lake, which is sustained by a combination of rainwater, runoff, and an underground well. This beautiful lake serves as a focal point for various aquatic activities and enhances the overall tranquility of the setting. Beyond the immediate campsite, an extensive network of well-maintained trails winds through the property, inviting exploration and offering direct access to the Lone Star Hiking Trail, the longest hiking trail in Texas. This access is a unique benefit of a special partnership with the United States Forest Service. The overall planning and development of Camp Strake consistently prioritizes the preservation of vast green spaces, with five distinct lakes integrated into the camp's design, harmoniously blending recreational opportunities with ecological stewardship. The camp's location near Coldspring, Texas, positions it approximately a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Houston, providing an accessible yet immersive escape into the heart of the wilderness.

Camp Strake Campsite 11, as part of the extensive Camp Strake complex, benefits from a comprehensive array of services meticulously designed to ensure a comfortable, safe, and engaging experience for all visitors. A central and highly valued amenity is the modern, air-conditioned dining hall, which boasts the capacity to serve hundreds of campers three nutritious meals daily. This impressive facility is fully equipped with commercial gas stoves and ovens, expansive food preparation areas, ample utensils, cooling supplies, dry goods storage, a dedicated dishwashing area, two walk-in refrigerators, and three freezers. Meals are professionally catered by a custom food service company, with menus carefully reviewed by a certified dietician to meet the high caloric and nutritional needs of active campers. Special dietary needs are also meticulously accommodated through a structured system requiring advance submission of dietary forms. Beyond dining, campers have access to numerous well-maintained restroom facilities and shower houses, conveniently located along the main thoroughfares to ensure ease of access and high standards of cleanliness. Upon arrival, the check-in process is streamlined through a dedicated building at the camp entrance, where medical screenings, directions, and campsite assignments are handled efficiently. While personal vehicles are directed to designated parking areas near assigned campsites, the camp's layout is designed to minimize the need for vehicular movement within the property, encouraging foot traffic across its extensive and well-marked trail system for navigating between activity locations. Emergency procedures are robust, with emergency phone numbers visibly posted throughout the camp and staff equipped with FM radio communication. A Health Lodge within the administration building addresses minor injuries and illnesses, with clear protocols in place for referring more serious emergencies to nearby medical facilities, such as Cleveland Emergency Hospital, ensuring prompt and appropriate care.

The features that distinguish Camp Strake Campsite 11 and the entire Camp Strake are truly remarkable, offering a rich tapestry of adventure, education, and modern amenities. The camp boasts a cutting-edge aquatics center, complete with a swimming pool and pool house, complemented by abundant opportunities for boating on the lake using canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and rowboats. For those seeking thrilling challenges, there is a 40-foot rock wall climbing tower with four stations and a training pavilion, as well as an exhilarating double zipline that spans the 28-acre lake. The comprehensive shooting sports complex includes the Carole and Jim Looke Shotgun Range, the Rusty and Paula Walter Rifle Range, and dedicated pistol and archery ranges, all operating under strict safety guidelines and requiring qualified leadership. A significant emphasis is placed on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education, with the specialized Eco-STEM Center providing unique opportunities for campers to earn merit badges in various STEM fields. What truly sets Camp Strake apart are its unique partnerships; it is the only council in Scouting America with a Space Act Agreement with NASA, which facilitates exclusive programs such as Strake Odyssey, the NASA Stars & STEM Program, the Train Like an Astronaut Program (SCUBA), and Helicopter Underwater Egress Training (HUET). Other recreational opportunities include mountain biking trails, a 5K orienteering course, geocaching with ten hidden caches, a 9-hole disc golf course, Gaga ball pits, and catch-and-release fishing. The camp also features multiple merit badge pavilions, a grand pavilion capable of hosting nearly 1,000 people for ceremonies, and various sports fields. All outdoor lighting throughout the camp proudly displays the fleur-de-lis, the international symbol of scouting, reflecting its heritage and values. The camp is designed to meet both ADA and Scouting America requirements, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all participants.

For individuals and groups interested in booking and promotional information, Camp Strake Campsite 11 and other facilities within Camp Strake are primarily available for weekend camping reservations for troops, crews, and ships. Campsite sizes vary, accommodating groups from 10 to 75 campers. Typical costs are around $100 per campsite for up to 50 campers, and $125 for 51-75 campers, which includes a day usage fee. Primitive campsites are also available at approximately $50 per campsite for up to 50 campers. For day visitors not camping overnight, a day usage fee of $2 per person ($3 for out-of-council units) applies. Program areas such as archery, rifle, climbing, and COPE can be reserved for additional fees, typically on a 4-hour basis. A 50% deposit is generally required for most facility reservations, with full payment due 14 days prior to the reservation date. Reservations typically close 5 days before the event, allowing for final adjustments. Beyond weekend options, Camp Strake hosts a variety of long-term programs, including Summer Camp, Winter Camp, STEM Camp, Camp Odyssey, ATV Experience, Full Throttle, and Trail to Eagle Camp. These are week-long, council-organized overnight experiences designed to provide Scouts with concentrated opportunities to earn merit badges and engage in specialized training. Promotional materials often highlight Camp Strake as a premier destination offering unique and transformative outdoor experiences not readily available at other camps nationwide, emphasizing its commitment to leadership development and outdoor skills. Prospective visitors are encouraged to refer to the Sam Houston Area Council website for the most up-to-date information on specific dates, detailed pricing, reservation procedures, and any ongoing promotions or special events. The website also provides essential resources such as detailed packing lists and medical form requirements, ensuring a well-prepared and enjoyable experience at Camp Strake Campsite 11.