Camp Strake Campsite 12

Camp Strake Campsite 12 is a vital part of the expansive and modern Camp Strake, a distinguished facility that sets a high standard within the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category. Located in a peaceful rural setting, Camp Strake spans an impressive 2,816 acres and holds a unique geographical advantage: it is bordered on three sides by the breathtaking Sam Houston National Forest. This strategic placement offers an unparalleled opportunity for deep immersion in nature while simultaneously providing access to state-of-the-art amenities and a comprehensive array of services. While primarily serving as a premier destination for Scouting America groups, Camp Strake Campsite 12 also extends a warm welcome to other outdoor enthusiasts, families, and individuals seeking a rich, educational, and rewarding camping and outdoor adventure.

The environment surrounding Camp Strake Campsite 12 is defined by its pristine natural beauty and meticulously maintained surroundings. As one of 20 individual camping pavilions strategically placed across the vast Camp Strake, Campsite 12 provides a comfortable and sheltered base for all campers. Each pavilion is thoughtfully designed with a robust protective cover and readily available electric power, ensuring convenience for tent setup and designated areas for building campfires safely. These campsites are arranged along a horseshoe-shaped road that forms the central hub of the camp, fostering a strong sense of community while ensuring ample personal space for each group. The natural landscape is teeming with diverse flora and fauna, including a rich variety of native plants and wildflowers; significant care was taken during the camp's development to preserve these natural elements and minimize disturbance to the existing ecosystem. A prominent and serene feature of the camp's environment is its expansive 28-acre lake, which is consistently sustained by a combination of rainwater, natural runoff, and an underground well. This beautiful lake serves as a picturesque focal point for various aquatic activities and significantly enhances the overall tranquility of the setting. Beyond the immediate campsite, an extensive network of well-maintained trails winds through the entire property, inviting exploration and offering direct access to the Lone Star Hiking Trail, which is recognized as the longest hiking trail in Texas. This direct access is a unique benefit of a special and invaluable partnership with the United States Forest Service. The overarching planning and development of Camp Strake consistently prioritizes the preservation of vast green spaces, with five distinct lakes seamlessly integrated into the camp's design, harmoniously blending recreational opportunities with ecological stewardship. The camp's strategic location near Coldspring, Texas, places it approximately a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Houston, providing an accessible yet profoundly immersive escape into the heart of the wilderness.

Camp Strake Campsite 12, as an integral part of the comprehensive Camp Strake complex, benefits from a wide 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 impressive capacity to serve hundreds of campers three nutritious meals daily. This state-of-the-art facility is fully equipped with commercial gas stoves and ovens, expansive food preparation areas, ample utensils, efficient cooling supplies, dedicated dry goods storage, a comprehensive dishwashing area, two walk-in refrigerators, and three freezers. All meals are professionally catered by a custom food service company, with menus carefully curated and 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 detailed dietary forms. Beyond dining, campers have convenient access to numerous well-maintained restroom facilities and shower houses, strategically located along the main thoroughfares to ensure ease of access and consistently high standards of cleanliness. Upon arrival, the check-in process is streamlined through a dedicated building at the camp entrance, where essential medical screenings, clear directions, and efficient campsite assignments are handled. While personal vehicles are directed to designated parking areas conveniently located near assigned campsites, the camp's layout is intelligently designed to minimize the need for vehicular movement within the property, actively encouraging foot traffic across its extensive and well-marked trail system for navigating between various activity locations. Emergency procedures are robust and clearly defined, with emergency phone numbers visibly posted throughout the camp and all staff members equipped with FM radio communication for immediate response. A dedicated 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 for all participants.

The features that distinguish Camp Strake Campsite 12 and the entire Camp Strake are truly remarkable, offering a rich tapestry of adventure, education, and modern amenities that cater to a wide range of interests. The camp boasts a cutting-edge aquatics center, complete with a swimming pool and a well-appointed pool house, complemented by abundant opportunities for various boating activities on the lake, including canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rowboating. For those seeking thrilling physical challenges, there is an impressive 40-foot rock wall climbing tower with four challenging stations and an adjacent training pavilion, as well as an exhilarating double zipline that spans the entire 28-acre lake. The comprehensive shooting sports complex is a highlight, including 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, certified leadership. A significant emphasis is placed on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education, with the specialized Eco-STEM Center providing unique and hands-on opportunities for campers to earn merit badges in various STEM fields. What truly sets Camp Strake apart are its unique and impactful partnerships; it is the sole council in Scouting America with a prestigious Space Act Agreement with NASA, which facilitates exclusive and highly sought-after 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 available to campers include extensive mountain biking trails, a challenging 5K orienteering course, geocaching with ten hidden caches for discovery, a fun 9-hole disc golf course, exciting Gaga ball pits, and serene catch-and-release fishing. The camp also features multiple merit badge pavilions, a grand pavilion capable of hosting nearly 1,000 people for large ceremonies and events, and various well-maintained sports fields for team activities. All outdoor lighting throughout the camp proudly displays the fleur-de-lis, the international symbol of scouting, subtly reflecting its rich heritage and core values. Critically, the camp is designed to meet both ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Scouting America requirements, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all participants, making it a welcoming environment for everyone.

For individuals and groups interested in booking and promotional information, Camp Strake Campsite 12 and other facilities within the expansive Camp Strake are primarily available for weekend camping reservations for troops, crews, and ships. Campsite sizes are flexible, accommodating groups ranging from 10 to 75 campers. Typical costs are structured at approximately $100 per campsite for up to 50 campers, and $125 for 51-75 campers, which includes a standard day usage fee. Primitive campsites are also offered as a more rustic option, priced at approximately $50 per campsite for up to 50 campers. For day visitors not camping overnight, a modest 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, allowing for structured activity time. A 50% deposit is generally required for most facility reservations, with the remaining full payment due 14 days prior to the reservation date. Reservations typically close 5 days before the event, allowing for any final adjustments to be made. Beyond weekend options, Camp Strake hosts a rich variety of long-term programs, including highly anticipated Summer Camp, Winter Camp, STEM Camp, Camp Odyssey, ATV Experience, Full Throttle, and Trail to Eagle Camp. These are immersive, week-long, council-organized overnight experiences specifically designed to provide Scouts with concentrated opportunities to earn valuable merit badges and engage in specialized training and skill development. Promotional materials frequently highlight Camp Strake as a premier destination that offers unique and profoundly transformative outdoor experiences not readily available at other camps nationwide, consistently emphasizing its unwavering commitment to leadership development and comprehensive outdoor skills. Prospective visitors are strongly encouraged to refer to the Sam Houston Area Council website for the most current and accurate information on specific dates, detailed pricing, precise reservation procedures, and any ongoing promotions or special events. The website also provides essential resources such as detailed packing lists and required medical forms, ensuring a well-prepared, safe, and truly enjoyable experience at Camp Strake Campsite 12.