Camp Strake Campsite 13

Camp Strake Campsite 13 is a standout offering within the comprehensive Campgrounds & RV Parks category, providing an unparalleled outdoor experience for individuals and groups in Coldspring, Texas, and beyond. As part of the expansive 2,816-acre Camp Strake, a premier, state-of-the-art facility, Campsite 13 benefits from its strategic location, bordered on three sides by the vast and beautiful Sam Houston National Forest. This ensures a truly immersive wilderness experience, perfectly complemented by modern amenities and a diverse array of programs designed to foster personal growth and outdoor skills.

The natural environment surrounding Camp Strake Campsite 13 is one of its most defining features. Situated within the picturesque East Texas Piney Woods, the campsite is characterized by tall, majestic pines that offer abundant natural shade, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere even during warmer periods. Like other campsites at Camp Strake, Campsite 13 is typically laid out in a U-shape, with a covered pavilion serving as a central gathering point for campers. This design promotes a sense of community while offering protection from the elements.

The immediate adjacency to the Sam Houston National Forest provides a genuine wildland feel. This allows for frequent opportunities for wildlife observation, birdwatching, and a deep connection with nature. The renowned Lone Star Hiking Trail, the longest continuously marked hiking trail in Texas, is easily accessible from Camp Strake, offering miles of scenic exploration for hikers and nature enthusiasts. During the camp's construction, significant effort was made to preserve the natural flora, so visitors to Campsite 13 and the broader camp will encounter a rich variety of indigenous plants and wildflowers, such as the vibrant Pride of Barbados, along the numerous trails. Furthermore, the camp boasts a sprawling 28-acre lake, a natural centerpiece that enhances the serene landscape and provides a focal point for various aquatic activities. The combination of dense woodlands, fresh air, and tranquil natural sounds makes Campsite 13 an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

As a prominent facility in the Campgrounds & RV Parks sector, Camp Strake Campsite 13 is supported by a wide range of services designed to ensure a convenient, safe, and enriching stay for all campers. At the campsite level, this includes access to modern and well-maintained shower and restroom units. These facilities are strategically located along the main campsite roads and are shared among a few adjacent campsites, ensuring easy access. Notably, all shower stalls are ADA compliant, reflecting the camp's commitment to accessibility. Each campsite, including Campsite 13, is equipped with a covered pavilion, featuring electrical outlets – a crucial amenity for modern camping needs. Troop vehicle parking is conveniently available at the top of the U-shaped campsite layout, with clear road access for ease of loading and unloading. While campers bring their own tents, the campsites often feature wooden platforms for tent pitching, which helps keep gear off the ground and provides a more comfortable sleeping surface.

Beyond the direct campsite amenities, Camp Strake offers extensive overarching services. The impressive George and Mary Josephine Hamman Dining Hall is capable of serving hundreds of campers simultaneously, providing three nutritious meals per day. A dedicated delivery road behind the dining hall ensures continuous supply without disrupting camp activities. The camp is also attentive to special dietary requirements, with procedures in place to accommodate medical or religious needs upon prior notification. Hydration is a priority, especially given the Texas climate, and water stations are readily available throughout the camp. Campers are encouraged to carry water bottles and monitor their hydration levels. While personal valuables are not directly secured by the camp, units are advised to bring their own lockable storage containers. Upon arrival, campers check in at the main gatehouse, where medical screenings and campsite assignments are handled efficiently. Although there are no public phones for Scouts, the camp office can relay emergency messages to campers.

Camp Strake Campsite 13 is part of a larger, cutting-edge camping facility that sets a high standard within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category due to its innovative features and diverse program offerings. The camp boasts 20 camping pavilions across its various sites, each providing protective covers and electric power.

Some of Camp Strake's most notable features include:

• Aquatics Center: A highlight of the camp, this center includes a resort-style water park and swimming pool, along with a 28-acre lake. Activities range from recreational swimming and water sports like water polo and basketball to canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rowboating. The John R. Curry Observation Tower offers panoramic views of the lake.
• STEM Center: The state-of-the-art Eco-STEM Center, designed by Gensler, offers unique educational opportunities. Through a Space Act Agreement with NASA, Camp Strake provides exclusive programs such as Strake Odyssey, the NASA Stars & STEM Program, and the Train Like an Astronaut Program (SCUBA), allowing Scouts to earn merit badges in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
• Adventure Activities: For thrill-seekers, the camp offers a 40-foot rock wall climbing tower with four stations, a challenging high-ropes course, and an exhilarating double zip line that spans across the lake. The ATV Experience allows participants to learn to operate top-tier ATV equipment on designated trails.
• Shooting Sports Complex: This extensive complex includes dedicated ranges for archery, rifle, pistol, and shotgun, providing safe and professional instruction for various shooting disciplines.
• Extensive Trail System: With over 11 miles of trails, the camp is ideal for walking, biking, and ATV use. Its direct access to the Sam Houston National Forest and the Lone Star Hiking Trail makes it a prime location for extended treks. Marked nature trails, a 5K orienteering course, and a geocaching course further enhance the outdoor exploration opportunities.
• Patsy and Stan Stanley Campfire Arena: A spacious arena with seating for over 1,000 campers, perfect for large gatherings, ceremonies, and evening programs.
• Sports Fields: Various sports fields are available, including a 9-hole disk golf course (campers bring their own frisbees) and Gaga ball pits for recreational play.
• Fishing: The camp's lake supports catch-and-release fishing. Campers should bring their own fishing equipment, and a Texas fishing license is not required for fishing within the camp's private lake.

These features collectively contribute to Camp Strake's mission of providing transformative outdoor adventure experiences and equipping young people with essential leadership skills. Campsite 13 serves as a comfortable and accessible base from which campers can engage with all these exciting opportunities.

Camp Strake Campsite 13, as an integral part of the broader Camp Strake offerings, provides various avenues for local users and groups to experience its unique programs and facilities. The camp is open for weekend camping, council and district activities, and use of its dedicated Conference Center. Reservations for campsites and program areas are typically made through the Sam Houston Area Council's online reservation system. A common booking policy involves a 50% deposit upon reservation, with the remaining balance due 14 days prior to the reservation date. Reservations generally close 5 days before the event, so any final adjustments should be made at least a week in advance.

Beyond general camping, Camp Strake hosts a variety of specialized camps and programs throughout the year, including:

• Summer Camp: A flagship week-long, council-organized overnight camp for Scouts BSA, focused on merit badge acquisition and advancement.
• Winter Camp: Another popular opportunity for Scouts to earn merit badges during the colder months, taught by experienced adult leaders.
• STEM Camp: A specialized program focusing on STEM-related merit badges and the unique NASA Stars & STEM program.
• Camp Odyssey: A space-themed camp that delves into astronomy, rocketry, and cosmic exploration through hands-on activities.
• Trail to Eagle Camp: An intensive program designed to help Scouts complete their Eagle-required merit badges.
• Full Throttle: Offers Scouts the chance to participate in half-day sessions across various program areas and merit badge classes.

For those interested in purchasing related goods or memorabilia, the Sam Houston Area Council's Scout Shop and the Camp Strake Trading Post offer a wide selection of camping gear, Scout uniforms and apparel, merit badge handbooks, and camp-specific souvenirs. Discounts are often available for pre-ordered summer camp merchandise, which can be picked up at the Trading Post. Campers are always advised to bring essential personal items such as refillable water bottles, personal first aid kits, sunscreen, and insect repellent. While the camp provides an extensive program, electronic devices are generally discouraged to encourage a full immersion in the outdoor experience.

Camp Strake Campsite 13 thus represents a fantastic opportunity for an immersive outdoor adventure, combining natural beauty with modern conveniences and a wealth of educational and recreational activities, making it a premier choice within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category.