Camp Strake Campsite 18

Camp Strake Campsite 18 is an integral part of the renowned Camp Strake, a state-of-the-art facility that stands as a beacon in the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category. Nestled in a serene rural landscape, this expansive camp covers 2,816 acres and is uniquely bordered on three sides by the magnificent Sam Houston National Forest. This strategic location offers an unparalleled opportunity for immersion in nature while benefiting from modern amenities and a wide array of services. Camp Strake, including Campsite 18, is designed to provide transformative outdoor adventures and foster leadership skills, primarily catering to Scouting America groups, but also welcoming a broader range of outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable camping experience.

The environment at Camp Strake Campsite 18 is characterized by its exquisite natural beauty and meticulously maintained surroundings. As one of 20 individual camping pavilions throughout Camp Strake, Campsite 18 provides a dedicated space for campers to set up tents and build campfires in designated areas. Each pavilion is equipped with a protective cover and electric power, ensuring comfort and convenience regardless of weather conditions. These campsites are thoughtfully arranged along a horseshoe-shaped road, creating a cohesive yet spacious camping community. The natural landscape is rich with diverse flora and fauna, featuring an abundance of wild plants and flowers, with particular attention paid during the camp's development to preserve existing wildflowers. A central ecological feature of the camp is its 28-acre lake, sustained by a combination of rainwater, runoff, and an underground well, providing a tranquil setting and opportunities for various aquatic activities. Beyond the individual campsites, an extensive network of well-marked trails crisscrosses the property, inviting exploration and connecting directly to the Lone Star Hiking Trail, the longest hiking trail in Texas, a testament to a special partnership with the United States Forest Service. The overall planning of Camp Strake prioritizes the preservation of green spaces, with five lakes integrated into the design, offering both scenic beauty and recreational access. Its location near Coldspring, Texas, places it approximately 1.5 hours from downtown Houston, making it an accessible escape to the wilderness.

The services at Camp Strake Campsite 18, as part of the larger Camp Strake complex, are comprehensive and designed to ensure a comfortable, safe, and engaging experience for all visitors. A standout amenity is the modern, air-conditioned dining hall, capable of serving hundreds of campers three nutritious meals daily. This facility is fully equipped with commercial gas stoves and ovens, extensive food preparation areas, ample utensils, cooling supplies, dry goods storage, a dishwashing area, two walk-in refrigerators, and three freezers. All meals are provided by a professional 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 accommodations are handled through a structured system requiring advance submission of dietary forms. For personal hygiene, well-maintained restroom facilities and shower houses are conveniently located throughout the camp, ensuring easy access and cleanliness. 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 lots near assigned campsites, the camp's design encourages foot traffic across its extensive trail system for navigating between activity areas. Emergency procedures are robust, with emergency phone numbers 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 for referring more serious emergencies to nearby medical facilities, such as Cleveland Emergency Hospital, ensuring prompt and appropriate care.

The features that define Camp Strake Campsite 18 and the entire Camp Strake are exceptional, 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, and offers opportunities for various boating activities on the lake, including canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rowboating. For thrill-seekers, there's a 40-foot rock wall climbing tower with four stations and a training pavilion, alongside 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 strong 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 like 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 those interested in booking and promotional information, Camp Strake Campsite 18 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 18.