Camp Strake Campsite 3

For those of us in Texas who understand the value of a well-organized, amenity-rich outdoor experience, especially for youth groups and organizations, Camp Strake near Coldspring stands as a premier destination. More than just a simple campground, Camp Strake is a state-of-the-art facility spanning 2,816 acres, thoughtfully designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging environment for a variety of outdoor activities and educational programs. Among its many offerings, Campsite 3 emerges as a particularly desirable option for groups seeking a balance of accessibility, comfort, and a slightly more secluded feel within the larger camp.

Camp Strake, operated by the Sam Houston Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, is not a public-access campground in the traditional sense for individual families. Instead, it is specifically designed for Scout troops, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and other organized youth and adult groups. This focus allows for a tailored experience, with facilities and programs that cater directly to outdoor education, leadership development, and adventure. Campsite 3, according to those who have experienced it, offers a strategic advantage, balancing convenience with a desirable level of privacy.

Understanding Camp Strake's unique purpose is key for locals. It's a place where young Texans can learn critical outdoor skills, develop leadership qualities, and build lifelong memories in a safe and supportive environment. While you might not stumble upon it for a spontaneous family weekend, if you're involved with a youth organization or planning a structured group outdoor event, Camp Strake, and specifically Campsite 3, offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with Texas's natural beauty and foster growth through adventure. Its proximity to the Sam Houston National Forest further enhances its appeal, providing a vast backdrop for exploration.

Camp Strake Campsite 3 is located within the larger Camp Strake property, identified by the address JP8X+98, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA. This places the camp between New Waverly and Coldspring, near the community of Evergreen, and importantly, it is surrounded on three sides by the expansive Sam Houston National Forest. The camp is approximately a 1.5-hour drive north of downtown Houston, making it highly accessible for many Texans.

Access to Camp Strake involves traveling on well-maintained roads, with detailed directions typically provided by the Sam Houston Area Council upon reservation. The main camp address is 2020 Camp Strake Rd., Coldspring, TX 77331. For Texans, this location means a relatively easy drive, avoiding extensive unpaved roads, which is a significant convenience for groups transporting equipment and participants. Campsite 3, specifically, is noted by users for its favorable position within the camp. The review highlights that it "drains better than #1 and #2 and is still reasonably close to everything," indicating good site conditions even after rain and proximity to central facilities like shower houses and program areas. Furthermore, its observation that it "doesn't get as much foot traffic as #20 and #19" suggests a slightly more private and quieter experience compared to other popular campsites, while still being easily reachable via the camp's internal road system. The overall accessibility of Camp Strake and its campsites within such a vast, natural setting makes it a prime choice for organized groups.

As part of the comprehensive Camp Strake facility, Campsite 3 benefits from a wide array of services and amenities designed for organized group camping, particularly for scouting activities.

• Covered Pavilion with Electricity: Each campsite at Camp Strake, including Campsite 3, features a covered pavilion equipped with electric power. This provides a crucial communal space for groups, offering shelter and convenient access to power for lighting or charging devices.
• Designated Tenting Area: Campsites are designed to accommodate multiple tents, with Scouts typically pitching tents and building campfires around these pavilions.
• Proximity to Shower Houses: Campsite 3 is noted to be "reasonably close to everything," which implies easy access to shared shower houses located along the main camp road, offering modern facilities with individual toilet and shower rooms.
• Access to Potable Water: Potable water sources are available throughout the camp, accessible from individual campsites.
• Campfire Rings: Sites include designated fire rings for safe and enjoyable campfires (adhering to fire safety guidelines).
• Trash Disposal: Centralized trash collection points are available within the camp for responsible waste disposal.
• Program Facility Access: Reservation of a campsite includes access to various program facilities across Camp Strake, such as:
  • Aquatics Center: Features a swimming pool and a 28-acre lake for water activities like kayaking and rowing.
  • STEM Center: An Eco-STEM Center for science, technology, engineering, and math merit badge activities.
  • Shooting Sports Complex: Ranges for archery, rifle, pistol, and shotgun.
  • Climbing and Rappelling Tower: Facilities for climbing, rappelling, and COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) courses.
  • Extensive Trail System: Access to numerous hiking trails, including proximity to the Lone Star Hiking Trail.
  • Dining Hall: A large, air-conditioned dining hall capable of serving hundreds of campers, with meal services available upon reservation.
  • Emergency Services: Proximity to Coldspring Volunteer Fire Department and other emergency services.
• Camp Staff Support: The camp is staffed to support programs and maintain facilities, with specific personnel available for program leadership in various activity areas.

• Optimal Drainage and Site Condition: Campsite 3 is specifically highlighted for its superior drainage compared to other sites, making it a more comfortable option even after rain.
• Balanced Location: Offers the advantage of being "reasonably close to everything" within the camp while avoiding the higher foot traffic of some other popular sites, providing a good balance of accessibility and relative quiet.
• Covered Pavilion with Electricity: A significant feature of all Camp Strake campsites, providing a sheltered gathering spot with power access, invaluable for group activities.
• Modern and Well-Maintained Facilities: The overall Camp Strake facility is new and state-of-the-art, ensuring high-quality amenities like modern shower houses and a vast dining hall.
• Comprehensive Program Offerings: Beyond basic camping, Camp Strake offers an impressive array of activities and programs tailored for youth development, including STEM, aquatics, climbing, and various shooting sports.
• Direct Access to Nature: Surrounded by the Sam Houston National Forest and featuring its own 28-acre lake and extensive trail system, the camp provides ample opportunities for outdoor exploration.
• Focus on Youth Development: The camp’s design and programming are geared towards character building, leadership skills, and outdoor education for Scouts and similar groups.
• Large Capacity: The overall camp is designed to host hundreds to over a thousand Scouts, with campsites capable of accommodating up to 50-75 campers, making it suitable for significant group events.
• Security and Safety: As a structured camp environment, safety and supervision are paramount, offering peace of mind for group leaders.

For information regarding reservations, programs, or general inquiries about Camp Strake and its campsites, including Campsite 3, groups should directly contact the Sam Houston Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Camp Strake Main Address:

2020 Camp Strake Rd, Coldspring, TX 77331, USA

General Sam Houston Area Council Phone:

(713) 659-8111 (While not directly listed for Camp Strake, this is the main council number, which would direct inquiries.)

Specific Reservation Contacts:

Inquiries related to specific campsites or program reservations are typically handled through online reservation portals or dedicated email contacts listed on the Sam Houston Area Council's official website (shacbsa.org) under their "Weekend Camping" or "Summer Camp" sections. There isn't a direct phone number for "Campsite 3."

The provided address JP8X+98, Coldspring, TX 77331 is a Google Maps Plus Code, indicating a precise location within the larger Camp Strake property.

For us Texans, Camp Strake Campsite 3, as part of the larger Camp Strake facility, represents an exceptional resource for structured outdoor and educational experiences, particularly for our youth. While not a casual family campground, its suitability for local groups and organizations is immense. We understand the importance of fostering leadership, environmental stewardship, and practical skills in our next generation, and Camp Strake is purpose-built to deliver on these fronts.

The fact that it’s nestled near the Sam Houston National Forest gives it an authentic Piney Woods feel, a cherished natural landscape in our state. The thoughtful design, with each campsite featuring a covered pavilion and electricity, acknowledges the realities of Texas weather while still promoting an outdoor experience. The proximity to modern shower houses and a wide array of program facilities – from a sprawling lake for aquatics to a STEM center and extensive shooting ranges – means that groups can achieve diverse objectives within a single, well-managed location.

Campsite 3, in particular, stands out for its practical advantages for local group leaders: superior drainage ensures a more comfortable stay regardless of rain, and its location strikes a perfect balance between being close to essential amenities and offering a quieter atmosphere away from the busiest areas. For Scoutmasters, youth leaders, or anyone organizing a significant outdoor event for their community group, Camp Strake provides a reliable, safe, and incredibly well-equipped environment that truly enhances the camping and learning experience. It’s a testament to the dedication of organizations like the Sam Houston Area Council to providing premier outdoor opportunities right here in our Texas backyard.