Camp Strake Campsite 5

Welcome to Camp Strake Campsite 5, a distinguished destination within the expansive and premier Camp Strake, designed as a state-of-the-art facility for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking immersive experiences in nature. Located in a rural area near the breathtaking Sam Houston National Forest, Camp Strake spans an impressive 2,816 acres, bordered on three sides by the national forest itself, and features direct access to the renowned Lone Star Hiking Trail. As a prominent fixture in the "Campgrounds & RV Parks" category, Camp Strake Campsite 5 offers a comprehensive suite of services and amenities tailored to provide an exceptional camping experience for all visitors, ranging from individual campers to organized groups like the Boy Scouts of America.

The environment of Camp Strake Campsite 5 is characterized by its rich natural beauty and carefully preserved landscapes. The campsite itself is part of a larger complex that boasts 20 individual camping pavilions, each thoughtfully designed with protective covers and electric power, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Campers can pitch their tents and build campfires in designated areas around these pavilions, which are strategically arranged along a horseshoe-shaped road in the heart of the camp. The surrounding area is abundant with diverse flora and fauna, featuring an assortment of wild plants and flowers, with special care taken during development to avoid disturbing natural wildflowers. The presence of a 28-acre lake, filled by a combination of rainwater, runoff, and an underground well, adds to the serene ambiance and offers opportunities for water-based activities. The camp's extensive trail system provides ample avenues for exploration, with numerous hiking trails weaving through the property, including direct access to the longest hiking trail in Texas, the Lone Star Trail, through a unique partnership with the United States Forest Service. The commitment to preserving green space is evident throughout the development, with the five lakes on the property being a central feature for the community.

Camp Strake Campsite 5, as part of the broader Camp Strake, provides an extensive range of services and facilities. These services cater to both practical needs and recreational pursuits, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable stay. For dining, the camp features an air-conditioned dining hall capable of serving between 400 and over 1,000 campers three meals per day. This modern facility includes commercial gas stoves and ovens, food preparation areas, ample utensils, cooling supplies, dry goods storage, a dishwashing area, two walk-in refrigerators, and three freezers. High-quality and nutritious meals are provided by a professional custom food service company, with menus reviewed by a certified dietician to meet the caloric and nutritional needs of active individuals. Special dietary accommodations are also addressed, with a system in place for parents or adult participants to submit dietary forms at least two weeks prior to arrival. Beyond meals, the camp offers well-maintained restroom facilities and shower houses conveniently located along the main thoroughfares, ensuring hygiene and comfort for all campers. Check-in and check-out procedures are streamlined, with a dedicated check-in building at the camp entrance for medical screenings, directions, and campsite assignments. Vehicles are directed to appropriate parking areas near assigned campsites upon check-in, as the camp encourages foot traffic across its well-designed trail system.

The features of Camp Strake Campsite 5 and the wider Camp Strake are truly remarkable, offering a unique blend of adventure, education, and modern amenities. The camp is particularly renowned for its diverse program areas, which include a robust aquatics center with a swimming pool and pool house, as well as opportunities for boating on the lake with canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and rowboats. For those seeking thrills, there's a 40-foot rock wall climbing tower with four stations, a training pavilion, and an exhilarating double zipline that traverses the 28-acre lake. The impressive shooting sports complex includes the Carole and Jim Looke Shotgun Range, the Rusty and Paula Walter Rifle Range, and dedicated pistol and archery ranges. Leadership requirements apply for the use of ranges and climbing/COPE areas, ensuring safety and proper instruction. A strong emphasis is placed on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education, with the Eco-STEM Center allowing campers to earn merit badges in various STEM-related fields. Unique partnerships further distinguish Camp Strake; it is the only council in Scouting America with a Space Act Agreement with NASA, offering exclusive programs like Strake Odyssey, the NASA Stars & STEM Program, the Train Like an Astronaut Program (SCUBA), and Helicopter Underwater Egress Training (HUET). Other program areas include mountain biking, orienteering with a 5K 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 is adorned with the fleur-de-lis, the international symbol for scouting, reflecting its heritage and values. The camp is designed to meet both ADA and Scouting America requirements, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity.

For those interested in booking and promotional information, Camp Strake Campsite 5 and other facilities within Camp Strake are available for reservation, primarily for troops, crews, and ships. Weekend camping reservations are available, with campsites varying in size to accommodate from 10 to 75 campers, and costs typically 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 for $50 per campsite for up to 50 campers. Day usage fees for those not camping are $2 per person ($3 for out-of-council units). Program areas such as archery, rifle, climbing, and COPE can be reserved for additional fees, typically on a 4-hour basis. A deposit of 50% is generally required for most facilities, with full payment due 14 days before the reservation date. Reservations close 5 days prior, allowing for final adjustments. Camp Strake also hosts various long-term programs including Summer Camp, Winter Camp, STEM Camp, Camp Odyssey, ATV Experience, Full Throttle, and Trail to Eagle Camp, providing opportunities for Scouts to earn merit badges and engage in specialized training. These long-term camps are week-long, council-organized overnight experiences. Promotional information often highlights Camp Strake as a premier destination offering unique experiences not found at other camps nationwide, emphasizing its commitment to transformative outdoor adventures and leadership development. Potential visitors are encouraged to check the Sam Houston Area Council website for specific dates, pricing, and reservation details, as well as any ongoing promotions or special events. The availability of detailed packing lists and medical form requirements online further streamlines the preparation process for an enjoyable and safe camping experience at Camp Strake Campsite 5.