Camp T.L. James

Introduction / Overview: A Premier Outdoor Education and Camping Facility

For generations of young men and women across Northeast Louisiana, Camp T.L. James has stood as a beacon of outdoor adventure, character building, and natural beauty. Located in Downsville, Louisiana, this sprawling facility is more than just a campground; it is the official Scout Reservation of the Louisiana Purchase Council, Boy Scouts of America. Encompassing approximately 1,142 acres of beautiful, diverse woodlands—featuring both broadleaf and pine—the camp provides an unparalleled setting for learning, recreation, and appreciation of the Louisiana outdoors.

The entire reservation is thoughtfully divided into three key areas: the main Camp T.L. James, the dedicated Cub World for younger Scouts, and a modern Training Center. While primarily focused on supporting the mission of Scouting through summer camps, weekend retreats, and training, the facilities are also available for use by non-Scouting groups and the general public who are seeking a well-maintained, feature-rich camping and retreat location. Visitors often praise the natural setting and the quality of the amenities. As one visitor noted, “This is a great camp for scouts. Plenty of room on the campsites. The facilities were really nice. Waterfront is cool. And everything is fairly close together but separated by all the trees. So you don't feel like you're on top of each other. I enjoyed it.” This sentiment speaks to the camp’s success in balancing extensive facilities with a feeling of separation and immersion in nature. The camp is named in honor of its first Council President, Mr. Thomas L. James, connecting it deeply to the history of Scouting in Louisiana.

Location and Accessibility: Deep in Union Parish

Camp T.L. James is strategically situated in Union Parish, placing it squarely in the rolling hills and pine forests of North Central Louisiana. The official address is 105 Camp TL James Rd, Downsville, LA 71234, USA. The camp is located conveniently off State Highway 15 (Hwy 15) near the Downsville community, making it accessible from major population centers in the region, including Monroe, Ruston, and Farmerville.

While the location is distinctly rural and steeped in natural tranquility, the proximity to these nearby towns ensures that essential supplies, medical facilities, and additional resources are within reasonable driving distance. The surrounding area of Union Parish is known for its beautiful lakes and state parks, such as Lake D'Arbonne State Park, which is only about 13 miles away, offering additional recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and hiking. The camp's location leverages the natural beauty of the region, boasting significant wildlife populations including deer, turkey, beaver, and a variety of birds, making it a perfect spot for nature study and wildlife viewing. This combination of deep wilderness feel and manageable accessibility makes it an attractive choice for groups across the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas areas.

Services Offered

As a major Scout Reservation, Camp T.L. James offers a wide range of services designed to support group camping, training, and outdoor education.

• Campsites: Numerous individual campsites, thoughtfully separated by trees to maintain privacy, offering ample space for tents and group activities.
• Central Dining Hall: A large facility with a capacity to seat around 200 people, essential for resident camps and large group gatherings.
• Latrines and Shower Houses: Individual latrines are provided at the campsites, supplemented by a central shower house in the main camp and modern, hot-water shower houses with flush toilets in the Training Center area.
• Water and Electricity: Running water is available across the reservation, including at the Training Center campsites which also feature electrical hookups.
• Trading Post & Quartermaster: Essential facilities for supplies, gear, and camp administrative needs during organized resident camps.
• Training Facilities: The dedicated Training Center includes an indoor training room and a large pavilion with tables and electric lights, perfect for workshops and seminars.

Features / Highlights of the Camp T.L. James Experience

The reservation's extensive facilities and programming options provide unique features that make it a standout camping and retreat destination.

• Aquatic Activities: The camp features two lakes—one dedicated to boating and swimming and another separate lake reserved specifically for fishing. The safe, maintained waterfront is a major draw.
• Shooting Sports Ranges: Modern and safe facilities are available, including rifle, archery, and shotgun ranges, perfect for training and supervised group activities.
• High-Adventure Course: A well-known feature is the high-ropes course, offering thrilling and challenging team-building experiences for older participants.
• Cub World Unique Cabins: The distinct Cub World area boasts five connected tree cabins, providing a unique and exciting sheltered camping experience for younger campers (housing up to 20 total).
• Conservation Focus: The camp maintains its natural beauty through careful planning by the Council Conservation Committee, preserving the natural habitat and promoting an appreciation for conservation.
• Year-Round Availability: While famous for summer camps, the camp hosts winter camping programs and is generally available for groups to reserve space year-round.

Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date reservation details, especially for non-Scouting groups and public use, direct contact with the Louisiana Purchase Council is necessary.

Address: 105 Camp TL James Rd, Downsville, LA 71234, USA

Phone: (318) 982-5623

Mobile Phone: +1 318-982-5623

For reservation inquiries, groups are advised to contact the Council office, often via the provided phone number or the Council’s website, to get reservation forms and discuss fees for non-Scouting units.

What is Worth Choosing Camp T.L. James

Choosing Camp T.L. James means opting for a destination where quality facilities and a commitment to the outdoors are paramount. For Louisiana residents and organizations, the camp's primary appeal lies in its sheer scale and scope of activities. Unlike many smaller, private campgrounds, Camp T.L. James offers two distinct lakes, multiple target ranges, and a high-ropes course—a level of programming and infrastructure typically unavailable elsewhere. This makes it ideal not just for Scouting, but for church groups, school field trips, corporate retreats, and family reunions who need structured activities and large-scale accommodation.

The high quality of the facilities is another major draw. The modern training center and the availability of hot showers and flush toilets in designated areas provide a level of comfort that appeals to all user groups. Furthermore, the camp is built on a foundation of youth development and safety, ensuring that all visitors benefit from well-organized, secure, and clean surroundings. The thoughtful separation of campsites ensures privacy and a true wilderness feel, while the history and dedication of the Louisiana Purchase Council provide confidence in the management of this unique asset. It stands as a testament to Louisiana’s commitment to preserving nature while providing top-tier outdoor education and recreation opportunities for the entire community.