Camp Willson

🌲 Introduction / Overview: Your Escape to the 500-Acre East Texas Memory Maker

For Texans seeking an immersive, all-inclusive outdoor experience that combines the best of nature with comfortable, modern facilities, YMCA Camp Willson in Broaddus, TX, stands out as an exceptional destination. Known affectionately as the "500-acre memory maker," this expansive camp is much more than a seasonal spot for kids—it is a year-round retreat center and campground that welcomes families, school groups, and various organizations from across the state.

Nestled in the beautiful, natural landscape of East Texas, Camp Willson utilizes its 500 acres of woods, trails, fields, and a stunning lake to offer a massive array of activities. Whether you are looking to book a peaceful weekend getaway for your family, host a large corporate retreat, or send your child to an enriching summer camp, Camp Willson provides the structured programming, ACA accreditation, and dedicated staff to ensure a safe, positive, and memorable experience. The philosophy centers on promoting the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, making it a space where personal growth and community connection thrive.

Unlike basic campgrounds, Camp Willson operates as a full-service facility, offering comfortable air-conditioned lodging and professionally prepared meals, which means guests can focus entirely on adventure, relaxation, and making lasting memories without the hassle of setting up a primitive campsite.

📍 Location and Accessibility: Deep in the Heart of East Texas Woods

Camp Willson is located in the beautiful, forested region of East Texas, providing a serene and natural backdrop for any outdoor adventure. Situated near the massive Sam Rayburn Reservoir and close to the Angelina National Forest, the location offers a true feeling of getting away from the city bustle while still being accessible.

The official address for the camp is:

253 County Rd 484, Broaddus, TX 75929, USA

While the camp is tucked away on a county road, providing that necessary feeling of seclusion, its proximity to key East Texas features makes it a convenient spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors will find themselves perfectly positioned to enjoy the region's vast resources, including boating and fishing on Lake Sam Rayburn, or hiking and biking through the nearby national forest trails. The journey to Camp Willson itself is a scenic drive through the famous Piney Woods of Texas, preparing guests for the natural beauty that awaits.

⚙️ Services Offered: All-Inclusive Comfort and Programing

Camp Willson is designed as a destination resort, providing comprehensive services that allow groups and families to fully immerse themselves in the camp experience without worrying about logistics. For rental groups and family camps, services are often bundled to include lodging, meals, and activity access.

• Diverse Lodging Options: The camp offers various modern, air-conditioned cabins (Main, Back, and Ranch Cabins), many featuring private restrooms/showers or being conveniently located near modern shower houses. The new Ranch Cabins are ideal for those interested in equestrian programs.
• Professional Dining: Guests enjoy well-balanced, delicious meals served buffet or family-style in the Pettigrew Dining Hall, which seats up to 300. The camp expertly caters to all major dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free, etc.) with advance notice.
• Group and Rental Services: The facilities are available year-round for group rentals, conferences, and retreats (churches, schools, corporations). This includes flexible meeting spaces like the ClarArt Conference Center and an outdoor Waterfront Amphitheater.
• Health and Safety: A registered nurse, LPN, or licensed EMT is on duty 24 hours a day during the summer, and all staff are trained in First Aid and CPR, ensuring adherence to high ACA-accredited safety standards.
• Program Facilitation: Unlike many campgrounds that only offer a place to stay, Camp Willson provides the trained staff supervision necessary to operate its high-adventure activities safely.
• Family & Adult Camps: The camp hosts dedicated Weekend Camps for families and special Women's Weekends, which include lodging, meals, and structured activities like yoga, crafts, and evening karaoke.

🌟 Features / Highlights: Unmatched Adventure in the Great Outdoors

Camp Willson’s most notable features are its extensive recreational infrastructure and its commitment to diverse, engaging activities for all ages. It is a genuine adventure park set in a peaceful natural environment.

• High-Adventure Challenge Course: The camp boasts a massive 55-foot Climbing Tower featuring a thrilling Giant Swing and dual Zip Lines. It also has an 11-element High Ropes Course and a Leap of Faith station for adrenaline seekers.
• Equestrian Center: A major draw is the Ranch Center with a herd of horses available year-round, offering horseback riding programs for various skill levels.
• Extensive Waterfront Activities: Guests can enjoy the beautiful on-site lake with activities including canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and a refreshing Water Trampoline. Fishing is catch-and-release and requires no license as the lake is privately owned.
• Sports and Games: Facilities include lighted outdoor courts for tennis, basketball, and volleyball, along with fields for soccer and softball. It also offers unique camp games like Gaga Ball and Carpet Ball.
• Target Sports: Supervised ranges are available for Archery and Air Rifles, providing a safe environment to learn and practice focus and precision.
• Nature Immersion: Over 10 miles of hiking trails wind through the native prairie, wetlands, and woodlands. The camp also features a Critter Room Nature Center and a Petting Zoo at the ranch, great for younger guests.
• Modern Comfort: The luxury of air-conditioned cabins and meeting spaces across the entire facility is a key highlight, ensuring comfort even during Texas’s warmest seasons.

📞 Contact Information: Connect with Camp Willson

For more information on booking a group retreat, registering for a family camp weekend, or inquiries about the extensive summer camp programs, please use the provided contact details. The staff is ready to help plan your adventure at this premier East Texas facility.

Official Address:

253 County Rd 484, Broaddus, TX 75929, USA

Phone Number:

Please search for the YMCA Camp Willson’s specific reservation or main office number for the most current information on booking, as general listings may vary. However, the address listed above is your physical destination.

🎯 What is Worth Choosing: Your All-In-One Texas Adventure Hub

Camp Willson is worth choosing for any Texan seeking a powerful, memorable, and hassle-free outdoor experience. It excels where many traditional campgrounds fall short, offering a true retreat experience.

• Unrivaled Activities-to-Comfort Ratio: This camp is unmatched for the sheer volume of high-quality activities—horseback riding, high ropes, giant swing, and a lake full of water sports—all packaged with the high comfort level of air-conditioned cabins and catered meals. You get the rugged fun of the outdoors without the discomfort of primitive camping.
• Ideal for Groups and Families: If you are a church, school, or corporation looking for a large-scale, versatile venue that can accommodate hundreds with meeting spaces and lodging, Camp Willson’s rental program is a top-tier choice in the region. Their dedicated family and adult weekend camps also offer a structured, fun, and relaxing escape for individuals.
• Focus on Core Values and Safety: As a YMCA camp, it maintains a strong commitment to character development and safety, holding the prestigious ACA accreditation and maintaining a high staff-to-camper ratio, providing peace of mind to parents and organizers.
• A True Escape: Its 500-acre setting in the Piney Woods provides a deep immersion into nature, guaranteeing a genuine feeling of retreat and disconnection from urban life—a perfect opportunity to create those promised memories that last a lifetime.