Cedar Gap Campsite

For Texans who cherish the great outdoors and are seeking a camping experience that combines natural beauty with practical amenities, particularly for groups, Cedar Gap Campsite offers a unique opportunity. Located within the expansive Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, a premier outdoor education and recreation facility near Athens, this campsite provides a dedicated space that caters to larger gatherings while still delivering that sought-after connection with nature.

Texas boasts a rich and diverse landscape, from its sprawling ranches to its serene lakes. East Texas, with its abundant pine forests and numerous waterways, is a prime region for outdoor enthusiasts. Cedar Gap Campsite, specifically designed to be part of the comprehensive Camp Trevor Rees-Jones experience, leverages this beautiful setting. As one reviewer noted, it features a "good center lake" – a key highlight for those looking to enjoy aquatic activities. While it might be "further from some stuff" (referring to central camp facilities), this slight distance often translates into greater seclusion and a more immersive natural feel, which many campers actively seek.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Cedar Gap Campsite, focusing on its features, location, and the unique advantages it offers to local Texans, particularly those organizing group camping trips or participating in programs at Camp Trevor Rees-Jones.

Introduction / Overview

Cedar Gap Campsite is one of several distinct camping areas nestled within the vast Clements Scout Ranch, home to the renowned Camp Trevor Rees-Jones. Situated near Athens, TX, this particular campsite is designed to accommodate larger groups, making it an ideal choice for Scouting units, youth groups, or family reunions seeking a structured yet natural outdoor environment. Its name, "Cedar Gap," likely alludes to the surrounding cedar trees and a natural dip or clearing in the terrain.

As part of Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, Cedar Gap benefits from the overall high standards of maintenance and programming that characterize the facility. While it offers a more rustic experience compared to a full-service RV park, it provides essential amenities tailored for group functionality. The mention of a "good center lake" by a previous visitor highlights its prime access to water-based activities, which are a major draw in the East Texas heat. The slightly removed location, being "further from some stuff," can be seen as an advantage for groups desiring a bit more privacy and their own dedicated space to enjoy the natural surroundings. It’s a place built for creating lasting memories through shared outdoor adventures.

Location and Accessibility

Cedar Gap Campsite is located within the expansive grounds of Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, specifically at the address: Camp Trevor Rees - Jones, Athens, TX 75751, USA. For more precise navigation, the main entrance to Clements Scout Ranch, which encompasses Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, is at 11217 FM 2970, Athens, TX 75751. This places the campsite deep within the picturesque piney woods of Henderson County, East Texas.

Access to Cedar Gap Campsite, like other areas within Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, is primarily by road via well-maintained internal camp roads. From major highways such as US 175, visitors would typically navigate through Athens to reach FM 2970, which leads directly to the ranch entrance. While the journey takes you into a more secluded, natural setting, the roads are generally suitable for standard vehicles and larger buses or RVs, particularly for organized groups. It's important to remember that once inside the ranch, internal camp roads lead to various campsites, including Cedar Gap. The "good center lake" implies that the campsite is situated near one of the multiple lakes within the ranch, offering direct or very close access to water activities. This blend of remote feel and relative ease of access makes it a convenient yet immersive outdoor destination for Texans.

Services Offered

Cedar Gap Campsite, as a dedicated group camping area within Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, provides a specific set of services designed for efficient and comfortable group outdoor living. These services align with the larger camp's focus on structured programs and self-sufficiency for units:

• Pavilion with Lights and Electricity: Each campsite, including Cedar Gap, features a covered pavilion. This amenity is invaluable for shaded gathering, meal preparation, and offers fluorescent lights and electrical outlets for charging devices (though caution about low voltage for heavy-duty appliances is advisable).
• Fire Pit: A designated fire ring is provided at the campsite for safe and contained campfires, essential for cooking and evening gatherings.
• Latrine: Basic, non-flush restroom facilities are available within or very close to the campsite, typical of primitive or semi-primitive group camping areas.
• Water Spigot: Access to potable water is provided via a spigot at the campsite, ensuring a convenient water source.
• Access to Central Facilities: Campers at Cedar Gap have access to broader camp facilities, which typically include:
  • Central bathhouses with flushing toilets and showers (though hot water may be seasonal, usually off in colder months).
  • A Trading Post for supplies, snacks, and souvenirs.
  • Central dining hall (often reservable for large groups).
  • Medical facilities (First Aid Lodge/Clinic) for emergencies.
• Group-Friendly Layout: The site is described as "good for larger groups" and may be "slightly sloped," indicating a layout suitable for multiple tents or a large gathering area.
• Dock Access: Specifically for Cedar Gap, there is noted "Access to a dock," which is a significant amenity for water-based activities on the adjacent lake.

Features / Highlights

Cedar Gap Campsite, by virtue of its location within Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive option for Texans seeking group outdoor adventures:

• Prime Lakeside Location: Its proximity and "access to a dock" on one of the camp's well-stocked lakes ("good center lake") provide excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and other aquatic activities. Camp Trevor Rees-Jones is known for some of the "best-stocked fishing lakes in the State of Texas," especially for largemouth bass.
• Dedicated Group Space: Designed specifically for "larger groups," Cedar Gap offers ample room for multiple tents, communal activities, and group gatherings, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.
• Essential Amenities for Comfort: The provision of a pavilion with lights and power, a fire pit, latrine, and water spigot at the site itself offers a good balance of rustic camping with critical conveniences.
• Access to Extensive Camp Activities: While a campsite itself, being part of Camp Trevor Rees-Jones means campers at Cedar Gap have potential access (depending on program type and availability) to a vast array of high-adventure and educational activities, including:
  • Shooting sports (rifle, shotgun, archery ranges).
  • A 60-ft climbing tower and COPE course.
  • Horseback riding.
  • Miles of hiking trails.
  • Swimming pool (new for 2024, if applicable for general use).
• Secluded Yet Accessible: Despite being slightly "further from some stuff," this contributes to a more secluded and private group experience, while still being accessible by road and within a manageable distance of central camp facilities and nearby Athens.
• Natural East Texas Beauty: Surrounded by the distinctive piney woods and lake landscapes of East Texas, offering a picturesque setting for outdoor relaxation and exploration.

Contact Information

Cedar Gap Campsite is located within Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, part of Clements Scout Ranch, at:
Camp Trevor Rees - Jones, Athens, TX 75751, USA
(More specifically: 11217 FM 2970, Athens, TX 75751 for the main ranch entrance.)

For inquiries regarding Cedar Gap Campsite, or any aspect of camping and programs at Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, the primary contact remains through the managing body, the Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Phone: (903) 677-9371
Mobile Phone: +1 903-677-9371

It is highly recommended for interested parties, especially those planning a group visit, to contact the Circle Ten Council directly or visit their official website (circleten.org) for detailed information on reservations, availability (especially considering its primary use for Scouting programs), specific site regulations, and any requirements for non-Scouting groups if applicable. Be aware that cellular service can be limited in parts of the camp, so plan communications accordingly.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Texans, Cedar Gap Campsite within Camp Trevor Rees-Jones offers a compelling blend of natural immersion and robust amenities, making it exceptionally suitable for group outdoor adventures. Its design caters specifically to the needs of larger parties, providing a dedicated space with essential conveniences like a pavilion with power, a fire pit, and direct lake access. This makes it an ideal choice for Scout troops, youth organizations, or families and friends seeking a structured yet flexible outdoor environment.

The emphasis on well-maintained facilities and the vast array of potential activities available through the larger Camp Trevor Rees-Jones (from shooting sports to horseback riding and aquatics) means that visitors to Cedar Gap can curate an experience filled with learning, challenge, and fun. While its location might be a bit further into the wilderness, this adds to its appeal for those seeking a true escape from city life, without sacrificing accessibility to key facilities. For Texans looking to foster teamwork, learn new skills, or simply enjoy quality time in the beautiful East Texas outdoors, Cedar Gap Campsite at Camp Trevor Rees-Jones stands as a prime destination for creating impactful and cherished memories. It truly is a unique piece of Texas that delivers on the promise of outdoor adventure.