First Presbyterian Church of Paris, Scout Camp

🌲 Introduction / Overview: A Secluded, Private Camp on Pat Mayse Lake

In the northeastern corner of Texas, where the prairies meet the woods, lies the beautiful Pat Mayse Lake, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and Texas-style outdoor recreation. Situated on the lake's southern shore is the First Presbyterian Church of Paris, Scout Camp. Unlike the numerous public recreation areas around the lake, this facility is a private, dedicated site associated with the First Presbyterian Church of Paris, offering a unique opportunity for affiliated groups and private reservations.

This camp is structured primarily as a resource for the Church, scout groups, and potentially for other organizational retreats seeking an exclusive, undisturbed environment. While public access for casual, drop-in camping is limited—indicated by a locked entry gate—the facility provides a valuable location for pre-arranged group events. It provides a dedicated meeting facility and natural surroundings, making it an ideal, if secluded, spot for church camps, youth development programs, and private outdoor gatherings in Lamar County, Texas.

📍 Location and Accessibility

Finding this hidden retreat requires specific knowledge, as its location is purposefully discreet, promoting the peace and privacy valued by its primary users.

Address: County Rd 34950, Paris, TX 75460, USA

Key Access Details:

• Lakeside Proximity: The camp is situated on the south side of Pat Mayse Lake, a prominent reservoir known for its recreational opportunities.
• Specific Route: Access is at the very end of County Road 34950, where the road terminates in a turn-around or cul-de-sac. This secluded spot is located nearly 2.9 miles west of US Highway 271, north of the city of Paris.
• Gated and Secure: The facility is secured by a locked entry gate, a clear indication that it is designed for private use and pre-arranged access only. This security feature contributes to its secluded atmosphere.
• Neighboring Camps: The camp is located just north of the Elks Campground, offering a geographical reference point in the Pat Mayse Lake area.

🛠️ Services Offered

Based on its designation as a “Scout Camp” and the presence of physical structures, the primary service offered is dedicated group lodging and meeting space in a natural setting, rather than individual RV camping sites.

While a detailed list of current amenities is intentionally non-public to maintain its private nature, typical facilities found in a dedicated scout/church camp of this type include:

• Meeting Facility: There is a central meeting facility located toward the center of the property, ideal for large group instruction, dining, or indoor activities during retreats.
• Designated Camping Areas: It would traditionally include various camping areas suitable for tent pitching or potentially primitive cabins, designed for use by scout troops and church groups.
• Basic Utilities (Likely): Most established group facilities maintain basic water and electrical access to support the meeting facility and minimal sanitation needs.
• Access Management: The primary "service" is the exclusive use of the grounds and facilities through private reservations made directly with the First Presbyterian Church of Paris.

✨ Features / Highlights

The true value of the First Presbyterian Church of Paris Scout Camp lies in its privacy and commitment to traditional outdoor group activities.

• Exclusive Group Use: The locked, private gate ensures the facility is not subject to public park crowds or noise. This is a significant advantage for organizations seeking a focused, safe, and undisturbed retreat location.
• Pat Mayse Lake Proximity: While the adjacent boat ramp is also gated, the camp's location on the lake's southern side allows groups to take advantage of the natural surroundings for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities associated with the reservoir.
• Dedicated Meeting Space: The on-site meeting facility eliminates the need for groups to bring large shelter tents, providing a reliable indoor space for lessons, worship, or team-building regardless of the Texas weather.
• Historical Use for Youth Development: Its designation as a "Scout Camp" suggests the property is laid out for structured youth activities, including campfire pits, open areas for games, and potentially obstacle or team-building courses—features highly valued by youth organizations.
• Natural Seclusion: The property is nestled within a natural, wooded setting, providing a genuine escape for Texans looking to step away from the city and immerse their group in the quiet beauty of Lamar County.

📞 Contact Information

Due to the private nature of the camp, all inquiries regarding reservations, availability, and specific facilities must be directed to the organization responsible for its operation.

Address: County Rd 34950, Paris, TX 75460, USA

Phone (For Camp Inquiries): (903) 340-2664

Mobile Phone: +1 903-340-2664

Recommendation: Due to the camp's limited public digital footprint and use of a locked entry gate, Texas organizations interested in using the facilities should first contact the First Presbyterian Church of Paris directly via the provided phone number to inquire about their reservation policies and access requirements.

🔑 What is Worth Choosing This Scout Camp

While many public campgrounds surround Pat Mayse Lake, the First Presbyterian Church of Paris, Scout Camp is the ideal choice for a specific user: a Texan group or organization requiring a dedicated, private, and secure space for their retreat.

It is worth choosing because:

• It Offers True Privacy: The locked gate and secluded location ensure exclusive use for your registered group. This eliminates concerns over noise, crowds, or competition for amenities, which is invaluable for structured retreats like scout jamborees, youth ministry camps, or corporate team-building events.
• Dedicated Group Infrastructure: The presence of a central meeting facility and established, protected grounds simplifies planning and logistics for large groups that need reliable shared indoor space.
• A Faith-Based Setting: For church or faith-based youth groups in North Texas, the camp provides an environment that aligns with the values and mission of the First Presbyterian Church, offering a comfortable and familiar setting for fellowship and worship.
• Unplug and Connect: In a world dominated by digital noise, the relative seclusion and focus on the outdoors encourages genuine connection, spiritual reflection, and hands-on learning for all attendees.

For any Texas-based organization affiliated with the church or seeking a comparable private group retreat near Pat Mayse Lake, this historic Scout Camp offers a peaceful and dedicated base that is highly sought after precisely for its non-public, exclusive nature.