Gum Ridge Camp Site

Howdy, Texans! Are you on the lookout for a peaceful and spacious campsite that offers a true outdoor experience in our beautiful East Texas, perfect for groups or families seeking a bit of solitude? Allow us to introduce you to Gum Ridge Camp Site, nestled within the expansive and highly regarded Trevor Rees Jones (TRJ) Scout Camp in Athens, TX. This specific campsite provides a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the natural wonders and diverse activities available across this vast scout ranch.

For those of us in Texas who appreciate a well-maintained setting with room to breathe, Gum Ridge Camp Site is a compelling option. Visitors praise it as a "level camp site with some grass," indicating a comfortable and inviting area for pitching tents or setting up camp. While it may be "a little further from real bathrooms" compared to some other spots within the camp, this often translates to a more private and serene experience, appealing to those who prefer a slightly more secluded feel. The "drive is easier with more level camp elevations," ensuring a smoother arrival for your camping gear. Join us as we explore what makes Gum Ridge Camp Site a suitable choice for locals seeking a blend of natural tranquility and access to comprehensive outdoor programs in the heart of East Texas.

Gum Ridge Camp Site is located within the expansive Camp Trevor Rees - Jones, specifically at Athens, TX 75751, USA. Athens is a well-known community in East Texas, celebrated for its scenic landscapes, including numerous lakes and dense pine forests. This setting ensures that campers are immersed in a genuinely natural environment, providing a sense of escape and tranquility.

Access to the broader Trevor Rees Jones Scout Camp is generally via well-maintained roads leading off major highways in the Athens area. Once within the vast 3,200-acre camp, Gum Ridge Camp Site is positioned to offer a unique blend of accessibility and relative seclusion. While reviews mention it being "little further from real bathrooms," this implies it's located deeper within the camp, which often translates to more peaceful surroundings. The "drive is easier with more level camp elevations" suggests that reaching the site is manageable, even for vehicles pulling trailers or larger rigs, ensuring a smoother journey to your chosen spot.

The large scale of Trevor Rees Jones Scout Camp means that while Gum Ridge Camp Site feels secluded, it still benefits from the overall accessibility of the main camp's infrastructure. This includes main roads for arrival and departure, as well as clear signage to guide visitors to the specific camp sites. For Texans, this convenient location allows for a relatively short drive to a comprehensive outdoor facility, making it an excellent choice for weekend trips or longer group excursions without venturing too far from home. Its natural setting amidst the pine forests and near the camp's lakes further enhances its appeal as an accessible outdoor haven.

Gum Ridge Camp Site, as part of the broader Trevor Rees Jones Boy Scout Camp, benefits from a range of services designed to support an engaging and functional camping experience. While some amenities might be a short walk or drive away, the overall infrastructure of the scout camp ensures a well-supported stay.

• Level Campsite with Grass: The campsite itself is described as "a level camp site with some grass." This provides a comfortable and stable area for pitching tents or parking camping units, making setup easier and more pleasant.

• Fire Pit: Each campsite, including Gum Ridge, typically includes a designated fire pit, allowing for safe campfires for cooking, warmth, and traditional campfire gatherings.

• Water Spigots: Access to potable water is provided. The broader camp has "two spigots, one on each side of the camp," ensuring convenient access to drinking water for all campers.

• Latrine: A basic latrine facility is available at Gum Ridge Camp Site. While reviewers note it's "little further from real bathrooms," this provides essential sanitation on-site.

• Nearby Pavilions: Gum Ridge is located within the larger camp which features "two pavilions with lights" and often electricity, providing covered areas for group gatherings, meal preparation, or shelter during inclement weather. These are typically reservable facilities.

• Access to Full Bathrooms (Further Away): Although not directly adjacent, "full bathrooms" with flush toilets and showers are available elsewhere within the main camp area. Campers at Gum Ridge can utilize these facilities by walking or driving a slightly longer distance.

• Access to Camp-wide Activities (Some Reservable): Being part of TRJ Scout Camp means access to a plethora of activities and facilities, often reservable by groups. These include:

  • Well-Stocked Fishing Lakes: The camp features three lakes for fishing, offering opportunities to catch various species.

  • Shooting Ranges: Facilities for rifle, shotgun, and archery (with specific booking and certification requirements).

  • Swimming Pool: A swimming pool is available for cooling off and recreation (may require certified lifeguards from the unit).

  • Canoes and Rowboats: Available for use on the lakes.

  • Climbing Tower and COPE Course: Challenge courses for adventure and team-building (require certified instructors and booking).

  • Horseback Riding: Opportunities for trail rides (often on specific days and require booking).

• General Camp Maintenance: As part of a "well-kept" scout camp, the grounds are maintained, contributing to a pleasant and clean environment.

These services provide a solid foundation for a comfortable and activity-rich camping experience at Gum Ridge Camp Site, balancing its slightly more secluded nature with access to comprehensive camp amenities.

Gum Ridge Camp Site, situated within the renowned Trevor Rees Jones Scout Camp, offers several distinct features and highlights that make it an attractive option for campers seeking a blend of natural serenity and access to a wide array of activities in East Texas.

• Spacious and Level Campsite: A key highlight, as noted by visitors, is that Gum Ridge is a "level camp site with some grass." This provides an excellent, comfortable foundation for setting up tents or parking RVs/trailers, ensuring an easier and more pleasant camping experience without dealing with sloped terrain.

• Relative Seclusion within a Large Camp: While being part of a large scout camp with many amenities, Gum Ridge's slightly more distant location from the main "real bathrooms" suggests it offers a more "peaceful" and private camping experience compared to more central sites. This can be a significant draw for those who prefer a quieter environment.

• Easy Drive Access: The "drive is easier with more level camp elevations," indicating that accessing Gum Ridge Camp Site within the larger camp is less challenging, especially for larger vehicles or trailers, enhancing the convenience of arrival and departure.

• Access to Comprehensive Camp Amenities: Despite its slightly secluded feel, campers at Gum Ridge still have access to the extensive facilities of Trevor Rees Jones Scout Camp. These include:

  • Three Well-Stocked Fishing Lakes: Providing fantastic opportunities for fishing enthusiasts right within the camp grounds.

  • Numerous Program Areas: The camp boasts a variety of specialized areas for activities such as rifle, shotgun, and archery ranges, a swimming pool, and dedicated areas for nature and ecology studies.

  • Adventure Facilities: A four-story climbing tower and a COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) course offer thrilling physical and team-building activities.

  • Equestrian Opportunities: The camp maintains a horse herd, with trail rides often available for booking, providing a unique way to explore the vast property.

  • Dining Hall: An air-conditioned dining hall with a commercial kitchen is available for larger group reservations, offering a convenient catering option.

• Beautiful East Texas Pine Forest Environment: The camp is set amidst 3,200 acres of beautiful pine forest, offering a classic East Texas natural experience. This provides ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and simply enjoying the serenity of the woods.

• Well-Kept Grounds: The overarching positive feedback about the "beautiful camp and well-kept" nature of TRJ Scout Camp extends to its individual sites, including Gum Ridge, ensuring a clean and pleasant environment for all visitors.

These features combine to make Gum Ridge Camp Site an attractive option for Texans looking for a comfortable, relatively private camping spot with the added benefit of extensive recreational and educational opportunities within a highly regarded scout camp setting.

To plan your stay or gather more detailed information about Gum Ridge Camp Site and the wider Trevor Rees Jones Scout Camp, please use the contact details provided below. As Gum Ridge is a specific site within the larger camp, direct communication with the camp office is recommended for booking and inquiries.

Address: Camp Trevor Rees - Jones, Athens, TX 75751, USA

Phone: (903) 677-3971

Mobile Phone: +1 903-677-3971

It is highly advisable for local Texans interested in booking Gum Ridge Camp Site, particularly for group outings, to contact the camp directly via these phone numbers. They can provide the most current information on site availability, specific rules and regulations for visitors, pricing, and details on reserving access to the various activity areas like the shooting ranges, climbing tower, or pool. Given the camp's popularity and diverse offerings, direct communication ensures a smooth planning process and a well-informed visit for your outdoor adventure.

For Texans seeking a tranquil yet activity-rich camping experience, Gum Ridge Camp Site at Trevor Rees Jones Scout Camp in Athens offers an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing option. It perfectly balances the desire for a serene outdoor escape with access to a comprehensive range of amenities and programs, making it an ideal choice for various local campers.

Firstly, its inherent tranquility and spaciousness are significant draws. The description of it being a "level camp site with some grass" provides a comfortable and inviting setting for tents and RVs, a practical consideration that many Texans appreciate. While it may be "a little further from real bathrooms," this slight distance often translates into a more peaceful and private camping experience. For locals looking to truly disconnect from the daily grind and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of East Texas pine forests, Gum Ridge offers that perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, a true natural retreat within a manageable drive.

Secondly, despite its more secluded feel, campers at Gum Ridge still benefit from the vast array of activities and facilities available throughout the Trevor Rees Jones Scout Camp. This means that a peaceful morning at your campsite can easily transition into an adventurous afternoon of fishing in well-stocked lakes, honing skills at a shooting range, or tackling a climbing tower. This dual offering of serene relaxation and diverse recreation is a powerful combination for Texans, allowing for a customizable experience that caters to both quiet reflection and active engagement, all within one well-maintained location.

Finally, the camp's overall reputation as a "beautiful camp and well-kept" facility, managed with the structured environment of a scout camp, provides a sense of reliability and safety. For local families and groups, this means a trusted environment where outdoor activities are organized and resources are available. Gum Ridge Camp Site isn't just a place to stay; it's a launching pad for exploration and a haven for relaxation, making it an excellent choice for Texans eager to make the most of our state's incredible outdoor offerings, right here in the heart of East Texas.