Hickory Hill Camp Site

For Texans looking for a convenient and scenic spot to enjoy the great outdoors, Hickory Hill Camp Site, nestled within the expansive Camp Trevor Rees-Jones (TRJ) at the Clements Scout Ranch in Athens, TX, offers an excellent option. This particular campsite is known for its accessibility and proximity to key amenities, making it a practical choice for families, scout troops, and individuals who appreciate a good balance of natural beauty and easy reach to facilities. Whether you're planning a fishing expedition, a weekend of outdoor skill-building, or simply a peaceful retreat by the lake, Hickory Hill provides a solid base for your East Texas adventures.

Hickory Hill Camp Site is part of the vast Clements Scout Ranch, a sprawling 3,500-acre property in the heart of East Texas's piney woods. While the ranch itself offers a wide range of rugged and primitive camping experiences (like Camp Meisenbach), Hickory Hill is particularly noted for its convenient location within the Camp Trevor Rees-Jones section. This specific site provides campers with the benefit of being relatively close to the main parking lot, making loading and unloading gear significantly easier. It’s a great choice for those who want to experience the natural beauty of the Clements Scout Ranch, including access to its well-stocked lakes, without venturing too far into truly primitive territory for every aspect of their stay. The camp is well-managed by the Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America, ensuring a safe and organized environment for all visitors.

Hickory Hill Camp Site is located at Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, Athens, TX 75751, USA. This places it within the larger Clements Scout Ranch property, which is easily accessible from various parts of Texas, particularly the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex. Its proximity to Athens, a charming East Texas town, means that campers have convenient access to local shops, restaurants, and any emergency services if needed.

The ease of access to Hickory Hill is a significant advantage for Texas locals. As noted in reviews, it's "nearest the parking lot" at TRJ, which simplifies the arrival and departure process, especially for those with a lot of gear or mobility considerations. While some communal facilities like full bathrooms might be "a bit walk away," the overall convenience of being close to vehicle access is highly valued by visitors. The internal roads within Clements Scout Ranch lead to the various campsites and program areas, and while some roads might be rustic, the primary access points are well-managed. This blend of remote natural feel and practical accessibility makes Hickory Hill a smart choice for Texans looking for a quick and easy getaway into the East Texas landscape.

Hickory Hill Camp Site, as part of the broader Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, offers a range of services designed to support a rewarding camping and outdoor experience. While Hickory Hill itself is a campsite, the amenities available to users typically extend to the facilities of Camp Trevor Rees-Jones.

• Campsites: Hickory Hill offers dedicated camping areas, likely equipped with basics like a fire pit and picnic table, common for scout camps. Reviews suggest it has good space.
• Access to Restrooms/Showers: While possibly a walk from the immediate site, campers at Hickory Hill have access to shared full bathroom and shower facilities within Camp Trevor Rees-Jones.
• Lake Access: Being on Lake Murchison, campers have direct access for fishing and potentially other water activities.
• Paved and Gravel Roads: The primary access within the camp is generally well-maintained, facilitating movement around the larger Camp Trevor Rees-Jones area.
• Program Area Access: Campers at Hickory Hill can access various program areas within Camp Trevor Rees-Jones (subject to booking requirements and certifications for certain activities), which include shooting ranges (rifle, shotgun, archery), a climbing tower, and a swimming pool.
• Dining Hall: The Clements Scout Ranch, including TRJ, features an air-conditioned dining hall with a commercial kitchen, which may be available for large groups or during specific events (reservations and specific programs apply).
• On-site Staff/Ranger: A camp ranger is typically available on-site to assist with check-in, provide guidance, and address any immediate needs.
• Firewood and Supplies: While not explicitly stated for Hickory Hill, Scout camps often have provisions for purchasing firewood or other basic supplies.

Hickory Hill Camp Site and the larger Camp Trevor Rees-Jones within Clements Scout Ranch boast several features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for Texans:

• Proximity to Parking: A key highlight for Hickory Hill specifically is its location nearest the parking lot, simplifying gear transport and overall accessibility for vehicles.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Situated on the banks of Murchison Lake, campers have access to one of "the best-stocked fishing lakes in the State of Texas." The lake is known for largemouth bass, and there are several fishing docks and a large pavilion along the water's edge, making it ideal for anglers.
• Diverse Outdoor Activities: The broader Camp Trevor Rees-Jones offers a plethora of activities, including extensive hiking trails (like the Governor's Trail), canoeing, and rowboats on the lake. For organized groups, there's access to a 60-foot climbing tower, COPE courses, and rifle, shotgun, and archery ranges (often requiring certified leadership and reservations).
• Swimming Pool: A significant draw, especially during Texas's warm months, is the presence of a swimming pool within Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, offering a refreshing way to cool down. (Note: Use often requires certified lifeguards and may be part of larger program bookings).
• Secluded Yet Connected: While Hickory Hill offers a relatively quiet and secluded camping experience, it benefits from being part of the larger, well-equipped Clements Scout Ranch, providing a balance between rustic appeal and access to more structured amenities.
• Year-Round Availability: The camp is available for year-round camping, allowing Texans to enjoy the East Texas woods in all seasons, from warm summers to pleasant fall and winter camping.
• Rich Scouting Heritage: As a BSA camp, it offers a structured and educational environment for scout troops and youth groups, focusing on outdoor skills, leadership, and character development.
• Natural Beauty: The camp is set among 3,500 acres of "towering pines" and diverse East Texas landscape, providing a beautiful backdrop for all outdoor activities and a chance to observe local wildlife.

For reservations, inquiries, or any assistance regarding Hickory Hill Camp Site or the larger Camp Trevor Rees-Jones, you can use the following contact information. As it is managed by the Circle Ten Council of the Boy Scouts of America, specific booking for non-Scouting groups or individuals might vary, and it's best to check with the council directly.

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

Phone: (903) 677-9371

Mobile Phone: +1 903-677-9371

For specific camp information, reservations, or details on available programs and facilities, especially for Boy Scout units, it is highly recommended to visit the Circle Ten Council's official website or their dedicated reservation portal. This will provide the most up-to-date information on booking procedures, facility availability, and required certifications for various activities.

Hickory Hill Camp Site at Camp Trevor Rees-Jones is an excellent option for Texas locals seeking a blend of outdoor adventure and practical convenience. Its key advantage lies in its accessibility, being relatively close to parking and major roads, which makes setting up camp and exploring the wider Clements Scout Ranch far less cumbersome. This is particularly beneficial for families with young children or those managing a lot of camping gear, allowing for more time spent enjoying the natural surroundings.

For Texans who love to fish, the direct access to Murchison Lake, known for its excellent stocking, is a significant draw. Beyond fishing, the vast array of activities available within Camp Trevor Rees-Jones – from extensive hiking trails to a refreshing swimming pool and various organized programs – ensures that there’s something for every interest. While it provides a taste of rustic camping, it also offers essential amenities like shared full bathrooms, striking a comfortable balance. Ultimately, Hickory Hill Camp Site provides Texas residents with a reliable, convenient, and activity-rich base to explore the beautiful East Texas piney woods and create lasting memories, all within a reasonable drive from their homes.