Oak Grove

A Cherished Kansas Campsite: The Legacy of Oak Grove at Falley Scout Reservation

For many in Kansas, the name Oak Grove is synonymous with memorable outdoor experiences, the scent of pine and campfire smoke, and the deep tradition of Scouting. Oak Grove is not a publicly operated municipal or commercial campground, but rather one of the established, high-quality campsites situated within the expansive Falley Scout Reservation, the premier outdoor facility for the Jayhawk Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

As confirmed by a reviewer who “always enjoys camping at Falley Scout Reservation and Oak Grove is a great site,” this location is celebrated for providing a quintessential, organized group camping environment. These campsites are meticulously maintained and strategically placed across the Reservation’s 340+ acres in Jefferson County. While its primary function is to serve Scouts, the very existence and quality of the Oak Grove campsite highlight the exceptional infrastructure of the Reservation itself, which often hosts family and community events outside of peak summer camp season.

Choosing to use the facilities at Falley Scout Reservation, including the Oak Grove area, means selecting a safe, structured, and stunning location surrounded by Northeast Kansas's natural beauty. It’s a place steeped in tradition, safety, and a commitment to outdoor education and fellowship, all conveniently located close to the major metropolitan centers of the state. The campsites are built to support groups, providing ample space and necessary amenities to handle organized activities seamlessly.

Location and Accessibility

The Oak Grove campsite is nestled within the larger Falley Scout Reservation property, located near the community of Oskaloosa, Kansas. The address associated with the entire reservation is: Oskaloosa, KS 66066, USA (often referenced with a physical address of 8602 Kingman Road, Oskaloosa).

The Reservation is strategically situated to offer a tranquil, wooded escape while remaining easily accessible for groups traveling from Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City. Its location in Jefferson County provides a scenic drive through the rolling hills and picturesque farmlands of the Glacial Hills region. Access to the camp is managed and controlled, ensuring a high level of security and organization typical of large youth facilities. Importantly, the grounds are situated near the popular Lake Perry, providing excellent regional access to major boating, fishing, and water recreational opportunities.

Services Offered

The services at Oak Grove, as a designated campsite within a major Scout Reservation, are designed for comfortable, organized group camping, offering more support than a truly primitive site.

• Designated Tent Areas: Established, level ground suitable for setting up group tents, often utilizing wooden platforms.
• Campsite Furnishings: Each Oak Grove campsite area typically includes picnic tables and fire rings for group meals and campfires.
• Proximity to Water/Restrooms: As seen on camp maps, campsites like Oak Grove are situated within walking distance of centralized modern facilities, including showers and flush toilets.
• Trail Access: Direct access to the Reservation’s extensive system of roads and hiking trails, connecting the campsite to various program areas.
• Program Support: The site benefits from the proximity to administrative areas, trading posts, and specialized program ranges (like the shooting sports area) that service the entire camp.
• Utility Support (Limited): While individual sites are typically primitive, the overall Reservation features water points and utility access to support groups.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of camping at Oak Grove is tied directly to the excellent features of the Falley Scout Reservation property that surround it.

• Established, Quality Group Sites: Oak Grove is a known, consistently utilized, and well-maintained campsite, providing reliability for group leaders.
• Natural Beauty: The campsite is surrounded by the Reservation’s stunning 340+ acres of mixed oak-hickory-walnut forest and open fields, offering genuine immersion in Northeast Kansas nature.
• Safety and Security: The controlled access, dedicated camp rangers, and established rules (including strict fire safety and no-pet policies) ensure a very secure environment, a priority for families.
• Access to Specialized Recreation: Campers are near the Reservation's dedicated program facilities, which can include aquatics, climbing, and shooting sports (availability dependent on program type and reservation status).
• Proximity to Lake Perry: The entire Reservation serves as an excellent base for exploring the significant recreational opportunities offered by the nearby 11,000-acre Lake Perry.
• Quiet, Purposeful Environment: Unlike public parks, the clientele here are typically engaged in organized activities, leading to a quieter, more focused, and respectful camping atmosphere.

Contact Information

As Oak Grove is a component of a large, private non-profit facility, all inquiries regarding its use, public access, rental opportunities (if applicable outside of main camp sessions), and reservations must be directed to the governing body.

• Address (Reservation): Oskaloosa, KS 66066, USA (or 8602 Kingman Road)
• Phone Number (Jayhawk Area Council): (800) 294-8993 (This number connects to the larger organization managing the reservation).
• Mobile Phone (Alternate): +1 800-294-8993

What is Worth Choosing Oak Grove (Within the Reservation)?

For Kansas organizations, families involved in Scouting, or groups seeking a well-structured outdoor retreat, choosing the Oak Grove campsite (or any site within the Falley Scout Reservation) means prioritizing a blend of natural immersion, safety, and excellent group facilities.

The greatest value lies in the reliability and maintenance of the site and its surrounding infrastructure. Guests know they are utilizing an area that is constantly monitored, cleaned, and updated to meet high institutional standards. The peaceful, established nature of the Oak Grove area makes it a favorite among repeat visitors—it’s a known quantity for comfort and tranquility.

Furthermore, for those participating in or renting the facility for organized events, the close proximity to modern necessities like centralized flush toilets and shower houses, which are common across the Reservation map, elevates the experience far above standard primitive camping. By choosing Oak Grove, you are choosing a scenic, secure, and established piece of Kansas outdoor heritage, perfect for building strong outdoor memories and skills.