Lenni Lenape Camp, Horseshoe Scout Reservation

Welcome to Lenni Lenape Camp, a cherished part of the expansive Horseshoe Scout Reservation, nestled in the scenic landscape of Rising Sun, Maryland. For decades, this campground has served as a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of traditional camping experiences and a wide array of activities designed to connect individuals and groups with nature. Whether you're a seasoned scout, a family looking for a weekend escape, or a group seeking a unique outdoor setting, Lenni Lenape Camp provides an inviting and enriching environment right here in Maryland.

Lenni Lenape Camp is one of several distinct campsites within the 600-acre Horseshoe Scout Reservation, a facility with a rich history dating back to 1928. While primarily known for its role as a Scouts BSA summer camp from June through August, the reservation, including Lenni Lenape Camp, also serves as a vibrant weekend camping facility during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Its enduring appeal lies in its commitment to fostering an appreciation for the outdoors, developing practical skills, and creating lasting memories for all who visit.

Lenni Lenape Camp, as part of the Horseshoe Scout Reservation, boasts an accessible location in Rising Sun, Maryland, making it a convenient destination for residents across the state and neighboring regions. Situated on the Mason-Dixon Line, it bridges the natural beauty of Maryland with the rich history of the area. The address is specifically Rising Sun, MD 21911, USA.

Accessibility to Lenni Lenape Camp is generally straightforward, with well-maintained roads leading to the reservation. Once inside, the camp is centrally located within the Horseshoe Scout Reservation, just off Applegate Lane and across from the Helcoski / Handicraft Lodge. This strategic placement ensures that campers at Lenni Lenape are within easy walking distance of many key program areas and facilities within the larger reservation. For those planning to visit, ample parking is provided in the central camp area, and visitors are encouraged to park their vehicles in designated lots, as recreational vehicles like bicycles, minibikes, and motorcycles are not permitted within the camp's activity areas. This commitment to maintaining a serene and natural environment enhances the overall camping experience.

Lenni Lenape Camp, within the Horseshoe Scout Reservation, offers a variety of services to ensure a comfortable and engaging camping experience. These include:

• Tent platforms with tents and cots (during summer camp season).
• Hammock gardens for alternative sleeping arrangements.
• Dedicated latrine facilities, including modern-style flush toilets during warmer months and classic-style pit latrines during the off-season.
• Potable water spigots available at the site, generally from mid-May to late September, and at various locations throughout the reservation year-round.
• Program tarps and dining flies for group activities and meal preparation.
• Picnic tables at each campsite for convenience.
• Access to a wide range of program areas and facilities across the entire Horseshoe Scout Reservation.
• Designated parking areas for vehicles.
• Opportunities for units to "Stake-A-Claim" for the same site for the following year's reservation.

Lenni Lenape Camp and the broader Horseshoe Scout Reservation are celebrated for a multitude of features and highlights that make them a premier outdoor destination.

• Rich History and Tradition: The Horseshoe Scout Reservation, established in 1928, is steeped in tradition, offering a sense of heritage and continuity for campers. This includes long-standing customs like the daily Evening Retreat Ceremony, an impressive color ceremony featuring cannon fire and the Horseshoe band.

• Diverse Campsite Options: While Lenni Lenape is specifically a tent site, the reservation offers various other campsite styles, including lodges (Roberts, Rothrock, Schramm, McIlvain), Adirondack shelters, and stockade sites, providing flexibility for different group needs and preferences. Lenni Lenape itself offers 8 two-man platforms with tents and cots during the summer, and platforms remain in place for personal tents during the cooler seasons.

• Extensive Program Offerings: The reservation is renowned for its wide array of activities and programs, catering to various interests and skill levels. These include:

  • Rifle and Shotgun Ranges (with qualified supervision)
  • Archery Range
  • Gaga Ball and Disc Golf Course
  • Extensive Hiking Trails
  • COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) Course
  • Olympic-size Swimming Pool (Heistand Pool), historically one of the largest east of the Mississippi River
  • Boating on the Octoraro Creek (canoeing and rowing)
  • Handicraft Lodge and Campcraft Area
  • "Trailblazer" program for first-year campers, focusing on skill development for first-class rank

• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The 600-acre property is characterized by its shaded woods, grassy centers, and the meandering Octoraro Creek, which forms a horseshoe bend through the property, giving the reservation its name. This natural setting provides ample opportunities for wildlife observation and immersion in nature.

• Year-Round Accessibility: While summer is peak season, the campsites, including Lenni Lenape, are generally accessible during fall, winter, and spring, allowing for year-round camping experiences.

• Community and Leadership Focus: As a Scout Reservation, it emphasizes leadership development, teamwork, and community building, with dedicated facilities like the Octoraro Memorial Lodge for the Order of the Arrow.

For inquiries or to learn more about Lenni Lenape Camp and the Horseshoe Scout Reservation, you can use the following contact information:

Address: 1286 Ridge Road, Rising Sun, MD 21911, USA

Phone: 610-696-2900 (This is the general contact number for the Chester County Council, which owns and operates the reservation.)

Lenni Lenape Camp at Horseshoe Scout Reservation is an ideal choice for locals in Maryland seeking an accessible, enriching, and memorable outdoor experience. Its proximity in Rising Sun means less travel time and more time enjoying the great outdoors, a significant advantage for families and groups looking for weekend getaways or summer adventures. The reservation's long-standing tradition of fostering a connection with nature, combined with its diverse range of activities from shooting sports to aquatics and extensive hiking trails, ensures there's something for everyone, regardless of age or interest.

For those in Maryland, the appeal goes beyond mere convenience. The opportunity to participate in a storied tradition, to develop new skills, or simply to unwind in a beautiful natural setting without venturing too far from home is invaluable. Whether it's a Scout troop aiming for merit badges, a family eager for quality time around a campfire, or a group seeking a unique venue for outdoor training, Lenni Lenape Camp offers the perfect blend of adventure, education, and relaxation. The positive reviews and long history of service underscore its suitability as a trusted and beloved local resource for all things camping and outdoor recreation.

Lenni Lenape Camp, Horseshoe Scout Reservation

Rising Sun, MD 21911, USA