Scout Camping Area

For youth groups and chartered organizations throughout New Jersey, the Scout Camping Area nestled within the expansive Watchung Reservation in Mountainside, NJ, offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature and develop essential outdoor skills. This dedicated camping facility is specifically designed for Boy Scout troops, Cub Scout packs, Venturing Crews, Girl Scout troops, and other nationally recognized youth organizations, providing a safe and immersive environment for learning, adventure, and camaraderie right in Union County.

The Watchung Reservation itself is a true gem of New Jersey's park system, spanning over 2,142 acres of diverse woodlands, fields, lakes, and brooks. It takes its name from the Lenape Native American word “Wachunk,” meaning “high hills,” and is situated along the First and Second Watchung Mountains. The Scout Camping Area leverages this incredible natural backdrop, offering a more primitive and traditional camping experience that encourages self-sufficiency and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

This specific camping area serves as a vital resource for youth development, fostering independence, teamwork, and an understanding of environmental stewardship. It's a place where young people can learn about Leave No Trace principles, practice pitching tents, build campfires, and embark on guided nature walks. The emphasis here is on providing a foundational outdoor experience that complements the values and programs of scouting and similar youth organizations, making it an indispensable part of their educational and recreational pursuits.

The Scout Camping Area is strategically located within the vast Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092, USA. While the provided address is for the general area of the Trailside Nature & Science Center within the reservation, the Scout Camping Area has specific directions to ensure ease of access for groups.

To reach the Scout Camping Area, visitors should navigate to the entrance for the parking lot of the Trailside Nature & Science Center. Upon reaching this entrance, look for a sign indicating the "Scout Area" pointing to a park roadway to your left. You will then proceed down this roadway for approximately 1/4 mile. There may be a "Do Not Enter" sign partway down; this should be ignored as it pertains to general traffic, not those accessing the Scout Area.

Accessibility from major New Jersey roadways is quite convenient. If coming via Route 22 West, take the Mountainside/New Providence Road exit (just before the traffic light), proceed up the hill, take the 5th right onto Ackerman Avenue, and then at the top of the hill, turn right onto Coles Avenue. Trailside's parking lot will be about 1/4 mile on the left. For those on Route 22 East, take the jug-handle for the Mountainside/New Providence Road exit, turn left toward the traffic light, cross over Route 22, and then follow the same directions as for Route 22 West from Ackerman Avenue.

From Routes 287 and 78 East, take Exit 44 (New Providence/Berkeley Heights), turn left onto Glenside Avenue, then right into Watchung Reservation (Route 645 – W.R. Tracy Drive). Continue past Lake Surprise, uphill and straight past the loop picnic area to the wooded traffic circle. Take the first right at the circle and proceed 1/2 mile to Trailside. This central location within Union County makes the Scout Camping Area a practical choice for youth groups from various parts of New Jersey.

The Scout Camping Area within Watchung Reservation offers essential services tailored to the needs of organized youth groups, emphasizing a rustic yet supported outdoor experience. These services are designed to facilitate camping and educational activities while maintaining the natural integrity of the reservation.

Services Offered:

• Designated Campsites: The area consists of several distinct campsites (e.g., Campsite A, B, C, D) available for reservation by eligible youth organizations.
• Primitive Camping Facilities: While details on specific amenities per site can vary, the focus is on traditional, primitive camping, often including clearings for tents.
• Picnic Areas: Available for use by groups, providing space for meals and gatherings. Some sites may have picnic tables.
• Fire Rings/Areas: Designated areas for campfires, allowing groups to enjoy this quintessential camping experience safely (subject to fire regulations and permits).
• Restroom Access: Access to basic restroom facilities, such as pit toilets, is typically provided within or near the Scout Camping Area. More modern restrooms may be available at the nearby Trailside Nature & Science Center during its operating hours.
• Parking: Designated parking is available near the camping area for group vehicles, although some sites might require a short walk to maintain the natural setting.
• Permit-Based Access: Reservations are required and managed through the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation, ensuring organized use and availability.
• Access to Water: While specific details for each site should be confirmed upon reservation, groups should be prepared for potential limited direct water access at individual sites, though water may be available at central points or the Nature Center.

The Scout Camping Area, as an integral part of the Watchung Reservation, boasts a wealth of features and highlights that make it an exceptional outdoor destination for youth organizations in New Jersey. These attributes go beyond just a place to set up tents, offering a rich environment for exploration and learning.

Features / Highlights:

• Exclusive Group Camping: The area is strictly for nationally recognized youth organizations, ensuring a focused and suitable environment for their programs and activities.
• Vast Natural Landscape: Set within the 2,142-acre Watchung Reservation, campers are surrounded by diverse woodlands, providing an authentic natural experience.
• Extensive Trail System: The reservation offers miles of multi-use trails for hiking and nature exploration, allowing groups to embark on day hikes directly from their campsites.
• Proximity to Trailside Nature & Science Center: This nearby facility offers educational programs, exhibits, and additional amenities, enhancing the learning opportunities for campers.
• Watchung Stables: Within the reservation, providing equestrian opportunities for those interested (separate fees and arrangements apply).
• Deserted Village of Feltville: A fascinating historical site within the reservation, offering a unique opportunity for educational excursions and historical context.
• Lakes and Brooks: Watchung Reservation features lakes (like Lake Surprise) and brooks, offering opportunities for nature observation and potentially fishing (with proper licensing).
• Diverse Flora and Fauna: The reservation's varied habitats support a wide array of plant and animal life, making it an excellent location for nature studies and wildlife spotting.
• Council Ring and Amphitheater: These communal spaces may be available for reservation, ideal for group ceremonies, campfires, and presentations.
• Seasonal Activities: The park offers different experiences throughout the year, from vibrant spring and summer greenery to picturesque fall foliage, making each visit unique.
• Emphasis on Outdoor Skills: The primitive nature of the camping area encourages the development of fundamental outdoor skills, aligning with the objectives of scouting and similar programs.

Contact Information:

Address: Watchung Reservation, Mountainside, NJ 07092, USA (Access via Trailside Nature & Science Center entrance)

For reservations and inquiries regarding the Scout Camping Area, contact the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.

Phone: (908) 527-4900

Email: parkrequest@ucnj.org

Reservations are typically handled through an application process that may require a certificate of insurance, so it's advisable to contact them directly for the most current procedures and availability.

The Scout Camping Area within Watchung Reservation is an exceptionally suitable destination for New Jersey locals, particularly for its target audience of youth groups and chartered organizations. Its local relevance is underscored by several key factors that make it an ideal choice for fostering outdoor education and community engagement right here in the Garden State.

Firstly, its strategic location in Mountainside, Union County, makes it highly accessible for a vast number of New Jersey communities. For scout troops, church youth groups, and other local organizations, the minimal travel time means less logistical burden and more valuable time spent on planned activities and outdoor exploration. This ease of access encourages more frequent visits and makes multi-night camping experiences feasible, even for groups with busy schedules.

Secondly, the very nature of the Watchung Reservation, a large and protected natural space, provides an authentic wilderness experience without requiring groups to venture far from home. This allows young people to learn about local ecosystems, practice conservation, and develop an appreciation for New Jersey's natural beauty in a familiar and secure environment. The availability of extensive hiking trails, diverse flora and fauna, and proximity to the Trailside Nature & Science Center, all within the same park, offers a rich educational canvas that is easily leveraged by group leaders.

Furthermore, the dedicated nature of the Scout Camping Area, specifically catering to organized youth groups, ensures a supportive and appropriate setting. This isn't a public campground open to all; it's a managed space where the focus is on structured outdoor programming, safety, and youth development. This specialized environment allows groups to carry out their unique curricula, from badge requirements to team-building exercises, without the distractions often found in more general camping areas. The requirement for permits and insurance also reflects a commitment to safety and responsible use, which is a significant draw for organizers.

In conclusion, for any New Jersey-based youth organization seeking a foundational outdoor experience that combines accessibility, natural immersion, and a supportive environment, the Scout Camping Area in Watchung Reservation is an invaluable local resource. It truly enables the next generation to connect with nature, build character, and learn essential life skills, all within the beautiful and convenient confines of their home state.

Scout Camping Area

Mountainside, NJ 07092, USA