Bashore Scout Reservation is a 400+ acre Scouts BSA camp nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains of central Pennsylvania. Surrounded by mountains and wilderness, the camp is in close proximity to the Appalachian Trail, while being only a short drive from major metro areas and attractions such as Lancaster’s Amish Country, Hersheypark, PA Renaissance Faire, Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shop, as well as Ski Round Top ski area and Fort Indiantown Gap military reservation.
Founded in 1947, Bashore Scout Reservation has earned a reputation for providing one of the Northeast Region’s finest summer camp programs. The camp features miles of hiking trails, a 5.5 acre lake that offers paddle-boarding, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, and fishing. Bashore boasts an Olympic sized swimming pool, shooting sports ranges with offerings of rifle, shotgun, and archery (3D targets, traditional targets, and sporting arrows), as well as a COPE course and indoor climbing gym. Bashore Scout Reservation offers top-notch programs for first year Scouts, experienced older Scouts, and even training for adult leaders — something for everyone!
Bashore also offers year-round camping opportunities. The reservation has three cabins/lodges that can accommodate from 22 to 40 persons. These structures are equipped with double bunks and mattresses, propane stoves, and are heated with wood stoves (firewood is provided, though restocking what you use is welcomed). Water is available from frost-free hydrants. The camp also offers camping in Adirondack shelters, and many other campsite areas for primitive tent camping. Bashore’s Campmaster Corps offers programs to supplement your unit’s program, with activities such as rifle and archery, first aid, CPR, cooking, orienteering, and other skills. Some units opt to use Bashore as a base camp while exploring off-site program opportunities.
Camp Address: 160 Moonshine Rd. Jonestown, PA 17038
Accessibility – Where able, Bashore Scout Reservation works to make sure its facilities and programs are accessible to those with special needs within the limitation imposed by it being an outdoor facility. All camp latrines have electrical outlets and are wheelchair accessible. Adirondack campsite is particularly suitable for those in wheelchairs however any campsite can be made to accommodate. As facilities are updated, accessibility is always considered.
For a map of Bashore Scout Reservation, click here: Map of Bashore Scout Reservation
A Blue Mountain Trail Map can be found here: Bashore Blue Mountain Trails
For maps and descriptions of individual campsites, click here: Adirondack • Blue Snow • Buckskin • Greenleaf • Karmany • Powderhorn • Rotary • Swatara
Year Round Camping Information
For more information on Bashore Scout Reservation, please contact the Pennsylvania Dutch Council BSA: Contact Us
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