Northwoods Scout Reservation is located near West Branch in Ogemaw County. The camp consists of 840 acres of northern hardwood forest, wetlands and Lake Arrowhead, a 90-acre private lake. Part of Big Williams Lake is also on camp property. Facilities range from rustic campsites on the south side of the lake to the heated log cabin overlooking Lake Arrowhead.

Chief Okemos Council purchased Northwoods Scout Reservation in 1962. It was formerly the Kenyon Ranch, with the only structure on the property a horse barn, which is now a garage at the ranger’s house. The roads, campsites, cabins for staff and family camp, Log Cabin, Meijer Lodge, Administration Building, Memorial Building and program structures were added over the years.

At Northwoods you have trails to hike, wetlands to visit, wildlife to watch for and fish to catch. The road around the lake passes through a variety of habitats, from northern hardwood forests to lowland swamp forests to wetlands to open fields. Deer, coyotes, raccoons, chipmunks, rabbits, porcupines, frogs, wild turkeys, pheasant, loons and Bald Eagles are some of the wildlife commonly seen and heard.

In the winter, camping, snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country ski trails and ice fishing are all available at Northwoods. Scouts can earn their polar bear patch and work on a variety of merit badges involving plant and wildlife identification. Camping can be done completely out of doors, in unheated cabins, or in the heated Log Cabin or Meijer Dining Lodge.

Camp facilities may be rented by day, weekend or longer. Troops, packs, and scouting families are welcome to use the camp facilities. Rates are based on the renting group’s relationship with the Chief Okemos Council. See the camp reservations page for a description of the rate groups.

Family camp area consists of a wooded, secluded area by the main entrance of camp. There are 4 cabins of various sizes and about 4 camping spaces. Tents, pop-up campers and trailers can be accommodated in this area. An A-frame is available for a sheltered campfire and small group gatherings. Electric hookup, fire pits and seasonal water hookups are available. Latrine facilities and showers are available at the family camp area: modern facilities are also nearby at the Welcome Center.

There are sixteen campsites located around camp, 12 inpost sites located around the north side of the lake with latrines, seasonal water (available at the latrine building) and fire rings, but no electricity. Four outpost sites are located along the south and east lakeshore. The outpost sites have latrines, water pumps, fire rings and lake access, but no electricity.

The Log Cabin is our newest building at Northwoods with sleeping facilities. It sleeps 12 youth and 6 adults in separate areas. It has gas heat, a gas stove with oven, and a full size refrigerator. Water must be carried in. Waterfront latrine is nearby. The Log Cabin’s deck has a great view of the lake and is perfect for watching the loons.

There is a central activity area with heated bunkrooms at each end of the area. The larger bunkroom has room for 26 youth and a smaller adult bunkroom sleeps at least 8. There is electricity, but no water. There is a fireplace for heat in the center area. Modern bathroom facilities are nearby at the Welcome Center. This building is popular in the winter months.

There are 3 ‘condo’ units, 4 beds each, with electricity and electric heat. There is one 4-bed cabin with electricity but no heat. There is room for 2 camper units at the waterfront. Electric and water (in season) hookups are available. A fire pit and latrine are available. Water is available in season.

This is a 2-bedroom cabin with full kitchen and bath. The living room has a fireplace. Electric heat is available. Water is turned off at first frost. Campers must then carry water from the dining lodge faucet. It sleeps 6 people in bunk beds.

The Meijer Lodge was built over the fall and winter of 1999-2000. It is available to groups for lodging with or without the use of kitchen facilities. It has modern bathrooms, heat and electricity. Water is available at the bathroom, the kitchen and at an outdoor faucet. There is an outdoor pavilion for camp-stove cooking if the kitchen is not used.

Also available is the health lodge in the southwest corner of the building. It has a separate entrance and is heated, has an electric stove and oven and full bathroom. It has 2 rooms that sleep 6 in the larger room and 4 in the smaller room.

Boy Scout and Girl Scout units chartered within the Council area (Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties and the Portland School District) are eligible for group rate A. Scout units from other councils as well as other groups receiving funds from the Capitol Area United Way are eligible for group rate B. All other groups are covered by group rate C. Chief Okemos Council reserves the right to make the final determination of a group’s rate status.

For more information about Northwoods Scout Reservation, contact the camp at:

Phone: 989-473-2305

Fax: